Baked Jollof Rice with Roasted Chicken : A Crowd-Pleasing Weeknight Dinner!

Posted on December 24, 2025

This vibrant and delicious Baked Jollof Rice with Roasted Chicken comes together in about 60 minutes and is done all in one pan for a quick and easy meal that your family will love! You can switch up the vegetables or proteins to suit your taste or even use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers and odd bits lying around! Trust me, this meal is a game-changer for busy weeknights!

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 cups long-grain rice : I like to use basmati or jasmine rice for a touch of aroma.
4 cups chicken broth : Feel free to go with low-sodium for a healthier option.
1/4 cup vegetable oil : Olive oil works too, but I prefer veggie oil for frying.
1 medium onion, chopped : Adds a sweetness that makes this dish sing!
3 cloves garlic, minced : Because what’s a dish without a little love from garlic?!
1 red bell pepper, chopped : You could choose any color bell pepper you fancy.
1/4 cup tomato paste : This concentrates the flavor and gives that lovely red color.
1 teaspoon thyme : For herby goodness.
1 teaspoon paprika : Adds warmth and a whole lot of flavor.
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) : A kick if you’re feeling bold! If your kids are sensitive to spice, just leave this out.
Salt and pepper to taste : A couple pinches of each, or more if you like!
4 pieces of chicken (legs or breasts) : You can use whatever you have on hand; skin-on adds flavor!
1 tablespoon curry powder : Trust me, this is the secret star, totally elevates the dish!
Optional garnish: Sliced green onions or cilantro. Because we all like a little fresh flair!

Let’s Get Cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This is super important because you want your chicken and rice to cook evenly!
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they’re translucent, about 4-5 minutes. The aroma is incredible, your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
Stir in the chopped red bell pepper, tomato paste, thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is nice and combined and, oh, it’s so fragrant! You’ll definitely want to scrape those yummy bits off the bottom too.
Add the rice to the pot, stirring well to coat it with all that saucy goodness. It’s starting to smell like comfort food in here!
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 2 minutes. I like to taste the broth at this stage to see if I need more seasoning, anyone else do that?
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Make sure you’re using one that’s large enough because we want this to cook evenly. Place the chicken pieces on top of the rice. Season the chicken with curry powder, salt, and pepper.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This helps the chicken stay juicy and allows the rice to absorb all those amazing flavors!
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. You want the chicken cooked through (165°F internal temperature) and the rice tender. The smell in your kitchen will be downright intoxicating!
Garnish with green onions or cilantro, if desired, before serving. You know, just to make it pretty!

Why I Love This Recipe

Honestly? This is my go-to recipe when I need that hug-in-a-bowl kind of comfort food! It’s flavorful, satisfying, and comes together all in one pan, which means less cleanup, yay! I’m a real sucker for anything that combines some hearty rice with juicy chicken. And the best part is, you can totally customize it based on what’s in your fridge!

If my kids see me pulling this dish out, there’s hardly any grumbling about dinner. They’re all over it, even my picky eater! Once, I made this on a chilly Thursday, and they begged for seconds. There’s just something so soul-satisfying about the spices, it’s like a simple reminder of home.

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Caribbean Chicken and Rice, my Parmesan-Basil Chicken Cutlets, or my Slow Cooker Pineapple Pork!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This Baked Jollof Rice with Roasted Chicken comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for those busy weekdays!

One Pot

You’ll love that this dish requires just one pot for cooking! Minimal cleanup means more time to relax with your family after a long day.

Comfort Food

This meal is loaded with tons of flavor, and it’s incredibly satisfying. Seriously, once you dig in, you’ll understand why this is a family favorite in my house!

Customizable

You can use whatever ingredients you have on hand! If you’ve got leftover veggies or proteins, toss them in! This dish is all about making something delicious from what you’ve got.

Meal Prep Friendly

This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You’ll have enough leftover for lunches the next day, and it stores well in the fridge!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

This dish is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a simple salad or some crispy fried plantains for a more authentic feel. Pair it with a cold drink, and you’re all set!

Storage

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s cooled down before you pop it in!

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, pop it in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth if it looks a little dry!

Freezer Friendly

Yes, you can freeze this dish! Just let it cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and pop it in the freezer. It’ll keep for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as directed.

Final Thoughts

Can we just take a moment to appreciate how wonderful it is to have a go-to recipe like Baked Jollof Rice with Roasted Chicken? It’s versatile, comforting, and totally delicious! Plus, the leftovers are just as good (if not better!) the next day.

And here’s a little tip: If you ever feel like you’re in a dinner rut, give this dish a try. You’ll have dinner on the table in no time, and trust me, your family will be begging for repeats! Can’t wait for you to try it out, happy cooking! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.