Paprika Chicken & Rice Bake
Equipment
- Large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven with lid
- Measuring cups and spoons
- mixing bowl,
- Stove and oven
Ingredients
- 5 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt plus additional to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper plus additional to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ cup diced red onion
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1½ cups chicken broth
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Season Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine chicken thighs with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried parsley. Ensure each piece is evenly coated.
Sear Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe pot over high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5-6 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same pot, add minced garlic and diced red onion. Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
Add Rice and Broth:
- Pour in the long-grain rice and chicken broth. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil
Combine Chicken and Rice:
- Return the seared chicken thighs to the pot, placing them skin-side up atop the rice mixture. Once it returns to a boil, cover the pot with a lid.
Bake:
- Transfer the covered pot to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the liquid
Optional – Crisp Skin:
- For extra crispy chicken skin, remove the lid and broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
Serve:
- Remove from oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty and flavorful meal!
Looking for a comforting, flavorful dinner that’s easy to prepare and perfect for the whole family? Try this Paprika Chicken & Rice Bake — a one-pot wonder packed with bold flavor, tender chicken, and fluffy rice infused with herbs and smoky paprika. This dish delivers a wholesome, hearty experience with minimal cleanup, making it an ideal recipe for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends.
A One-Pot Comfort Meal
What sets this dish apart is its simplicity and depth of flavor. Chicken thighs are generously seasoned with a blend of salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried parsley. Searing them first locks in the juices and creates a crisp, golden skin. These flavorful pieces are then baked over aromatic rice that’s been sautéed with garlic and red onion, then simmered in chicken broth. The result? A rich, savory dish where every bite is infused with seasoned goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks in one oven-safe pot, reducing dishes and cleanup.
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Affordable Ingredients: This dish uses pantry staples and inexpensive cuts of meat, making it budget-friendly without compromising taste.
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Customizable: Add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach to make it even more nutritious and colorful.
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Meal Prep Friendly: This bake reheats well and can be stored for up to 3 days, making it a great option for leftovers or packed lunches.
Cooking Tips for Success
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Use long-grain rice for best texture — short-grain may become mushy.
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Sear the chicken until the skin is golden and crisp before baking for maximum flavor.
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Don’t skip the broil step if you love crispy skin — just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
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Let the dish rest a few minutes before serving to allow the rice to absorb any remaining moisture.
Serve It With…
While this Paprika Chicken & Rice Bake is a complete meal on its own, it pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or a side of roasted carrots. If you’re looking to impress guests, sprinkle some chopped parsley or squeeze a bit of lemon over the top before serving for a fresh finish.
Final Thoughts
This Paprika Chicken & Rice Bake is a delicious, no-fuss dinner idea that never fails to impress. With bold spices, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice, it brings warmth and comfort to any table. Whether you’re cooking for your family or looking for a dish to prepare ahead of a busy week, this recipe checks all the boxes: easy, affordable, flavorful, and satisfying.
Give it a try tonight — your taste buds (and your dishwasher) will thank you!
Other menu recipes can be see here
Original inspiration: Tasty
