One-Pan Chicken and Rice Bake

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A no-fuss, single-pan dish with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and sautéed veggies. Easy to make and clean up. This global-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes pairs chicken breast, long-grain rice, bell peppers for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Global cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Dice 2 bell peppers and 1 onion into 1/2-inch cubes. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
  2. Step 2: Add diced vegetables and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Add 400g chicken breast (cut into chunks), 1 tsp thyme, and 1 tsp salt. Cook for 5 minutes until chicken is browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 200g uncooked rice, mixing well. Pour in 500ml water (or broth) and stir until rice is coated. Bring to a boil, then transfer to oven.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 25-30 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Chicken and Rice Bake take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover One-Pan Chicken and Rice Bake?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Chicken and Rice Bake?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale One-Pan Chicken and Rice Bake for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with One-Pan Chicken and Rice Bake?

Global chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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