
This hearty chicken and rice bake is an easy family dinner made in one pan. Juicy chicken thighs cook slowly with creamy mushroom soup, tomatoes, rice, and sweet baby carrots for a comforting meal with plenty of flavor.
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Rinse the chicken thighs and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels.


Arrange the chicken thighs in a large baking dish or roasting pan in an even layer.

In a large bowl, stir together the black pepper, crushed red pepper, ground cumin, minced garlic, cream of mushroom soup, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with lime juice and cilantro, and the rinsed uncooked rice until well combined.



Spoon the rice mixture evenly over and around the chicken thighs, making sure the rice is distributed across the pan.



Scatter the baby carrots over the top of the rice and chicken.


Cover the pan tightly with a lid or foil and bake for 2 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender. If needed, uncover for the last 5 to 10 minutes to let excess moisture evaporate slightly.


Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving, then spoon the rice and carrots onto plates with the chicken.

If you prefer, you can use boneless chicken thighs, but check for doneness earlier. Make sure the pan is tightly covered so the rice cooks evenly. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated with a splash of water or broth.