Our Favorite Rice Bake Recipes for When We Need a Little Comfort

Photo: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Rice, a Southern staple, comes in handy when making casseroles or baked dishes that take are quick and easy. This starch forms a solid base for some of our favorite dishes, adding heft and making an all-in-one meal shockingly easy to pull off. Our Lightened-Up Chicken-Broccoli Casserole is the healthier dinner option your family will love; Jessica Harris’ Red Rice packs lots of big flavors into one casserole dish. And we have a feeling that our Chicken-and-Collards Pilau will be a new staple in your repertoire.

Rice is a Southern never-fail staple that can be used in countless ways to create quick and easy meals, fancy and intricate dishes, and everything in between. You can make it creamy, spicy, crispy or sweet—there’s just no end to its versatility. We can’t help but love it. That’s why it also comes in handy when making casseroles or baked dishes that take less clean-up and, often, less time. Here are some baked rice recipes that we are simply loving right now.

Cheesy Broccoli-and-Rice Casserole

Recipe: Cheesy Broccoli-and-Rice Casserole

Using fresh ingredients is the trick to taking this dish to the next level, with only sacrificing a little more time, while crispy panko gives a yummy crunch!

Creamy Artichoke, Kale, and Rice Gratin

Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Recipe: Creamy Artichoke, Kale, and Rice Gratin

Spinach-artichoke dip, but make it with kale and make it dinner.

Chicken-and-Wild Rice Casserole

Becky Luigart Stayner

Recipe: Chicken-and-Wild Rice Casserole

This dish is perfect for the holidays (or anytime!). You can make it ahead and freeze for up to one month, or prepare it in charming individual ramikens. The toasted almonds on top give a warm touch to finish it off.

Recipe: Chicken-Mushroom-Sage Casserole

This ain’t your mama’s chicken casserole. This chicken, mushroom, and sage baked casserole has a unique flavor from fresh mushrooms, chopped shallots and garlic. Sage adds warmth to the dish, while a bit of sherry gives a distinctive, nutty and sweet flavor.

Recipe: Chicken-and-Collards Pilau

Throwing some rice, chicken and collards together? Can’t get more Southern than that. This savory one-pot meal is full of tasty ingredients like quick-cooking basmati rice, onion, celery, carrot, garlic, collard greens, and Cajun smoked sausage.

Okra and Rice Casserole

Recipe: Okra and Rice Casserole

Although okra is downright delicious deep-fried, it’s more versatile than given credit for. This baked dish is easy to make, but it features a huge amount of flavor from tender sautéed okra, sweet corn, Cajun spices, and buttery garlic breadcrumbs.

Jessica Harris’ Red Rice

Victor Protasio, Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Recipe: Jessica Harris’ Red Rice

With tomato, bacon, and green bell peppers, this rice bake is full of dynamic flavors.

Wild Rice-and-Greens Casserole

Recipe: Wild Rice-and-Greens Casserole

This versatile dish can be made with your favorite green, whether it be kale, collards or spinach; but we prefer chopped kale, as it gives a great texture. Added plus: you get your casserole fix with the benefit of a superfood ingredient!

Cajun Shrimp Casserole

Recipe: Cajun Shrimp Casserole

This hearty seafood casserole is filled with fresh shrimp, cheese and rice (and a little white wine!). Fresh okra, crunchy bell peppers, and a healthy dose of cayenne pepper give it a spicy Cajun flair.

Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole

Recipe: Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole

Change up your weeknight routine with this ever-so-spicy Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole.

Lightened-Up Chicken-Broccoli Casserole

Recipe: Lightened-Up Chicken-Broccoli Casserole

This simple, healthier casserole uses microwavable rice as its starch.

An all-around delicious and easy recipe for oven-baked rice. Not only is oven-baked rice taste great freshly baked, but this recipe can also be made ahead of time for tomorrow night’s fried rice.

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Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the recipe card at the bottom of the post. You can find important tips/tricks in theblog post.

Making perfect and fluffy rice shouldn’t be scary or intimidating. And if you’ve struggled with cooking rice, then you need this oven-baked method in your life. Baking rice proves over and over again to provide consistent perfect results.

Once I learned how to bake rice in the oven, it became one of my go-to methods for making rice. Rice is a perfect pairing for many dishes, similar to mashed potatoes! Don’t think gravy only goes on potatoes; pour my Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy overtop white rice or this tangy Instant Pot Pork Chops and Gravy. You won’t be disappointed.

Prepare this rice a day ahead and let it chill overnight in the fridge. Leftover rice is perfect for any fried rice recipe or stir fry. My Steak Kimchi Fried Rice features leftover or prepared ahead-of-time white rice.

Ingredients and Tools Needed

  • Long grain white rice – you can also use Jasmine rice, Basmati rice, or brown rice for this method. Brown rice does require a different ratio of water to rice as well as a longer cooking time.
  • Hot water – I boil my water in a kettle before adding it to the rice.
  • Unsalted butter – You can substitute this with a little oil or leave it out if you prefer.
  • Kosher salt – Just a little salt will bring out the flavor of the rice.

Tools needed for this recipe

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. This removes the excess starch and leaves your rice nice and fluffy.

Place into a dutch oven with a tightly fitted lid. You can also use a 2-quart baking dish and cover with foil. Add the hot water, butter, and salt to the baking dish until combined. Cover with heavy-duty foil or with the lid of the dutch oven.

Place in preheated oven and bake rice in the oven for 25-27 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed.

Remove from the oven and allow to rest covered for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, open the lid.

Fluff the rice with a fork. Serve and enjoy.

Can you make the rice ahead of time?

Oven-baked rice can be made ahead of time for future dinners or for prepped lunches. Using a dutch oven or a larger baking dish for doubling the recipe will work great for meal prep or if you’re expecting a larger crowd.

Flavor additions you can add to oven-baked rice

A beautiful base recipe of oven-baked rice lends itself to be seasoned or flavored in many ways that will fit your meal.

  • Cilantro & Lime Juice
  • Black Beans, Avocado Slices, & Salsa
  • Veggies & Soy Sauce
  • Pesto
  • Saffron & Onion Powder

Swap out the water for other liquids to help enhance the flavor.

  • Chicken broth
  • Beef broth
  • Seafood stock

Brown Rice

The same method can be used for brown rice. For brown rice, use 2 cups of water or liquid for 1 cup of rice and bake in the oven for 1 hour.

Serving suggestions for oven-baked rice

Rice is one of those dishes that can be put into almost any recipe and it makes sense. You can serve rice with or in:

  • Burrito bowls
  • Soups
  • Meat & Gravy
  • Fried Rice
  • Lettuce Wraps
  • Tacos

It truly is such a versatile ingredient.

Tips for storing rice

Uncooked rice: Seal and store uncooked rice in an airtight container and in a dry place for up to a year or longer.

Cooked rice: Store leftover rice in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.

Freezing rice: Allow the cooked rice to chill and cool completely in the fridge. Once chilled, you can portion out the rice and freeze the portions in an airtight container. *Note: These are great to add to soups since, typically, freezing rice becomes drier once thawed.

Notes

Should you cover rice when baking in the oven?

Yes, for the rice to absorb the appropriate amount of water, it should be covered with a tight-fitting lid or foil paper clinched to the sides to ensure liquid and steam does not escape during cooking.

How do I know the liquid is absorbed while my rice is cooking?

After 25 minutes, you can take a quick peak to see if all the liquid is absorbed. If it’s not, cover and place back in the oven to cook a little longer.

How do I stop my rice from getting mushy?

Can I add vegetables to this oven-baked rice?

Adding vegetables directly to the pot will release excess water. If using watery vegetables, I suggest reducing the water by a little. Or cook vegetables separately and then toss them into the rice.

If you have tried this recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

Oven Baked Rice (How to Cook Rice in the Oven)

An all-around delicious and easy recipe for oven-baked rice. Not only is oven-baked rice taste great freshly baked, but this recipe can also be made ahead of time for tomorrow night’s fried rice.

oven baked rice

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Place into a 2-quart baking dish or dutch oven with a tightly fitted lid. Add the hot water, butter, and salt to the baking dish until combined. Cover with heavy-duty foil or with the lid of the dutch oven.
  • Place in preheated oven and bake for 25-27 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to rest covered for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
  • This recipe can be doubled, just use a large baking dish or dutch oven.
  • The same method can be used for brown rice. For brown rice, use 2 cups of water or liquid for 1 cup of rice and bake in the oven for 1 hour.

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Rice is a humble grain that can be easily incorporated into your meal with these fantastic 20 best rice casserole recipes.

Rice is one of those things that’s always good to have on hand. It’s versatile, inexpensive, easy to use and can easily be transformed into a scrumptious dish with just a few ingredients. For example my easy rice salad and Mediterranean rice recipe.

These dishes are big on flavor and are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. I mean, I’ve never met anyone who turned down a plate of chicken and rice casserole or ultra cheesy chicken fajita casserole.

So next time you’re wondering what to cook for family gatherings, busy nights, potlucks and even dinner parties, just pick one of these delicious recipes and get cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can put uncooked rice in a casserole as it will be cooked with the liquid. However, the time of cooking will slightly differ. Uncooked rice will take more time than cooked rice.

Should I cover the rice casserole while baking?

Casseroles containing grains, rice, and pasta are generally covered while baking. Covering a casserole helps the dish cook evenly, stay moist, and prevents burning.

Chicken Mushroom Wild Rice Casserole

With a combination of wild rice, portabella mushrooms, cooked chicken breasts and cheesy cream sauce, this chicken and rice casserole is not only packed with flavor but also deliciously satisfying and healthy.

I usually serve this with garlic roasted asparagus or Greek salad to round out the meal, but it also pairs well with green salad or a medley of steamed veggies.

Chicken Casserole with Ritz Crackers

This hearty chicken casserole is always welcome at our dinner table. It’s cheesy, rich and indulgent with creamy bites of tender broccoli.

A little sprinkling of buttery Ritz cracker on top adds crunchy goodness in each bite.

The fabulous recipe is cooked in a slow cooker, making it easier than ever! Serve this at your next holiday party or family reunion.

Broccoli Rice Casserole

Cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, paprika and shredded cheddar cheese transforms a simple broccoli rice casserole into a show-stopping dish everyone is going to love.

Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make and table-ready in just an hour! This is one of those recipes you’re going to make on repeat without getting tired.

Cheesy Enchilada Rice and Bean Casserole

This vegetarian enchilada casserole provides the familiar comfort of classic enchiladas – but without the meat and tortillas.

It’s got hearty black beans, white rice, kernel corn and plenty of cheese smothered in flavorful enchilada sauce. This is so good, even meat lovers will enjoy it.

But feel free to add your favorite enchilada fillings.

Teriyaki Chicken Casserole

This flavor-packed rice casserole recipe is quick and easy enough for a busy night and elegant enough for a special occasion.

It’s made with tender, juicy skinless chicken breasts, mixed veggies and rice. And what makes it extra special is the finger-licking good teriyaki sauce.

It’s full of spicy and sweet flavors and extremely easy to make with just a handful of ingredients.

Cajun Shrimp and Rice Casserole

Lovely to look at, bursting with incredible flavor and easy to put together, makes this impressively beautiful Cajun shrimp and rice casserole a winning dish.

The fire-roasted tomatoes add a nice smoky flavor, Cajun seasoning gives it a tremendous flavor boost, while the heavy cream contributes some richness and creaminess.

This casserole dish will receive rave reviews whether you serve it for your family tonight or at your next summer barbeque or dinner party.

Butternut Squash, Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

Nutty wild rice, flavorful chicken thighs, tangy dried cranberries, sweet butternut squash and a little crunch from the nuts make this rice casserole into a delicious, hearty and satisfying main dish.

And, of course, the best part is the parmesan cheese which gives it a classic finishing touch.

Make it vegetarian by leaving out the chicken.

Arancini Casserole

This is one of those rice casseroles that you never have to worry about leftovers. It’s chockful of tasty ingredients like Italian seasoning, Italian sausage, ricotta and parmesan.

For a spicy version, substitute the mozzarella cheese for pepper jack. I guarantee your entire family will love this Italian-style casserole dish.

Beef and Rice Casserole

There’s so much to love about the classic combo of ground beef and rice casserole.

It’s quick, easy, requires a few cheap pantry ingredients and will make for a delicious dinner that will please the whole family.

Feel free to jazz it up a little. You can add some jalapenos or red peppers to kick things up a notch.

Cajun Chicken and Rice Casserole

With bold, tasty Cajun jambalaya flavors, this chicken rice bake will make your taste buds tingle.

My favorite thing about this recipe is that it has plenty of room for creativity and it’ll still turn out delicious.

You can easily customize it with your favorite proteins, garnish it with whatever you prefer, or even make it vegetarian.

Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole

A punch of flavors makes this Mexican-style rice casserole recipe a must-try. It’s tastes wonderful, budget-friendly and, best of all, comes together in less than an hour.

This casserole dish also makes a great freezer meal. So feel free to double the recipe.

When you’re ready to devour, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and pop it in the oven for a few minutes.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake

Here’s another mouthwatering broccoli rice casserole recipe that you’re going to enjoy. This version features chicken, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, all-purpose seasoning and, of course, plenty of cheese.

You’ll also love the fact that this rice bake comes together in just an hour with very little hands-on time.

Easy Chicken Thighs and Rice Casserole

Shake up your chicken and rice casserole rotation with this easy recipe. Just add in some smoky bacon, paprika and meat seasoning, and you’ve got a totally irresistible crowd-pleasing dish everyone will devour.

This is bound to become a family favorite! You can serve it as is or with a side of steamed veggies or green salad tossed in a zesty dressing.

Skillet Cowboy Rice Casserole

This cozy, soul-satisfying meal-in-a-skillet will definitely be a hit at any dinner table.

It’s bursting with all the good stuff: chorizo sausage, ground beef, pinto beans, sweet corn, bell pepper and a generous dose of melty cheese.

Best of all, the whole thing is made entirely on one pan!

Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole

Transform leftover rice and rotisserie chicken from last night’s dinner into a deeply satisfying yet simple meal.

This cheesy, savory and flavorful casserole is ready in 30 minutes or less. It’s a perfect weeknight dish when you’re craving some cozy comfort food.

You can also play around with the mix-ins: use Monterey Jack instead of cheddar cheese or swap out brown rice for white rice.

Cheesy Vegetable and Brown Rice Casserole

Creamy, cheesy and comforting, this hearty meatless meal is bound to be a hit, even with your fussy little eaters.

It comes loaded with broccoli, carrots, peas and tons of cheese. Coconut milk adds a wonderfully rich flavor and creamy texture, making the dish even better.

I guarantee you won’t even miss the meat!

Chicken Fajita Casserole

Everything about this chicken rice bake is a delight, from Spanish-style rice and cheese to cream of chicken soup, fajita seasoning and flour tortillas.

It’s incredibly delicious. It’s cheesy. It’s easy. And definitely deserves a spot in your dinner rotation. This recipe uses a box mix of rice, but you can certainly make your own or use any leftover Mexican or Spanish rice.

Serve alongside roasted green beans or refried beans for a complete dinner everyone will love.

Southwestern Turkey Rice Casserole

This gorgeous Southwestern-style rice casserole is a real stick to your ribs meal that’s sure to win hearts around the dinner table.

It’s packed with beans, turkey, green chiles, salsa and a whole lot of flavor.

And did I mention it comes together in about 30 minutes? Perfect meal for nights when you need dinner on the table ASAP.

Chickpea Brown Rice Spinach Artichoke Casserole

Looking for a weeknight-friendly vegan rice casserole? This soul-warming, flavor-packed chickpea rice spinach artichoke casserole with herby aioli is your ticket.

Prepared rice is quickly cooked in a light sauce of balsamic, lemon juice and seasonings along with artichokes, spinach and chickpeas then finished in the oven.

Drizzle creamy and tangy aioli over the top and savor every bite.

French Onion Chicken and Rice Casserole

Just when you thought French onion soup couldn’t get any cozier! This ultra cheesy, creamy and indulgent casserole has the richness you love and crave, but heartier.

It’s made with rotisserie chicken, French onion dip, rice and condensed soup. Gooey cheese and crunchy French fried onion topping will certainly make this dish an instant hit.

This recipe calls for instant white rice, but leftover rice would also come in handy.

Related Recipes

Looking for a delicious and easy side dish casserole? Try my 30 minutes green bean casserole with homemade crispy onions.

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mr – Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Image

Credit: Antonis Achilles; Food Styling: Ana Kelly; Prop Styling: Prissy Lee

We love dinners that start with a simple pantry staple, and these easy rice casserole recipes are just the thing. After a long day or hectic week, sometimes a bowlful of comfort (that’s easy to prepare) is all you need. Whether you’re in the mood for classic comfort food or something new and exciting, you’ll be sure to come back to this timeless collection again and again.

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Kids aren’t the only ones who love this melty, Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole. The rice, broccoli, and chicken provide a nice substance for the creamy, béchamel type sauce, while the buttery topping adds crunch and richness. In other words, it’s pure comfort food, and you can have it ready for a weeknight dinner right at under an hour.

Chicken and Cauliflower Rice Casserole

mr – Chicken and Cauliflower Rice Casserole Image

Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Blakeslee Giles; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Chicken and Cauliflower Rice Casserole Recipe

This dish is all the proof you need that cauliflower can be comforting. It’s definitely creamy, thanks to multiple types of cheese, but still has a good bite from the cauliflower rice’s texture. You can make your own cauliflower rice by pulsing the florets and stem in a food processor, or you can buy it fresh or frozen at most grocery stores.

Credit: John Autry; Styling: Mindi Shapiro

Although the yellow and green squash give this chicken and rice casserole a colorful appearance, you can use one or the other, if you prefer.

Hoppin’ John Casserole

mr-Hoppin’ John Casserole image

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Hoppin’ John Casserole Recipe

Get all your New Year’s good luck in one dish with this casserole full of bacon, peas, rice, and collards. The mixture of soft rice with tooth collards and peas, plus chopped bacon makes for a nice variety of textures. It’s great on its own, but it’s also a great side dish for fried chicken or pork chops.

Chicken, Broccoli, and Brown Rice Casserole

Chicken, Broccoli, and Brown Rice Casserole

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Claire Spollen

Chicken, Broccoli, and Brown Rice Casserole Recipe

This healthy whole-grain spin on a comfort food classic is indulgent, creamy, and a guaranteed family-pleaser. To feed a family a four, you really can’t beat the budget-friendly nature of this dish.

Hawaiian Chicken Casserole

Hawaiian Chicken Casserole image

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Hawaiian Chicken Casserole Recipe

This delicious throwback dish offers an indulgent balance of sweet and savory the whole family is sure to love. Opting for frozen, crispy breaded chicken tenders keeps this casserole fast and easy to prepare, and combats your saucy chicken from becoming soggy.

Chicken-Mushroom-Sage Casserole

Credit: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Heather Chadduck

Chicken-Mushroom-Sage Casserole Recipe

Let this dish stand a few minutes after baking so the rice will absorb the liquid, yielding a creamy texture.

mr-Mediterranean Lamb Casserole image

Mediterranean Lamb Casserole Recipe

This easy take on Greek comfort food is rich, meaty, and tangy. The strong lamb is balanced by sweet onions and carrots, and rich eggplant that are all set off with the warm spices. Tomatoes and yogurt give it brightness and the pitas provide texture and toastiness.

Mexican Chili Verde Chicken Casserole

mr-chili casserole update

Credit: Jen Causey; Food Styling: Margaret Dickey and Gordon Sawyer; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Mexican Chili Verde Chicken Casserole Recipe

“I made this last night and my family loved it,” says one glowing review. “I used yellow rice instead of the boil-in-the-bag white. I also added black beans and sauteed red pepper to the rice mixture. Will definitely make again!”

Brussels Sprouts-and-Rice Casserole

Brussels Sprouts-and-Rice Casserole

Credit: BECKY LUIGART-STAYNER

Brussels Sprouts-and-Rice Casserole Recipe

Baking vegetables into a casserole usually makes them more appealing to kids (and adults), and this Brussels sprouts recipe is no exception: “Wow! Fantastic!” raves reviewer Bostonsmaman. “We’re not normally Brussels sprouts fans, but this dish was GONE!” Like the other casseroles, this dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen, then baked the day of your gathering.

Chicken Panang Casserole

mr-Chicken Panang Casserole Image

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Chicken Panang Casserole Recipe

When a Thai craving strikes, you’re first instinct probably isn’t to break out a casserole dish, but his streamlined take on classic chicken panang curry is a flavor-packed, one-dish dinner that’s gonna have you rethinking what it means to casserole.

Crawfish and Rice Casserole

Crawfish and Rice Casserole

Credit: Karry Hosford

Crawfish and Rice Casserole Recipe

Rice is the preferred starch in Louisiana. If you like use Creole Rose rice, which is an aromatic local rice. You can combine the ingredients ahead, refrigerate the dish for a day, then pop it in the oven. If you can’t find crawfish in the freezer section of your local market, substitute shrimp.

Ham and Brown Rice Casserole

Ham and Brown Rice Casserole

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Ham and Brown Rice Casserole Recipe

Instant brown rice is the key for getting this super easy and satisfying Ham and Brown Rice Casserole to the table in less than 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy casserole is one to turn to again and again.

Mexican Rice Casserole

Mexican Rice Casserole

Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe

Give leftover chicken new life with this easy-to-make Mexican Rice Casserole. Start with Zatarain’s Black Beans and Rice and mix in chicken, corn, salsa and cilantro. Top with cheddar cheese and tortilla chips – all the ingredients your family loves.

Credit: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Cheesy Broccoli-and-Rice Casserole Recipe

“The old-school version of this recipe uses canned soup and often calls for frozen broccoli. My new twist is made with fresh, wholesome ingredients. It takes just a smidgen of more time, but the results are absolutely extraordinary.” –Contributing editor Virginia Willis, author of the forthcoming Lighten Up, Y’all

This easy Oven Baked Rice recipe only requires 4 ingredients to make. The simple oven steaming cooking technique results in perfectly cooked rice every time.

Easy Oven Baked Rice Recipe

Rice is such a versatile side dish to make and goes with so many entrees we love in the South. Low country cooking, Creole and Cajun and beyond call for rice in one form or another. In the early years, rice was grown primarily in the Gulf and South Atlantic states. Currently the largest producer of rice in the United States is Arkansas with rice being grown in more than half of the counties in the state. Rice is also a staple worldwide that’s enjoyed across many cultures and cuisines. This oven baked rice recipe takes the hassle out of making rice and it steams covered in the oven. It’s simple and doesn’t require constant attention to make.

How to Make the Best Oven Baked Rice Recipe

  • Ingredients you’ll need to make homemade Oven Baked Rice: 2 cups long grain rice, i.e. Uncle Ben’s or similar, 4 cups boiling water, 2 tablespoons butter and 1 teaspoon of salt.
  • Kitchen gadgets you’ll need: A 3 quart Dutch oven with a lid or similar size 13 x 9 inch baking dish, a large spoon for stirring, measuring cups and spoons and a fork for fluffing the rice after cooking.
  • The best type of dish to make oven rice is one that has a snug fitting lid. That said, you can also use a baking dish tightly sealed with heavy duty aluminum foil.
  • You can easily adapt this recipe making less rice or more rice depending on your desired number of servings.
  • You can use chicken stock or broth in place of water. Low sodium is best.
  • You can add other seasonings to the rice. Things such as granulated garlic, saffron or turmeric, or herbs such as tarragon or thyme. You can even add lemon zest to infuse citrus into the flavor.
  • You can also use basmati rice, jasmine rice and brown rice. Each type of rice cooks slightly differently and the liquid may need to be adjusted. Use this recipe for long grain rice as a starting point and adjust depending on the type of rice being used.
  • Store leftover Oven Baked Rice chilled in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or cool and freeze for up to 2 months.

Southern Style Recipes to Serve with Rice

As I mentioned above, rice goes with so many delicious main dishes that we all love. A few you recipes you may like to try to go with this oven baked rice recipe:

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

servings (½ cup approximately)

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Pour rice and salt into a 3 quart Dutch oven or baking dish.
  • Melt butter in boiling water. Add to rice, stir well.
  • Cover tightly and bake for 30-35 minutes. (Check at 30 minutes and stir, if needed)
  • Let stand 5 minutes on the counter or just until all liquid is absorbed.
  • Fluff with a fork and serve. (Makes approximately 6 cups cooked rice or twelve ½ cup servings)

My name is Melissa and I’m the Creator of Melissa’s Southern Style Kitchen. Cooking, baking, developing recipes and kitchen tips is my passion. I love sharing my dishes and connecting with people through the food that I create.

Reader Interactions

Truth is, it’s delicious. the flavor is fantastic, the rice is fluffy and moist. The most asked question I get is, “How can I add
chicken to this?” Well, here’s how!

Here are my pro cooking tips:

Store any leftovers of this baked chicken fried rice
dinner in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months.

Cuisine: Asian 
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings: 4

  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons light soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing cooking wine
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
  • 2 cups frozen diced vegetables (carrots, peas and corn mix), still frozen
  • 3/4 cup chopped bacon or ham (I use store-bought chopped bacon)
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing cooking wine
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 garlic clove, finely minced
  • 2 eggs, scrambled (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil (for finishing)
  • 1 green onion, finely sliced (for finishing)

Here’s how to make it:

  • Place all the baked fried rice ingredients, except the vegetables and bacon, in a 13×9-inch metal pan (not ceramic or glass). Shake to spread the rice evenly, ensuring all the rice is submerged under the broth. Sprinkle the vegetables evenly across the surface, then sprinkle the bacon on top. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated 400-degree F oven for 25 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, place the marinated chicken ingredients in a bowl and mix well to combine. Set aside to marinate while the rice cooks.
  • Remove the aluminum foil (reserve the foil), then spread the chicken in a single layer across the surface of the rice. Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven, cover with the reserved aluminum foil, and rest for 10 minutes. Use a rubber paddle to turn the rice over and gently break it up. Add the scrambled egg (if using). Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with the green onion. Gently toss the fried rice to mix it together, then serve!

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September 22, 2022in Grains, Holiday, Menus, Side dish, Vegetarian

I got this recipe from my sister in law Yocheved many many years ago and made it often. It’s so easy to put together and so tasty but best of all, goes in together for that first hour you are cooking your meat or chicken (or vegetarian stuffed peppers) that you don’t have to dedicate separate oven time.

As is my wont, I like to experiment and so I stopped making this recipe for a while till I spied my son Yehuda putting it together one Friday when we came to visit. Is that Doda Yo’s rice recipe? I asked. Of course, mama, I always make it, he replied. Well it’s nice to see tradition being carried on by the younger generation! And so, I started making it yet again and it’s still a huge hit every time and one of the rice dishes DH goes back for seconds for. Yehuda and I both use basmati rice but Persian rice works equally well in this dish.

It’s almost embarrassingly easy to put together. Other than the water, this is a 4 ingredient dish. So gather your few ingredients while you turn on the oven to 350 F/180 C.

Get a 9 x 13 rectangular baking dish and boil up your water. Right into the baking pan place the oil, onion soup mix, soy sauce and hot water and stir well together.

mixing the soup mix, oil, soy sauce and water

Then add the rice, right into the liquid mixture.

Stir well, cover tightly with tin foil and place in the hot oven (carefully, liquid can slosh so hold it steady!) Bake for 45 minutes covered and remove foil and continue baking uncovered an additional 15 minutes. Serve hot to delighted customers.

4 cups (950 ml) very hot water

1/2 cup oil

4 rounded (but not heaping) tablespoons onion soup mix

2 cups basmati or Persian rice

Preheat the oven to 350 F/180 F.

Mix together the hot water, oil, soy sauce and onion soup mix thoroughly. Add the rice and stir well. Cover tightly with tin foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes. Serve hot.

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