To start out your journey in the direction of perfect oven-baked rice pilaf, collect the following ingredients: 1 cup of long-grain white rice (like basmati or jasmine), 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil, 1 medium onion (finely chopped), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), and elective spices like bay leaves or herbs reminiscent of thyme.