The Ultimate Easy Chicken Thighs and Rice Recipe

November 19, 2025 by Alexa

There’s something truly special about a comforting, home-cooked meal, and this Chicken Thighs and Rice recipe is one of my all-time favorites. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for a cozy night in. Plus, it only takes about an hour to make! This dish has a permanent spot in my heart, and I’m so excited to share it with you.

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Thighs and Rice

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make; everything cooks together in one dish, which means minimal cleanup. The combination of juicy chicken thighs and flavorful rice is simply irresistible, a perfect balance of savory goodness.

I also love how versatile it is; you can easily customize the flavors to suit your taste. It’s a complete meal in one dish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

What are Chicken Thighs?

Chicken thighs are a flavorful and versatile cut of poultry. There are several types to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Bone-in, skin-on thighs offer the most flavor and juiciness. The bone helps to keep the meat moist during cooking, while the skin crisps up beautifully.

Boneless, skinless thighs are a leaner option and cook more quickly, but they may not be as flavorful. According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, a 3-ounce serving of roasted chicken thigh contains 180 calories Nutrition Facts – Chicken & Turkey.

The type of chicken thigh you use can definitely affect the cooking process. Bone-in thighs generally require a longer cooking time but remain more succulent, while boneless thighs cook faster and are great for quick meals. I personally prefer bone-in, skin-off thighs for this recipe, as they strike a nice balance between flavor and ease of preparation.

For another comforting option in the main dish category, you might also enjoy an Ultimate Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe.

Ingredients for Chicken Thighs and Rice

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

5 bone in chicken thigh fillets, peel skin OFF
1 onion, chopped (brown, white or yellow)
2 cloves garlic (large), minced
2 tbsp (30g) vegetable shortening (or olive oil)
1 1/2 cups (270g) uncooked white rice (
1 1/2 cups (375 ml) chicken broth/stock, hot (I microwave)
1 1/4 cups (315 ml) water, hot (tap is fine)
1 tsp paprika powder
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
3/4 tsp salt
Black pepper
Oil spray
Fresh thyme leaves or finely chopped parsley

For the chicken broth, I recommend using a high-quality brand to enhance the overall flavor of the dish. As for the rice, I’ve found that long-grain white rice works best, but feel free to experiment with other varieties. While fresh herbs add a vibrant touch, dried herbs work just as well and are a convenient option.

For another flavorful main dish, you might also enjoy Amazing Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Avgolemono).

How To Make Chicken Thighs and Rice: Step-by-Step

Here’s how to bring this simple, comforting dish to life:

Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F.
Scatter onion and garlic in a baking dish (about 10 x 15″ / 25 x 35 cm), then place vegetable shortening in the centre. Bake for 15 minutes (check at 12 minutes, mix if some bits are browning too much).
Meanwhile, mix together Chicken Rub. Sprinkle on both sides of the chicken.
Remove baking dish from the oven. Add rice then mix.
Place chicken on rice. Then pour chicken broth and water around the chicken.
Cover with foil, then bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, spray chicken with oil (optional, gives chicken nicer finish), then bake for a further 20 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
Stand for 5 minutes, then remove chicken and fluff up rice. Garnish with parsley or thyme if desired, serve and enjoy!

Tips for Perfectly Crispy Chicken

Achieving perfectly crispy chicken can elevate this dish to another level. One key tip is to ensure the chicken is dry before seasoning; patting it down with paper towels helps remove excess moisture. Using a higher oven temperature for the last few minutes of cooking can also help crisp up the skin. Another trick is to spray the chicken with oil before the final bake; this promotes browning and crispiness.

Different Rice Types for Chicken Thighs and Rice

The type of rice you choose can significantly impact the final texture and flavor of this dish. Long-grain rice, like Basmati or Jasmine, tends to cook up fluffy and separate, making it a great choice if you prefer distinct grains. Medium-grain rice, such as Arborio, has a higher starch content and will result in a creamier texture.

For a stickier consistency, short-grain rice like sushi rice is an excellent option. Each type of rice absorbs liquid differently; long-grain rice requires less liquid than short-grain rice. Adjusting the amount of liquid based on the type of rice will help you achieve the perfect texture every time.

Flavor Variations for Chicken Thighs and Rice

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. For a Lemon Herb variation, add the zest and juice of one lemon along with a mix of fresh herbs like rosemary and oregano. If you’re craving something with a kick, try a Spicy Southwestern version by adding chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

For a Creamy Mushroom variation, stir in sliced mushrooms and a splash of cream during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions and Dietary Adaptations

It’s easy to adapt this recipe to suit different dietary needs and preferences. Here are a few ideas:

Dietary Need	Substitution	Notes
Gluten-Free	Gluten-free chicken broth	Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Dairy-Free	Olive oil instead of shortening	Use olive oil or another dairy-free alternative.
Low-Carb	Cauliflower rice	Substitute white rice with cauliflower rice; you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Chicken Thighs and Rice turns out perfectly, here are a few common mistakes to watch out for. Rice sticking to the bottom can be avoided by ensuring there’s enough liquid and that the baking dish is properly greased. Chicken drying out can be prevented by covering the dish with foil during the initial baking period.

Undercooked rice can be fixed by adding a bit more liquid and baking for a few more minutes. To get beautifully browned chicken, remove the foil during the last 20 minutes of cooking.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Thighs and Rice

While this dish is delicious on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and rice. Roasted vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus, add a nutritious and flavorful element. For a comforting addition, serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Chicken Thighs and Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed. For longer storage, the dish can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Equipment Options

While a standard baking dish works perfectly well for this recipe, using a Dutch oven can enhance the flavor and texture. A Dutch oven distributes heat more evenly, resulting in perfectly cooked rice and tender chicken.

If you’re looking for a quicker option, you can adapt this recipe for the air fryer. Simply cook the rice separately and air fry the chicken thighs at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and crispy.

Global Chicken and Rice Variations

Chicken and rice is a staple dish enjoyed in various forms around the world. In Spain, Paella features saffron-infused rice with chicken, seafood, and vegetables. In India, Chicken Biryani is a fragrant rice dish layered with marinated chicken, spices, and herbs. In Japan, Oyakodon is a comforting rice bowl topped with chicken, egg, and a savory-sweet sauce.

Nutrition Information

Per serving, this Chicken Thighs and Rice recipe contains approximately:

Calories: 450
Fat: 20g
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions I get asked about this recipe:

Can I use frozen chicken thighs?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even cooking.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Keep in mind that brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan?

Ensure there’s enough liquid and consider using a non-stick baking dish.

Conclusion

This Chicken Thighs and Rice recipe is a simple, delicious, and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With minimal cleanup and customizable flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite. I would absolutely love to hear from you! Leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out. If you tried any variations, please share those too! Happy cooking!

Alexa