Image Credit : https://www.recipetineats.com
Ingredients for this delightful adventure:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that it’s nice and toasty when we’re ready to bake our chicken and rice to perfection.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Let’s start by seasoning our chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Feel free to get creative with your seasonings here – add a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat or some lemon zest for a citrusy kick. Once seasoned, set the chicken aside while we move on to the next step.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This aromatic base will infuse our chicken and rice with incredible flavor.
Step 4: Brown the Chicken
Push the sautéed aromatics to the side of the skillet and add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden brown crust. This step adds depth of flavor to our dish.
Step 5: Add the Rice and Broth
Once the chicken is nicely browned, sprinkle the rice around the chicken breasts in the skillet. Pour the chicken broth over the rice, ensuring that it’s evenly distributed. The broth will cook the rice to fluffy perfection and infuse it with savory goodness.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Let the chicken and rice bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. The aroma wafting from your oven will make your kitchen smell like a cozy haven of deliciousness.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked through and the rice is fluffy, remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve your oven-baked chicken and rice hot, straight from the skillet, and enjoy the symphony of flavors and textures in every bite.
Conclusion:
Congratulations! You’ve successfully embarked on a culinary adventure and created a delectable dish of oven-baked chicken and rice
