Dinner Ideas

Paprika Chicken & Rice Bake

Servings

5

Prep time

15 mins

Cooking time

55 mins

Paprika Chicken & Rice Bake: A One-Pan Wonder of Flavor! 🍗🍚✨

Looking for a simple yet incredibly flavorful meal? Paprika Chicken & Rice Bake is here to make your dinner stress-free and delicious! With tender chicken, perfectly seasoned rice, and a mouthwatering blend of spices, this dish is the ultimate comfort food that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

This Paprika Chicken & Rice Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining juicy, spice-rubbed chicken with tender, fluffy rice baked in a rich, savory broth. With the warm aroma of smoked paprika, garlic, and herbs filling your kitchen, this dish delivers a deeply satisfying meal with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or lazy weekend meals — hearty, flavorful, and made in just one baking dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • One-Pan Wonder: Everything bakes together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze while keeping all those rich flavors locked in.
  • Bold & Smoky Flavor: The paprika adds a warm, smoky kick to the chicken and rice, giving you a taste explosion in every bite.
  • Perfectly Juicy Chicken: The chicken comes out moist and tender, soaking up all the spices and flavors from the rice, making each bite absolutely irresistible.
  • Effortless & Satisfying: With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this dish is ideal for busy nights when you want a hearty, home-cooked meal without the hassle.

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special family meal, Paprika Chicken & Rice Bake is the kind of comforting dish that will never disappoint. Hearty, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying!

Recipe Tips & Variations

Tips:

  • Use long grain white rice for best texture. Brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cook time.
  • Searing the chicken before baking adds a deeper flavor and crispier skin.
  • Cover the dish tightly with foil for the first 45 minutes to steam the rice perfectly.

Variations:

  • Add veggies: Mix in chopped bell peppers, peas, or spinach before baking for extra nutrition.
  • Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the paprika rub.
  • Creamy version: Stir in ½ cup of cream or coconut milk to the broth for a creamier finish.
  • Cheesy twist: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a side of steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad for a balanced meal.
  • Pair with crusty bread to soak up any extra juices.
  • A drizzle of lemon juice or a dollop of Greek yogurt on top adds freshness and a cooling contrast.
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Ingredients

  • 5 chicken thighs

  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

  • 1 teaspoon pepper, plus more to taste

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced

  • ½ cup red onion(75 g), diced

  • 1 cup long grain rice(200 g)

  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth(360 mL)

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Directions

  • Preheat oven to 400ËšF (200ËšC).
  • In a large bowl, evenly season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley.
  • On high, heat olive oil in a oven-proof pot and place chicken thighs, skin-side down, in the hot oil. Cook 5-6 minutes or the thighs develop brown crispy skin and flip over.
  • Cook an additional 5-6 minutes to brown the other side and remove from the pot.
  • Add the garlic and onions to the pot, and cook until the onions are transparent.
  • Pour in the rice and chicken broth to the pot and season with salt and pepper. Stir well, bringing to a boil.
  • Add the chicken thighs back into the pot, skin-side up, on top of the rice, bring back to a boil and cover with a lid.
  • Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use boneless chicken?
A: Yes! Boneless thighs or breasts work well. Reduce baking time to about 40–45 minutes and keep an eye on the rice doneness.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 12 hours in advance. Bring to room temperature before baking.

Q: What’s the best type of paprika to use?
A: Smoked paprika gives a rich, deep flavor. You can also use sweet paprika for a milder version or hot paprika for extra spice.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes. Let the dish cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Tip: Top with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon for an extra burst of freshness that complements the smoky paprika perfectly!

Don’t wait—this flavorful, easy-to-make dish is sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation!