This budget baked chicken and rice for two is a simple, cozy comfort meal made with just a few pantry ingredients. This easy oven baked chicken and rice recipe cooks everything together in one dish, creating a hearty and affordable dinner perfect for small households.
This recipe is part of my Budget Comfort Meals for Two, a collection of simple, affordable meals designed to help you cook satisfying dinners without spending a fortune.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Very budget-friendly ingredients
• Only a few simple pantry staples
• Everything cooks together in one dish
• Minimal prep and easy cleanup
• Perfect portion for two people
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients for Baked Chicken & Rice
• 2 chicken leg quarters
• ½ cup uncooked rice
• 1 cup water
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Ingredient Notes
Chicken Leg Quarters
Leg quarters are one of the most budget-friendly cuts of chicken and stay tender when baked.
Rice
Regular long-grain white rice works best for oven baked chicken and rice recipes like this one.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce adds flavor and saltiness to the rice while it cooks.
Garlic Powder
This optional seasoning adds extra flavor without increasing the cost.
How to Make Baked Chicken & Rice
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Pour the rice into an 8×8 baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Add the water and soy sauce and stir gently.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using.
- Place the chicken leg quarters on top of the rice and press them slightly into the liquid.
- Cover the dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil.
- Bake for 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F and the rice is tender.
Equipment
• 8×8 Baking Dish
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Perfect size for cooking small meals without wasting food.
• Liquid Measuring Cup
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Accurate measurements make cooking easier.
• Dry Measuring Cups
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Durable and easy to clean.
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Options
• Cut the leg quarters into drumsticks and thighs so they cook slightly faster.
• Use boneless chicken thighs for a quicker cooking option (though it may cost a little more).
• Add ½ cup frozen vegetables such as peas or carrots to the rice before baking.
Tips
• Make sure the dish is covered tightly so the rice cooks properly.
• If the rice seems slightly firm at the end of cooking, cover the dish again and bake an extra 10 minutes.
• Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving so the rice can absorb the remaining liquid.
Serving Suggestions
This baked chicken and rice makes a complete meal, but it pairs nicely with:
• A simple green salad
• Steamed vegetables
• Dinner rolls
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat:
Warm in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Freeze:
This dish can be frozen for up to 1 month in freezer-safe containers.
Budget Cost Breakdown (Estimated)
• Chicken leg quarters – about $2.00
• Rice – about $0.25
• Soy sauce and seasonings – about $0.50
Estimated total cost: around $3–$4 for two servings
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of leg quarters?
Yes. Boneless or bone-in chicken thighs work well and cook slightly faster.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time, so white rice works best for this recipe.
Do I have to cover the dish while baking?
Yes. Covering the dish helps the rice cook properly by trapping steam.
More Budget Comfort Recipes for Two
If you enjoyed this recipe, you may also like:
• French Onion Beef Noodle Skillet
• One-Pot Goulash for Two
• Budget Beef and Spanish Rice Skillet
• 15-Minute Garlic Butter Steak for Two
Plan Your Meals With Ease
My Meal Planner with Grocery List for Cooking for Two helps you organize weekly meals, create efficient shopping lists, reduce food waste, and save money on groceries. Perfect for couples, empty nesters, and small households who want simple, budget-friendly meal planning without stress.
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