Ingredients for Chicken:

• 7 bone-in chicken thighs
• Olive oil
• Knorr’s chicken flavoring
• Lawry’s seasoned pepper
• Parsley flakes
• Oregano
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Thyme
• Black pepper

Ingredients for Mushroom Rice:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Olive oil
• Knorr’s chicken seasoning
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• 1 ½ cups hot chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups white rice

Ingredients for Buttery Mushrooms:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Your favorite mushrooms
• Chopped chives
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil to coat evenly.
• Season both sides of the chicken with Knorr’s chicken flavoring, Lawry’s seasoned pepper, parsley flakes, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, and black pepper.
• Let the chicken sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

2. Cook the Rice:

• In a large skillet or oven-safe pan, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the finely chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent.
• Stir in Knorr’s chicken seasoning, black pepper, and paprika to taste.
• Pour in 1 ½ cups hot chicken broth, 1 ½ cups water, and 2 tablespoons of butter. Bring to a gentle simmer.
• Stir in the rice and let it absorb the liquid slightly for a couple of minutes.

3. Prepare the Buttery Mushrooms:

• While the rice is cooking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in another pan.
• Add minced garlic and your favorite mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms soften and start to brown.
• Season with salt, black pepper, and chopped chives. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes.
• Set aside for later.

4. Bake the Chicken and Rice:

• Once the rice is partially cooked, place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the rice in the skillet or pan.
• Cover the pan with foil or a lid and bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes.
• Remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking to let the chicken skin crisp up.

5. Finish the Dish:

• Once the chicken is done and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), remove the pan from the oven.
• Stir the buttery mushrooms into the rice to combine everything together.
• Serve hot, garnishing with additional parsley flakes or fresh herbs if desired.

Cooking Tips:

• Marinate the Chicken: For even deeper flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the seasoning for a few hours or overnight.
• Use Bone-In Chicken: Bone-in chicken thighs are recommended for this recipe, as they provide more flavor and remain juicier during baking.
• Rice Consistency: Keep an eye on the rice during the cooking process to ensure it doesn’t dry out. If needed, add a little extra chicken broth for a moist, flavorful texture.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 780mg

FAQs:

1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs? Yes, boneless chicken thighs will work, but the cooking time may be reduced by about 10-15 minutes since they cook faster than bone-in thighs.
2. Can I substitute white rice with brown rice? Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook. You may need to adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.
3. What type of mushrooms should I use? You can use any mushrooms you like—cremini, button, shiitake, or portobello all work well in this recipe.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, this dish can be prepared a few hours ahead and reheated before serving. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Just let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion:

This oven-baked chicken and rice recipe is a simple yet impressive dish that combines tender chicken with a flavorful mushroom rice. It’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week. The homemade touch with real ingredients makes it a healthier alternative to takeout, without compromising on taste. Try it today and enjoy a hearty meal that will surely become a household favorite!