This Spicy Baked Chicken and Rice is a deliciously simple weeknight dinner packed with vibrant flavors. The dish features marinated chicken thighs cooked on top of aromatic rice, accompanied by a creamy garlic yoghurt and a tangy lime chimichurri that brings everything together. You can prepare this dish using an air fryer or in the oven, depending on what you have available.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4–6 bone-in chicken thighs

• 1 tbsp chipotle paste

• Olive oil, salt, and pepper

For the Rice:

• 1 cup rice

• 1 ½ cups hot chicken stock

• 1 white onion

• 3 garlic cloves

• 1 tsp whole cumin

• 1–2 limes (30ml of juice needed)

• Small handful of coriander

• Small handful of parsley

• ½ red onion

• 1 tsp red chili flakes

• A pinch of sugar

For the Garlic Yoghurt:

• 1 cup yoghurt

• ½ lime juice

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Lime Chimichurri:

• ½ red onion

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp red chili flakes

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Coat chicken thighs with chipotle paste, olive oil, and seasoning. Set aside to marinate.

2. Prepare the Rice:

   • Sauté the onion, cumin, and garlic with olive oil. Then add rice and stock, cooking it for 10-12 minutes in an air fryer or oven until slightly par-cooked.

3. Make the Garlic Yoghurt:

   • Mix the yoghurt, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Set aside.

4. Make the Lime Chimichurri:

   • In a separate bowl, combine the red onion, lime juice, red chili flakes, and olive oil. Let it rest to pickle.

5. Assemble the Dish:

   • Layer the rice, followed by the chicken on top, and bake at 330°F (165°C) for 20-30 minutes or until the chicken skin is crispy and the rice is tender.

6. Serve:

   • Plate the chicken and rice, top with garlic yoghurt, drizzle with lime chimichurri, and serve hot.

Nutritional Value (per serving):

Estimated (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 500-600 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 35g

• Protein: 40g

• Fat: 25g

  • Saturated Fat: 7g

• Cholesterol: 120mg

• Sodium: 800-1000mg

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 6g

This flavorful meal combines spice, creaminess, and tang, making it a satisfying, all-in-one dish!

The Appeal of Spicy Baked Chicken and Rice

What makes Spicy Baked Chicken and Rice so appealing is the combination of textures and flavors. The chicken thighs, with their crispy, golden skin and juicy meat, form the star of the dish. The rice, cooked with onions, garlic, and cumin, provides an aromatic base that perfectly complements the chicken. The garlic yogurt adds a cooling creaminess to balance out the heat from the chipotle paste, while the lime chimichurri adds a bright, tangy kick. Together, they create a harmonious dish that’s not only full of flavor but also a great option for a busy weeknight dinner.

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

• Bone-in Chicken Thighs: The chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, with the skin adding richness and the bone helping to lock in moisture during baking. They are marinated with chipotle paste for a smoky, spicy kick.

• Chipotle Paste: This ingredient gives the chicken its smoky, spicy depth. Chipotle paste is made from dried smoked jalapeños and brings a nice heat to the dish without overpowering the other flavors.

• Rice: The rice acts as a flavorful base, absorbing all the juices from the chicken and spices. Cooking it with chicken stock, garlic, onion, and cumin infuses the rice with extra flavor, making it a perfect companion to the chicken.

• Garlic Yoghurt: The creamy garlic yogurt adds richness and coolness, balancing the spice of the chipotle and chimichurri. The acidity from the lime juice in the yogurt also adds a fresh contrast to the dish.

• Lime Chimichurri: This tangy, herb-packed sauce is made with red onion, lime juice, red chili flakes, and olive oil. The lime chimichurri brings a refreshing, zesty kick to the dish, cutting through the richness of the chicken and rice.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by coating the chicken thighs in chipotle paste, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is well-coated with the paste to ensure that the flavors permeate the meat. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally, let it sit in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight to maximize the flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion, garlic, and cumin until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add the rice to the pan and stir to coat it with the oil and spices. Next, pour in the hot chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Cook the rice for 10-12 minutes, either in an air fryer or oven at 330°F (165°C), until it is partially cooked but not fully done. This allows the rice to absorb some of the flavors while still leaving room for the chicken to cook on top.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Yoghurt
While the rice is cooking, prepare the garlic yogurt by mixing the yogurt, lime juice, grated garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir well to combine and set aside. The yogurt will provide a creamy element that balances the heat from the chipotle paste and the tangy lime chimichurri.

Step 4: Make the Lime Chimichurri
In a separate bowl, combine the red onion, lime juice, red chili flakes, olive oil, and salt and pepper. Let the mixture rest for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The chimichurri will add a refreshing, tangy element to the dish, with a subtle kick of spice from the red chili flakes.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Preheat your oven or air fryer to 330°F (165°C). In a baking dish, layer the partially cooked rice, then place the marinated chicken thighs on top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy. Be sure to baste the chicken with its juices halfway through to keep it moist and flavorful. Once the chicken is golden and the rice is tender, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the chicken skin to crisp up.

Step 6: Serve
Once the chicken is fully cooked and crispy, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the chicken and rice on plates, and top with a generous spoonful of garlic yogurt. Drizzle the lime chimichurri over the top and garnish with fresh coriander and parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Spicy Baked Chicken and Rice is a complete meal on its own, but it can be served with a variety of sides to complement the flavors:

• Steamed Vegetables: Serve with a side of steamed or sautéed vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or zucchini, to add freshness and balance to the richness of the chicken and rice.

• Crispy Flatbread: A side of crispy flatbread can be used to scoop up the rice and sauces, adding an extra layer of texture.

• Simple Salad: A light, fresh salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and a citrus dressing pairs perfectly with the richness of the chicken and rice.

Conclusion

Spicy Baked Chicken and Rice is a flavorful and satisfying meal that brings together bold flavors and comforting ingredients. The tender, juicy chicken thighs, combined with the aromatic rice and creamy garlic yogurt, create a harmonious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The tangy lime chimichurri adds a refreshing kick that enhances the richness of the chicken and rice, making this dish a balanced and delicious meal that will become a family favorite. Whether prepared in the oven or air fryer, this recipe is easy to make and sure to impress!