Onepan Lemon Herb Chicken Rice Bake

Lemon Herb chicken and rice in the Oven Bake OnePan Wonder

By Chef BakerJuly 16, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Your New Fave Chicken and Rice in the Oven

Fancy a bit of comfort food? Ever get that craving for something proper, like mum used to make? This One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice Bake is exactly that, but dead easy to whip up! It's going to become one of your Recipes With Chicken Legs Easy , I promise.

Sunday Dinner, Simplified

This recipe is basically a hug in a pan! Originating from the desire for a simple yet satisfying meal, this dish is a twist on classic Sunday roasts.

It is easy peasy lemon squeezy to make, taking only about 1 hour 10 minutes total. This will give you around 4 generous servings.

Perfect for a family dinner.

Why You'll Love This Chicken and Rice Bake

This Chicken and rice casserole easy recipe is packed with protein. This will keep you feeling full and fueled. It's a brilliant Easy Chicken and Rice Bake Weeknight meal.

Plus, because it's all cooked in one pan, clean-up is a doddle! I mean, who doesn't love a One-pan chicken and rice recipes for that reason alone?

Right then, let's talk ingredients. I reckon you've probably got most of these lurking in the fridge and pantry already. Let's dive into the Oven baked chicken and rice with vegetables.

Gear Up: Ingredients and Equipment for Your Chicken and Rice Bake

Right, let's talk about what you need to nail this chicken and rice in the oven . This is all about easy chicken and rice bake weeknight , you know? It's proper comfort food! I’m gonna break it down, so even if you're a complete beginner, you'll be grand.

One-pan chicken and rice recipes are the best because less washing up, right?

Main Ingredients: Quality is Key, Mate!

Here's what you'll need. Don't panic, it's all pretty standard stuff.

Chicken thighs : 4 boneless, skinless ones (about 600g/1.3lbs ). Go for good quality. Free range if you can you can taste the difference. You could use Baked Chicken Quarters And Rice , but thighs are juicier!
Olive oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ) for the chicken and another 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ) for the veggies.
Salt: 1 teaspoon ( 6g ). Sea salt is my fave, adds a bit more oomph.
Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon ( 3g ). Freshly ground is always better.
Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon ( 2g ).
Dried rosemary: 1/2 teaspoon ( 1g ).
Lemon: 1 . Zest it and juice it.
Onion: 1 medium, chopped (about 1 cup ).
Carrots: 2 , peeled and chopped (about 1 cup ).
Celery: 2 stalks, chopped (about 1 cup ).
Long grain rice: 1 1/2 cups ( 300g ), rinsed. Don't skip the rinsing!
Chicken broth: 3 cups ( 720ml ). Low sodium if you're watching the salt.
Frozen peas: 1/2 cup ( 80g ).
Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons , chopped (optional).

Honestly, this chicken and rice casserole easy recipe is super adaptable. If you haven't got celery, just leave it out. No biggie.

Seasoning Notes: Herbs and Zing!

This is where you can really make it your own. Don’t worry too much about being exact, it is about taste.

The lemon, thyme, and rosemary combo is a winner for me. They really lift the oven baked chicken and rice with vegetables .

You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a kick. For substitutions? Dried oregano and basil will do in a pinch instead of the thyme and rosemary.

It gives more of a Mediterranean vibe, does Lemon herb chicken and rice bake still sounds yummy!

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple, Stupid!

You really don't need fancy kit for this Drumsticks And Rice Casserole wonder.

Large oven safe skillet or baking dish (at least 12 inches/30cm ). A casserole dish works great, so will Recipes For Chicken Legs In The Oven .
Measuring cups and spoons.
Lemon zester. Microplane ones are fab.
Chopping board.
Knife.

If you don't have an oven safe skillet, just use a regular skillet to sauté the veggies, then transfer everything to a baking dish before popping it in the oven.

See? Easy peasy. Chicken and rice bake family dinner is all about making life easier.

Cooking Method: One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice Bake

Honestly, who has time for loads of washing up? This One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice Bake recipe is my shout out to all the busy folks.

It's a brilliant chicken and rice casserole easy recipe all cooked together. We’re talking minimal fuss and maximum flavour. Let's dive in!

Prep Steps to a Fab Baked Chicken Quarters And Rice

First, get your mise en place sorted. Chop your onion, carrots, and celery. Zest and juice your lemon. Rinsing the rice under cold water.

This is crucial. It stops it being sticky. You know, no one wants gloopy rice. Safety note: watch your fingers when chopping.

I swear, I’ve nearly lost a digit more times than I care to admit!

step-by-step to Succulent Chicken and Rice Bake Family Dinner

Alright, here's how we make this happen.

Heat the oven to 375° F ( 190° C/Gas Mark 5) .
Season the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, and half the lemon juice.
Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in your oven safe skillet for about 5 minutes until softened.
Stir in the rinsed rice and chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer.
Nestle those beautiful chicken thighs on top. Drizzle with the remaining lemon juice. Cover it all tightly with foil. Bake for 30 minutes .
Take the foil off and bake for another 20 minutes . The chicken needs to hit 165° F ( 74° C) to be safe.
Stir in the frozen peas.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This lets the flavours mingle.

Pro Tips to Perfect Lemon Herb Chicken And Rice Bake

Want to take this dish from good to great ? Here are a few of my tried and-tested tricks.

First, don’t peek while it's baking under foil. Seriously, resist the urge. It lets out all the steam and messes with the cooking time.

This is one of the Recipes With Chicken Legs Easy you need.

Also, use a meat thermometer. Honestly, it's the only way to know your chicken is cooked through properly. This ensures your Drumsticks And Rice Casserole is food safe.

If you want to get ahead, you can prep the veggies and season the chicken the night before. Then, on the day, it's just a case of throwing it all in the oven.

Boom! Dinner sorted. This recipe can even be adopted to bake Recipes For Chicken Legs In The Oven so it may take less cooking time.

Recipe Notes for the Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Bake

Right then, let's talk shop about this lush chicken and rice bake family dinner ! It's more than just a recipe; it's a proper hug in a pan, innit? Honestly, I reckon these little tips will elevate it from "nice" to "oh my gosh, that's banging!"

Serving Suggestions Making It Look Swanky

Listen up! Plating can make all the difference. Think about this: a sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds flavour but makes it look dead posh.

A wedge of lemon on the side? Chef's kiss! For sides, you can't go wrong with some steamed green beans or a crisp side salad.

A dollop of Greek yogurt? Trust me on this! As for drinks, a crisp white wine or even a refreshing glass of lemonade will do the trick.

Plating and presentation ideas is key.

Storage Secrets Keeping It Fresh

Right, let's talk leftovers. We all love them, don't we? If you've got any of this easy chicken and rice bake weeknight dish left (unlikely, but you never know!), pop it in an airtight container in the fridge.

It’ll be good for about 3 days. Freezing? Yeah, you can. Just make sure it's properly cooled first. When reheating, a splash of chicken broth keeps it moist.

Don't say I never told you!

Refrigeration guidelines : Keep it cool, keep it covered. Freezing options : Make sure it's properly cooled first. Reheating instructions : A splash of chicken broth keeps it moist.

Variations Mix It Up, Mate!

Fancy a bit of a twist? You can try swapping the chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a leaner option.

But keep an eye on the cooking time, yeah? Or, for a veggie version, chuck in some extra veggies and use vegetable broth.

Simple as that! For a Drumsticks And Rice Casserole , just use drumsticks instead of thighs! Easy peasy!

Dietary adaptations : Chicken breast for a leaner option. Seasonal ingredient swaps : Butternut squash instead of carrots in the autumn.

I reckon if you are looking for recipes with chicken legs easy to make, this will knock your socks off.

Nutrition Lowdown Goodness in Every Bite

Alright, let's keep it real simple. This one-pan chicken and rice recipes is a good source of protein, carbs, and vitamins from the veggies.

Carrots? Good for your eyes, apparently. Chicken? Protein power. Rice? Energy boost! A balanced meal that's good for you and tastes amazing.

What's not to love?

Baked Chicken Quarters And Rice are a hearty and filling.

So, there you have it. My little tips and tricks for the best chicken and rice in the world. Give it a go, don't be afraid to experiment, and most importantly, have fun! You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this chicken and rice in the oven recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, but they tend to dry out faster than thighs. Reduce the initial covered baking time by about 5 minutes and check for doneness earlier. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to avoid any kitchen nightmares!

Help! My rice is always mushy. What am I doing wrong when making chicken and rice in the oven?

Mushy rice is a common cooking woe, but easily solved! First, make sure you're rinsing your rice before cooking this gets rid of excess starch. Secondly, avoid lifting the lid (or removing the foil) too often during baking. Let the steam do its magic.

Finally, ensure you are using the correct rice to liquid ratio stated in the recipe, and measure correctly.

How long does leftover chicken and rice in the oven last, and what's the best way to store it?

Leftover chicken and rice is brilliant for lunch the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will be good for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it cools down completely before refrigerating it.

When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out nobody likes dry leftovers!

What vegetables can I add to this one-pan chicken and rice bake?

The possibilities are endless! Hearty root vegetables like parsnips, potatoes (cut small!), and sweet potatoes work well, but may increase the cooking time. Green beans, bell peppers, or even mushrooms can be added alongside the carrots and celery. Just chop them into similar sizes so they cook evenly.

Can I make this chicken and rice in the oven ahead of time?

You can prep some of the ingredients in advance to save time later. Chop the vegetables and season the chicken earlier in the day, but don't combine the rice and broth until you're ready to bake.

You could also cook it partially and then finish it just before dinner; however, be sure to check that the chicken is cooked to a safe temperature before consuming. If you choose to cook it partially, reduce the cooking time by 15 minutes.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier? What are the nutritional considerations?

Absolutely! Using brown rice instead of white adds more fiber. You can also swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts to reduce fat. Load up on the veggies to increase the vitamin content, and go easy on the salt. Keep in mind that the estimated nutritional information is just that: an estimate.

Adjustments in ingredients will change it.