Oven Rice Recipe

Ever felt like doing a happy dance about rice? Well, get ready, because this easy-bake recipe turns the humble grain into a fluffy, flavorful masterpiece, all while you lounge on the couch or catch up on your favorite series. Let’s dive in, shall we? 🌾✨

I love making unpretentious yet tasty meals, and this oven-baked rice dish fits the bill. Long-grain white rice is infused with the deep flavor of chicken broth and just a dash of garlic powder.

And while the texture is definitely fluffy, it’s what’s packed into the dish that looks to transform rice from simple side dish to more of a main course. Quite simply, it’s what the French call un potion.

It’s kind of like one really big risotto.

Ingredients

• Long-grain white rice: A great source of carbohydrates, providing energy.
• Chicken broth: Adds depth and umami flavor, with essential nutrients.
• Unsalted butter: Offers richness and smooth texture.
• Garlic powder: Enhances savory, aromatic notes (optional).
• Fresh parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of color (optional).

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

How to Make this

1. Set your oven to a temperature of 375°F, which is equal to 190°C.

2. In a medium baking dish that can go in the oven, combine rinsed rice, broth, melted butter, salt, and pepper. All these elements must be in the dish and well mixed before it goes in the oven, because once it comes out, you’re kind of stuck with whatever state it left the oven in.

3. If adding, stir in the garlic powder and onion powder to distribute evenly.

4. Seal the baking dish with aluminum foil so that moisture doesn’t escape during baking.

5. Put the dish in the oven that has been preheated and bake it for 25 to 30 minutes, or until tender is the rice and fully absorbed is the liquid.

6. Remove the dish from the oven and sit it, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to finish steaming. Do this carefully. Dish removal operations must be performed without spills or accidents.

7. Discard the foil and gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.

8. Sample the rice and see if it needs any seasoning. If it doesn’t quite have the flavor you want, add a touch more salt or pepper until it tastes perfect to you.

9. If you want, you can add the chopped fresh parsley to the rice as a way of making the dish pop with both color and freshness.

10. Serve the rice, which has been baked in the oven, as a hot side dish with your favorite main course. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Medium baking dish (oven-safe)
3. Aluminum foil
4. Measuring cups
5. Measuring spoons
6. Mixing spoon
7. Fork
8. Oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves

FAQ

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?Brown rice can be used in place of the rice called for in this recipe, but be aware that you will need to make some adjustments to the cooking time and liquid amounts.

  Like the other grains used in this recipe, brown rice will absorb the flavors from the cooking liquid, so use a broth that is seasoned to your liking. You will need about 2.5 cups. The rice will take about 45 minutes to bake.

• What can I substitute for chicken broth?A straightforward substitute for chicken broth is vegetable broth or just plain water. More often than not, a liquid serves as the base for a recipe. Except, that same liquid can also be a critical flavor component—notably, broth. So what to do when a recipe calls for chicken broth but your kitchen is all out?
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?Yes, the rice can be made ahead of time and reheated just before serving. When you do this, add a splash of broth or water to the rice to maintain moisture as it warms in either the oven or microwave.
• How can I add more flavor to the rice?For additional flavor, think about sautéing minced onion or garlic and folding it into the rice before putting the dish in the oven. For a more herbal approach, you can use thyme or rosemary as an accent.
• Is it necessary to rinse the rice?Washing the rice eliminates surplus starch and keeps it from becoming excessively sticky. This step is suggested for a more fluffy texture.
• Can I add vegetables to this dish?You can indeed mix in small, quick-cooking vegetables like peas or diced carrots right before you bake. Just be sure to cut them into small enough pieces to ensure they cook through and stay tender by the time your main dish is ready.
• How do I know when the rice is done?The rice will be completed when all the liquid disappears and the grains are soft. You can use a fork to fluff it and check the texture before serving.

Oven Rice Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For the chicken broth: substitute vegetable broth or water for a lighter flavor.
When you have unsalted butter, here are replacements:

1. Use oils like coconut or olive.

2. And all these suggestions assume you have left the salted butter behind!
To add flavor to the salt, consider using garlic salt.
To replace the black pepper: use white pepper or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
Instead of using fresh parsley, try fresh cilantro or basil for a different twist.

Pro Tips

1. For added depth of flavor, toast the rinsed rice in a bit of butter in a skillet over medium heat until it’s lightly golden before transferring it to the baking dish. This can enhance the overall taste of the dish.

2. To give the rice a richer taste, consider replacing half of the chicken broth with coconut milk or adding a splash of white wine. This adds a subtle creaminess and complexity to the flavor profile.

3. If you prefer a more aromatic and flavorful dish, include a bay leaf or a cinnamon stick in the baking dish before sealing it with foil. Remove these before serving for a sophisticated twist to your side dish.

4. Ensure the rice stays fluffy and doesn’t clump together by taking care not to overmix after it’s baked. Gently fluffing with a fork before adding any additional seasoning or garnish helps keep the grains separate.

5. For a pleasant balance of textures and colors, consider mixing in some cooked peas, diced carrots, or corn after baking. This not only adds nutritional value but also makes the dish more visually appealing.