Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
Loaded with flavor and perfect for a cozy supper, Baked Chicken Legs and Rice is an easy-to-make dish that brings comfort to any table. This recipe combines tender chicken legs with fluffy rice, all baked to perfection in just one pan. With simple real-food ingredients and a prep time of only 10 minutes, it’s the ideal meal for busy weeknights or relaxed family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep, you can focus on other things while the oven does the work.
- Deliciously Flavorful: A blend of spices and aromatics ensures that every bite bursts with taste.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even casual get-togethers.
- One-Pan Wonder: Easy cleanup with everything cooked together in a single baking dish.
- Satisfying Comfort Food: A hearty meal that will leave everyone feeling full and happy.
Tools and Preparation
To create this delicious Baked Chicken Legs and Rice, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes all the difference in preparing your meal efficiently.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: Provides ample space for the chicken legs and rice to cook evenly together.
- Medium saucepan: Ideal for sautéing onions and garlic before adding them to the rice.
- Mixing bowl: Helps in combining spices and marinating the chicken thoroughly.
Ingredients
Loaded with flavor and perfect for a cozy supper. It uses simple, real food ingredients, requires just 10 minutes of prep, and cooks away in the oven while you enjoy your day.
Ingredients:
– 3 Tablespoons olive oil
– 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 Tablespoon smoked paprika
– 2 teaspoons dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 and 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (divided)
– 15-20 cranks fresh-ground black pepper
– 6-8 chicken drumsticks
– 2 Tablespoons butter
– 1/2 medium yellow onion (chopped)
– 3-4 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1 cup uncooked white rice (see note)
– 1 and 1/3 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
– 2/3 cup water
– 1 lemon (cut into wedges)
– fresh parsley or thyme (optional garnish)
How to Make Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures that your chicken legs cook evenly from the start.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Legs
Combine olive oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Mix these ingredients until they form a thin paste. Spoon this mixture over the chicken drumsticks, gently rubbing it in to coat fully. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until softened. Then add minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Transfer this mixture into an prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Add Rice
In the same baking dish with onion and garlic, add uncooked white rice along with the remaining half teaspoon of kosher salt. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Step 5: Prepare Liquid Mixture
In the saucepan used for sautéing onions, add chicken broth and water. Bring this mixture to a boil before carefully pouring it directly over the rice in your baking dish. Stir gently to combine.
Step 6: Arrange Chicken Drumsticks
Place seasoned chicken drumsticks on top of the rice mixture. Add half of the lemon wedges around the chicken. Cover tightly with foil.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in preheated oven for about 30 minutes covered with foil. After this time has passed, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until both the rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked through.
Step 8: Serve
Once baked, take out from oven and let it rest for about 2–3 minutes before serving. Transfer drumsticks and lemons onto a plate while fluffing up rice gently with a fork. Garnish with extra lemon wedges along with fresh parsley or thyme if desired before serving warm.
With these easy steps, you’ll have delicious Baked Chicken Legs and Rice ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
Serving Baked Chicken Legs and Rice is a delightful experience. This dish is versatile and can be paired with various sides and garnishes to enhance its flavor and presentation.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and freshness.
- Thyme Sprigs: Add whole thyme sprigs for a fragrant touch that complements the chicken.
Serve with Lemon Wedges
- Extra Lemon: Place lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the chicken, adding brightness to each bite.
Pair with a Salad
- Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette balances the meal beautifully.
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing of a Caesar salad adds richness that pairs well with the savory chicken.
Include Bread
- Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any flavorful juices from the dish.
- Garlic Bread: For added flavor, serve garlic bread alongside to complement the baked chicken.
Create a Family Style Presentation
- Serve in One Dish: Present all ingredients together in the baking dish for a rustic, family-style meal.
- Individual Plates: Alternatively, plate individual servings so guests can enjoy personalized portions.
How to Perfect Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
Perfecting your Baked Chicken Legs and Rice ensures maximum flavor and satisfaction. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality chicken can significantly enhance flavors.
- Marinate the Chicken: Allowing the drumsticks to marinate for at least an hour boosts their taste.
- Check Internal Temperature: Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the dish to rest after baking helps flavors meld together perfectly.
- Fluff the Rice Gently: Use a fork to fluff rice without breaking it apart too much for better texture.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to tweak herbs and spices based on your preference for an even more personalized dish.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
Pairing side dishes with Baked Chicken Legs and Rice elevates your meal. Here are some great options that complement this hearty dish well.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds vibrant color and nutrients.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers brings sweetness and earthiness.
- Coleslaw: This crunchy slaw adds a refreshing contrast to the warm chicken and rice.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob provides a sweet side that pairs beautifully with savory flavors.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a comforting addition that can soak up sauce.
- Cucumber Salad: A cool cucumber salad offers crunch while balancing out rich flavors from the chicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Baked Chicken Legs and Rice, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken legs properly can lead to bland flavors. Ensure you coat the drumsticks well with the spice mixture to enhance taste.
- rice preparation: Using unwashed rice may result in a gummy texture. Rinse the uncooked white rice before adding it to your baking dish for fluffier results.
- cooking time: Opening the oven too often can affect cooking time. Avoid peeking until the timer goes off to ensure even cooking of both chicken and rice.
- liquid balance: Adding too much or too little liquid can ruin your dish. Stick to the specified amounts of broth and water for perfect rice texture.
- rest period: Skipping the resting period after baking can lead to dry chicken. Allowing it to rest helps retain moisture and improves flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
- Baked Chicken Legs and Rice can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
- Place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Place a serving in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water, then add the rice and chicken. Stir occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding Baked Chicken Legs and Rice.
Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Yes, you can use thighs or breasts instead of drumsticks. Adjust cooking time as needed since different cuts have varying thicknesses.
What kind of rice works best with this recipe?
Long-grain white rice is ideal for Baked Chicken Legs and Rice as it cooks evenly and absorbs flavors well.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything ahead of time, cover it, and bake it later. Just keep in mind that it may need extra cook time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Why is my rice not cooking properly?
If your rice is undercooked, you may not have added enough liquid or not cooked it long enough. Ensure you follow the recipe’s liquid measurements closely.
Final Thoughts
Baked Chicken Legs and Rice is a comforting dish that combines juicy chicken with flavorful rice, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Feel free to customize it by adding vegetables or adjusting spices based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!
Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Baked Chicken Legs and Rice is the ultimate comfort dish that effortlessly combines juicy, seasoned chicken with fluffy, aromatic rice—all baked together in one pan. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this recipe requires just 10 minutes of prep time, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal rather than preparing it. With a delightful mix of spices and simple ingredients, every bite bursts with flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a casual dinner, this dish promises satisfaction for everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 6–8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 and 1/3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 medium yellow onion (chopped)
- 3–4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (divided)
- 15–20 cranks fresh-ground black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 lemon (cut into wedges)
- fresh parsley or thyme (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to form a paste. Rub over chicken drumsticks.
- Sauté onion in butter until softened; add garlic briefly before transferring to a baking dish.
- Add rice and salt to the baking dish; stir well.
- Boil chicken broth and water in the saucepan; pour over rice mixture.
- Place seasoned chicken on top and add lemon wedges around it. Cover with foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes covered; then remove foil and bake for another 20 minutes until cooked through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drumstick with rice (250g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 93mg
