Baked Rice Pilaf

Transform your dinner table with the aromatic delight of Baked Rice Pilaf, a one-pan wonder that's as elegant as it is simple to prepare. In this recipe, long-grain white rice is gently toasted with butter, garlic, and onions for a rich, nutty base, then slowly baked to perfection in a savory bath of chicken broth infused with dried thyme and a hint of bay leaf. The result is fluffy, golden-hued rice that's bursting with flavor and ready to complement anything from roasted chicken to seasonal vegetables. Garnish with sliced almonds and fresh parsley for an optional finishing touch that adds crunch and color. This oven-baked rice pilaf requires just 10 minutes of prep time and bakes effortlessly, making it the ultimate side dish for weeknight meals or special occasions.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups long-grain white rice
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 small bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper, ground
• 0.25 cups sliced almonds (optional, for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.

Step 3

In a large oven-safe skillet or heavy-bottomed pan with a lid, melt the butter over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until softened and translucent.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir well to coat the grains in the butter. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice begins to turn golden and lightly toasted.

Step 7

Pour in the chicken broth, then add the bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet with a lid or foil.

Step 9

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.

Step 10

Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Discard the bay leaf and fluff the rice with a fork.

Step 11

Optional: Sprinkle the baked rice pilaf with sliced almonds and chopped parsley for added texture and flavor.

Step 12

Serve warm as a side dish or main course and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1209.1 grams (1209.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	975

Total Fat 49.60g	64%
Saturated Fat 20.50g	102%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.10g
Cholesterol 99mg	33%
Sodium 1894mg	82%
Total Carbohydrate 106.70g	39%
Dietary Fiber 7.40g	26%
Total Sugars 7.90g
Protein 26.10g	52%

Vitamin D 7IU	34%
Calcium 223mg	17%
Iron 8mg	42%
Potassium 1140mg	24%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.7%

Protein: 10.7%

Carbs: 43.7%