Perfect Oven-Baked Rice Recipe

This easy oven baked rice recipe is the easiest way to cook rice to get that perfect rice every time. Anyone else feel like cooking rice can be a tricky skill? You  want it to be fully cooked without being mushy or sticking to the pan. With this foolproof method, I can almost guarantee you will have perfect fluffy rice every time. 

What is oven-baked rice?

Just like the title suggests, oven-baked rice is rice that is cooked completely in the oven. There are a variety of ways to cook rice: some people like the good old-fashioned stove top method, while others prefer a special rice cooker or instapot to cook rice. I’ve tried all of those, with varying degrees of success, but ultimately switched over to baking my rice in the oven because it is simple and quick, turning out fluffy, perfectly-cooked rice every time. 

How long does it take to make this rice?

While the cook time will vary slightly based on the type of rice you choose to use, in general it takes about 20-25 minutes to cook a small batch of jasmine rice. 

​What kinds of rice can you cook with this method?

My family’s personal favorite when it comes to rice is a jasmine rice. We love the texture and slightly sweet flavor of jasmine rice. You could use any type of rice – white rice, brown rice, basmati rice and wild rice could also be cooked this way, you would just want to vary your water to rice ratio, just as you would cooking it on the stove top or in a rice cooker. 

​What is the liquid used in rice?

The most common liquid ingredient used in rice is water, however, for a little extra flavor and nutrient boost, you could cook your rice in chicken stock, chicken broth, or even beef broth. This makes super flavor rice with all the extra health benefits. 

What kind of recipes can I use for this rice?

Any recipe that calls for rice or cooked rice could be done this way. Rice is such a versatile ingredient and it is so affordable and cost effective. Rice can be a main dish with meat and vegetables mixed into it, or it can be a simple side dish. One of my favorite things to do is to bake rice with chicken broth and then add a little extra garlic powder, lime juice, and cilantro at the end. It turns into a delicious cilantro lime rice that is delicious served along side black beans and your favorite Mexican dish.

One simple rice casserole idea is to place chicken breasts in one end of a glass casserole dish that has been drizzled with olive oil, add uncooked rice in the middle and then green beans on the other side. Sprinkle the whole thing generously with salt and black pepper, pour water over top and then cover with tin foil. Bake in a hot oven until the water is absorbed and the chicken is cooked, about 45 minutes. This is seriously such a simple dish that even your picky eaters will enjoy.

What do I do with the leftover rice?
Leftover rice is great for so many different things. It reheats wonderfully, making it an easy dish to reheat and serve for another meal. For something a little different, try turning it into stir-fried rice by adding soy sauce and mixed veggies or add tomatoes and bell peppers and make it a stuffed pepper rice. The ideas really are endless.

How do I store the leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. I have attempted to freeze rice in the past, but it never turns out well. It usually loses its texture and ends up very mushy.

Can I make the rice ahead of time?

​Rice is a great thing to make ahead as part of your meal prep routine. While it does not freeze well, it does reheat well. It is simple to make a big batch of rice and then add difference seasoning and vegetables to it to make different meals. 

How do I make oven-baked rice?

To make this simple oven-baked rice you will need just a few ingredients: boiling water, your favorite kind of rice, butter, and salt. Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees and then 1 -3/4 cups of water over medium heat on the stovetop. You will want it to be boiling before you add it to the rice. Grease your favorite oven-safe casserole dish and then add one cup of rinsed, uncooked rice to the bottom of the pan. Slowly pour 1 -3/4 cups of boiling water over the rice. Add one tablespoon of butter on top with a sprinkle of salt. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil or a glass lid and bake at 375 for 20 minutes or until the rice is fork tender. Gently fluff the rice before serving. 

Have you tried oven baked rice? I would love to know what you think when you try this recipe. If you’re looking for other rice recipes, especially for a budget, check out my favorite red beans and rice recipe here.