Upside-Down Chicken with Veggie Rice Bake Recipe

Instructions:

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Clean the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin for maximum flavor.
4. Using wooden skewers, secure the chicken legs and wings, creating a tripod-like structure, ensuring the chicken can be suspended upside-down on the oven rack. This allows the chicken to roast evenly with the juices dripping onto the rice.

Step 2: Prepare the Veggie Rice Bake

1. In a baking tray or roasting pan, add the uncooked rice and evenly spread it out.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the mixed vegetables to the onion and garlic, stirring for another 2 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in turmeric (if using), salt, and pepper. Let this mixture come to a simmer, then pour it over the rice in the baking tray.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken and Rice

1. Position the baking tray with the rice on the bottom rack of your oven.
2. Place the chicken on the rack above the tray, ensuring it is suspended upside-down and the juices will drip down onto the rice.
3. Bake the chicken and rice for about 1.5 hours or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
4. Halfway through the cooking time, check the rice and give it a stir. If needed, add a bit more chicken broth to prevent it from drying out.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

1. Once fully cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
2. Fluff the rice with a fork, making sure it has absorbed the flavorful chicken drippings. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Step 5: Serve

1. Carve the chicken and serve alongside the flavorful veggie rice bake.
2. Enjoy this delicious, wholesome meal, with perfectly moist and crispy chicken paired with rich, chicken-infused rice.

Why This Recipe Works

• Upside-down roasting allows the chicken to cook evenly, with the juices flowing into the rice, resulting in a moist chicken with crispy skin.
• Veggie rice bake benefits from the chicken drippings, which infuse the rice with rich, savory flavors, while the vegetables add texture and nutrients.