This Spiced Baked Chicken and Rice is the perfect balance of bold, smoky flavors and creamy, cooling textures. The chipotle-marinated chicken bakes to crispy perfection, infusing the rice with deep, rich spice. The fluffy rice soaks up the aromatic spices and chicken stock, making each bite warm and comforting. Topped with a fresh, zesty lime chimichurri and smooth garlic yoghurt, this dish is an exciting fusion of heat, tang, and creaminess. It’s an easy, one-pan meal perfect for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. Serve it up with a side salad or some warm flatbread, and you have a complete, satisfying meal that brings together vibrant flavors in every bite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4–6 bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp chipotle paste
- 1 cup rice
- 1 1/2 cups hot chicken stock
- 1 white onion, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp whole cumin
- 1–2 limes (30ml of juice needed)
- Small handful of coriander, chopped
- Small handful of parsley, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1 tsp red chilli flakes
- A pinch of sugar
- 1 cup Greek yoghurt
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) or set your air fryer to 190°C.
- In a bowl, coat the chicken thighs with chipotle paste, a drizzle of olive oil, and salt and pepper. Let them marinate while prepping the other ingredients.
- Toss the sliced white onion with cumin, olive oil, lime zest, and one minced garlic clove. Spread onto a metal roasting dish.
- Air fry for 5 minutes or bake in the oven for 5 minutes to soften the onions.
- In a small bowl, mix half of the lime juice, yoghurt, one minced garlic clove, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Remove the onions from the oven/air fryer and spread rice evenly on top. Sprinkle with half of the chilli flakes. Pour hot chicken stock over the rice.
- Bake or air fry at 165°C (330°F) for 10-12 minutes until rice starts to absorb liquid.
- Meanwhile, mix red onion, remaining lime juice, a pinch of sugar, and salt. Let sit to pickle.
- Remove the dish from the oven/air fryer and place the marinated chicken thighs, skin side up, on top of the rice.
- Bake or air fry for 20-30 minutes until the chicken is crisp and cooked through.
- About 5 minutes before finishing, mix coriander, parsley, pickled red onion mixture, remaining chilli flakes, and a splash of olive oil for the chimichurri. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve the crispy chicken over the spiced rice, topped with a drizzle of garlic yoghurt and lime chimichurri. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4
What Makes This Recipe Special?
1. Bold and Balanced Flavors
One of the defining features of this dish is the balance of bold flavors. The chicken thighs are marinated in chipotle paste, which imparts a deep smokiness with just the right level of heat. This spice is offset by the freshness of lime chimichurri, a vibrant sauce made with parsley, coriander, lime juice, and red onion. To complete the dish, a creamy garlic yoghurt sauce is drizzled on top, creating a contrast between spice and coolness.
2. One-Pan Convenience
For busy home cooks, this recipe is a lifesaver. Everything chicken, rice, and aromatics is cooked in a single pan, reducing the need for excessive cleanup. This one-pan method allows the flavors to develop together, as the chicken juices seep into the rice, making it extra flavorful.
3. Versatility in Cooking Methods
This dish can be prepared in either an air fryer or a traditional oven. Air frying is a quicker method that still yields crispy chicken skin and perfectly cooked rice. However, if you don’t have an air fryer, the oven method works just as well, ensuring a flavorful and hearty dish.
The Role of Each Component
The Chicken: A Smoky, Spicy Delight
Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs is crucial for keeping the meat tender and juicy. The chipotle paste not only enhances flavor but also helps create a beautifully caramelized crust on the chicken. If chipotle paste is too spicy for your liking, you can substitute it with smoked paprika mixed with garlic and a bit of olive oil for a milder alternative.
The Rice: Aromatic and Infused with Flavor
The rice in this dish isn’t just a side component it’s infused with the deep flavors of chicken stock, caramelized onions, and aromatic spices like cumin and red chili flakes. As it cooks, it absorbs the juices from the chicken, making every bite rich and satisfying.
Lime Chimichurri: A Fresh, Zesty Element
Unlike traditional chimichurri, which uses vinegar, this lime-based chimichurri has a bright, citrusy tang that pairs beautifully with the smoky chicken. It cuts through the richness of the dish, adding a refreshing burst of flavor. The combination of coriander, parsley, lime juice, and pickled red onion makes this sauce a game-changer.
Garlic Yoghurt: The Perfect Creamy Contrast
To balance the bold flavors, a simple garlic yoghurt sauce is added at the end. The yoghurt’s cooling effect mellows out the spice, while the garlic adds an extra depth of flavor. This sauce is similar to tzatziki but without cucumber, keeping it smooth and rich.
Health Benefits of Spiced Baked Chicken and Rice
This dish isn’t just delicious it’s also packed with nutrients. Here’s why it’s a great addition to your meal plan:
- High in Protein: Chicken thighs provide a good amount of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Rich in Fiber: If you swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa, you can increase fiber intake, promoting better digestion.
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil and Greek yoghurt offer healthy fats, which support heart health and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
- Antioxidant-Rich Herbs: Coriander, parsley, and lime juice are full of antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and support overall health.
Serving Suggestions
Pairing Ideas
This dish is satisfying on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider adding:
- A fresh side salad: A simple tomato and cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette adds even more freshness.
- Roasted vegetables: Try roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant for extra texture and flavor.
- Flatbread: Serve with naan or pita bread to scoop up the delicious sauces.
Best Drinks to Accompany the Meal
- Lemon-infused sparkling water – Complements the citrus notes of the chimichurri.
- Iced mint tea – A cooling beverage to balance the spice.
- A crisp white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) – Pairs beautifully with the smoky and zesty flavors.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
If you want to prepare this dish in advance or store leftovers, here’s what you need to know:
Refrigeration:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a microwave or oven, adding a splash of chicken stock to prevent the rice from drying out.
Freezing:
- The chicken can be frozen before or after cooking for up to 2 months.
- The rice is best eaten fresh, but if you must freeze it, store it separately and reheat with a bit of stock.
Meal Prep Hack:
- Marinate the chicken overnight for even deeper flavor.
- Make the chimichurri a day in advance it gets even better as the flavors meld.
Conclusion:
Spiced Baked Chicken and Rice is a must-try dish for anyone who loves bold flavors, easy cooking, and satisfying meals. The combination of smoky chipotle chicken, aromatic rice, zesty chimichurri, and creamy garlic yoghurt makes every bite an explosion of taste.
Not only is this recipe quick and simple, but it also offers nutritional benefits and meal prep convenience. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing a meal for guests, this dish is sure to impress.