-Oven Baked Chicken and Rice :

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice :

INGREDIENTS :

• 5 bone in chicken thigh fillets, peel skin OFF , (Note 1)5 bone in chicken thigh fillets, peel skin OFF , (Note 1)
• 1 onion , chopped (brown, white or yellow)1 onion , chopped (brown, white or yellow)
• 2 cloves garlic (large) , minced2 cloves garlic (large) , minced
• 2 tbsp (30g) butter (or olive oil)2 tbsp (30g) butter (or olive oil)
• 1 1/2 cups (270g) uncooked white rice (Note 3)1 1/2 cups (270g) uncooked white rice (Note 3)
• 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) chicken broth/stock , hot (I microwave)1 1/2 cups (375 ml) chicken broth/stock , hot (I microwave)
• 1 1/4 cups (315 ml) water , hot (tap is fine)1 1/4 cups (315 ml) water , hot (tap is fine)

CHICKEN RUB (NOTE 2):

• 1 tsp paprika powder1 tsp paprika powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder1/2 tsp onion powder
• 3/4 tsp salt3/4 tsp salt
• Black pepperBlack pepper

OPTIONAL GARNISH:

• Oil sprayOil spray
• Fresh thyme leaves or finely chopped parsleyFresh thyme leaves or finely chopped parsley

DIRECTIONS :

1. Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F.
2. Scatter onion and garlic in a baking dish (about 10 x 15″ / 25 x 35 cm), then place butter in the centre. Bake for 15 minutes (check at 12 minutes, mix if some bits are browning too much).
3. Meanwhile, mix together Chicken Rub. Sprinkle on both sides of the chicken.
4. Remove baking dish from the oven. Add rice then mix.
5. Place chicken on rice. Then pour chicken broth and water around the chicken.
6. 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.
7. Stand for 5 minutes, then remove chicken and fluff up rice. Garnish with parsley or thyme if desired, serve and enjoy!