Baked Rice and Chicken Thighs with Vegetables
I love making easy one-pan dishes for a quick weeknight dinner. This baked Rice and Chicken thighs with veggies is flavorful, delicious, and easy to prepare. It includes chicken thighs, rice, and lots of vegetables.
The best part about this recipe is that it is customizable. You can use different vegetables, seasonings, or herbs. I also like that everything comes together in a baking pan. This is the meal I will be making on repeat this fall and winter.
Why You Will Love This Baked Rice and Chicken thighs with Vegetables
Loaded with vegetables. This meal includes vegetables like peas, green beans, corn, bell peppers, and carrots. Vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet and an excellent source of many nutrients, including potassium and fiber.
Great for Meal Prep. If you need a delicious and easy meal for the week, this baked rice and chicken thighs with vegetables recipe is perfect. After preparing the meal, you can portion it into meal containers and store them in the fridge for up to five days. Making meals like this saves time in the kitchen.
Easy to make. This is one of the easiest meals I have made and requires only a few simple everyday ingredients. I like that everything can be prepared in a baking pan.
Serving: 5
Prep time: 10 MINS
Cook time: 40 mins
Ingredients Needed for Baked Rice and Chicken Thighs
- Chicken thighs: it is an excellent protein source. If you don’t like chicken thighs, you can substitute with chicken breast. You can also use plant-based protein options like chickpeas or tofu.
- Seasoning: I used salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper. You can substitute your favorite seasonings and spices.
- Avocado oil. I used avocado oil; however, you can substitute it with olive oil.
- Mixed vegetables. I used frozen mixed vegetables, but you can also use fresh vegetables.
- Red bell pepper. Red peppers are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds.
- Herbs: I used cilantro because it is perfect over rice; however, you can use any herb, such as parsley or basil.
- Garlic. Add flavor and help with digestion.
- Yellow Onion. It is loaded with antioxidants and sulfur-containing compounds.
- Lemon juice. Add flavor and contain vitamin C, which helps boost immunity.
- Rice. I used long-grain white rice. If you are not a fan of rice, you can substitute it with quinoa. You can also use brown rice in the recipe.
- Chicken broth. Chicken broth is low in calories and protein and adds flavor to this meal. You can also substitute with vegetable broth.
How to Make Baked Rice and Chicken Thighs
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Add the rice to a medium bowl with water, rinse it, and then strain it through a strainer. Dice the bell pepper and onion. Add the rice, mixed vegetables, diced bell pepper, diced onion, minced garlic, 2 tbsp avocado or olive oil, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, salt to taste, 1/2 tbsp crushed red pepper,1 tbsp black pepper, and 4 cups chicken broth to the baking pan. Stir and transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Next, season the chicken thighs with 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, salt to taste, 1/2 tbsp black pepper, and 1/2 tbsp Italian seasoning. Add 2 tbsp avocado or olive oil and combine.
Heat 1 tbsp oil over medium heat in a non-stick pan, transfer the chicken thighs to the pan, and cook for 5 minutes on each side.
Add the chicken thighs to the baking pan, return it to the oven, and bake for 10 minutes at 375 degrees F.
Allow to cool, then serve. You can also prepare this meal and store it in the fridge for up to five days.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use olive oil instead of avocado oil?Yes, you can use olive oil. Olive oil provides healthy fats, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Can I also make this meal for lunch?Yes, you can, but I prefer to eat warm meals, such as sheet pan meals, one pan-baked meal for dinner, and salads for lunch.
How long will this meal last in the fridge?This meal can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Vegan and vegetarian substitute for chicken thighs?Chickpeas, tofu, mushrooms, and lentils are great vegan and vegetarian options. You can always substitute meat with these protein sources.
More One-Pan Recipes
Sheet Pan Steak and vegetables
One-Pan Chicken Thighs and Vegetables
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Baked Rice and Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 1.5 LBs chicken thighs
- 2 cups rice
- 1 red bell pepper
- Half an onion
- ¼ cup avocado oil (sub for olive oil)
- 2 TBSP lemon juice
- 0.5 oz Cilantro
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 TBSP smoked paprika
- 1 ½ TBSP Italian seasoning
- ½ TBSP crushed red pepper
- salt to taste
- 1 TBSP garlic powder
- 1 ½ TBSP black pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Wash and drain the rice. Dice the bell pepper and onion.
- Add the rice, mixed vegetables, bell pepper, onion, minced garlic, 2 tbsp avocado or olive oil, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, salt to taste, 1/2 tbsp crushed red pepper,1 tbsp black pepper, and 4 cups chicken broth to the baking pan. Stir and transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Season the chicken thighs with 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, salt to taste, 1/2 tbsp black pepper, and 1/2 tbsp Italian seasoning. Add 2 tbsp avocado or olive oil and combine.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil over medium heat in a non-stick pan, transfer the chicken thighs to the pan, and cook for 5 minutes on each side.
- Add the chicken thighs to the baking pan, return it to the oven, and bake for 10 minutes at 375 degrees F.
- After 10 minutes, allow to cool, serve and enjoy!