This oven baked chicken dish is a family favorite that brings warmth and comfort to the table!
Juicy, seasoned chicken bakes to perfection in the same pan as pre-cooked rice, and with a pairing of sweet canned plums and peaches, it's an easy, one-pan meal that's as heartwarming as it is delicious!
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This recipe was updated on March 21st, 2025 to reduce redundancy and maximize user experience, as well as clarify cooking time.
Recipe at a Glance
- Cook Level: Easy, quick, and approachable. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned cook, this dish is simple to make and perfect for anyone who wants to get dinner on the table fast.
- Taste: A blend of savory and sweet, with the tender oven-baked chicken balanced by the sweetness of the fruit and the mild richness from the rice.
- Cooking Time: From start to finish, you'll need just about 45 minutes. Minimal hands-on time, but maximum flavor payoff!
- Best Served With: Pair this dish with a light green salad, roasted vegetables (think asparagus or garlic rainbow carrots), or a side of sautéed green beans for a well-rounded meal. You can also add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra depth of flavor.
- Simple Swaps: You can easily swap the bone-in chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer a leaner cut of meat, or substitute quinoa or couscous for the rice. Feel free to use fresh or frozen fruit. You could also use different fruits, like apple or pineapple.
Tried and True Tips
- Be generous with seasoning - don't shy away from adding enough seasoning to the chicken. We want there to be flavor!
- Don't cover the chicken - We want the chicken to get incredibly crispy, so there is no need to cover the baking dish with anything.
- Low and slow - we cook on a low temp for longer time, so that the chicken gets as juicy as possible.
Important Ingredients
- Chicken Pieces: Whether you use chicken drumsticks, thighs, or a whole chicken cut into parts, this dish is all about juicy, tender chicken. I like using a kosher chicken as it tends to be juicier, saltier, and less filled with antibiotics.
- White Rice: The perfect base for soaking up all the juices of the chicken and fruit. Brown rice works too if you want a nuttier flavor.
- Bone Broth: A flavor-packed liquid that takes your rice recipe to the next level! I love Kettle and Fire bone broth, it's my favorite brand to use in my recipes and to sip on! I use the broth to cook the rice in for added nutrients and flavor.
- Canned Peaches: The juice from the canned peaches adds another layer of incredible flavor for the chicken.
- Canned Cherries: I had a difficult time finding these in stores, but you can buy them on Amazon too! Also, if you can find fresh cherries, this works fine too.
- Simple Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper enhance the chicken's natural flavor without overpowering it.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Sear the Chicken
Preheat the oven to 325°F. In a large frying pan, heat some oil and sear your chicken pieces. Season generously with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Searing locks in juices and adds a golden-brown crust for amazing taste.
Prepare the Rice
Cook the white rice in bone broth for maximum flavor. You can use water, but trust me, bone broth adds that extra oomph.
Layer the Ingredients
In a baking dish, spread the cooked rice evenly. Nestle the seared chicken pieces on top of the rice. Scatter the canned peaches and cherries around, making sure to pour the fruit juices over everything.
Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in a preheated oven at 325°F. Bake for 45 minutes until the chicken is tender, the rice is fluffy, and the top is golden brown.
Other Recipes to Try
If you love simple and flavorful chicken dishes, here are a few other recipes to add to your recipe rotation:
- Honey Mustard Chicken with Panko - A crispy, tangy twist on chicken that's great for busy nights.
- One-Skillet Seasoned Chicken Thighs with Rice - Another one-pan wonder that's simple and full of flavor.
- Easy Chicken Milanese Recipe with Arugula Salad - A light and crispy chicken dish perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken drumsticks instead of a whole chicken?
Absolutely! Chicken drumsticks, thighs, or even breasts work beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time if the pieces are smaller and if the chicken is boneless. Boneless will cook way quicker than bone-in.
Can I make this recipe with brown rice?
Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice has a longer cooking time. Make sure to adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.
What other fruits can I use?
If peaches and cherries aren't your thing, try canned pineapple, apricots, or even mango. The key is to use fruits with syrupy juices for that sweet touch.
How do I store leftovers?
You can place the remainders of this recipe in a tightly sealed container and place in the fridge. This should stay in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
Hungry for More?
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
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Oven-Baked Chicken with Rice and Fruit
Equipment
- baking dish
- medium pot
- wooden spoon
- can opener
- large frying pan
Ingredients
- 1 large chicken cut into 8 pieces
- 1 can peaches
- 1 can cherries
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt and pepper
- 1 ½ cups white rice
- 3 cups bone broth
Instructions
- In a heated frying pan, add the chicken and season with spices.
- Sear on all sides for 3-4 minutes until browned. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 325º
- Cook your rice as desired in bone broth or with water.
- Add the rice to a baking dish, then place the chicken parts around the rice.
- Add the canned cherries and canned peaches around the chicken and the rice, pouring the juices over the rice and chicken as well.
- Bake the chicken for 45 minutes.
Sha Peace says
my husband loves this dish. we aren't big fans of cherries so I sometimes use dried apricots raisins or dried cranberries