Oven Cooked Rice Pilaf

Elevate your side dish game with this easy yet flavorful Oven Cooked Rice Pilaf. Perfectly baked in a Dutch oven, this recipe combines long-grain rice with sautéed onion, garlic, and finely diced carrots for a savory foundation. Infused with the aromatic notes of bay leaf and dried thyme, and cooked in low-sodium broth, the pilaf develops a tender, fluffy texture with irresistible depth of flavor. With just 10 minutes of prep and the oven doing the heavy lifting, this foolproof method guarantees consistent results every time. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and serve it as a versatile complement to roasted chicken, grilled seafood, or vegetarian mains. Easy, elegant, and oh-so-satisfying, this oven-baked rice pilaf is a crowd-pleaser you'll want to make again and again!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups long-grain rice
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium)
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In an oven-safe, medium-sized pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic and diced carrot. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Add the rinsed and drained rice to the pot. Stir well to coat the rice with the butter and vegetables, cooking for 2 more minutes to lightly toast the rice.

Step 7

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on the stovetop.

Step 9

Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.

Step 10

Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.

Step 11

Remove the pot from the oven and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.

Step 12

Fluff the rice gently with a fork, discard the bay leaf, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Step 13

Serve warm as a side dish or a base for your favorite main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1239.2 grams (1239.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	823

Total Fat 38.80g	50%
Saturated Fat 21.40g	107%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 93mg	31%
Sodium 1064mg	46%
Total Carbohydrate 106.10g	39%
Dietary Fiber 5.50g	20%
Total Sugars 7.50g
Protein 13.90g	28%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 150mg	12%
Iron 6mg	32%
Potassium 673mg	14%

*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: 42.1%

Protein: 6.7%

Carbs: 51.2%