Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
Loaded with flavor and perfect for a cozy supper, Baked Chicken Legs and Rice is a dish the whole family will love. This recipe uses simple, real food ingredients and requires just 10 minutes of prep time. Once it’s in the oven, you can relax as it cooks away, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep, you can enjoy a homemade meal without the hassle.
- Flavorful Dish: The blend of spices and seasonings ensures every bite is packed with taste.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the juicy chicken legs paired with fluffy rice.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect for dinner parties or casual family meals, this dish suits any occasion.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Baked Chicken Legs and Rice, you’ll need a few essential tools to help streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking Dish: A reliable baking dish ensures even cooking for both chicken legs and rice in one go.
- Medium Saucepan: Ideal for sautéing onions and garlic to build flavor before adding liquid to the rice.
- Mixing Bowl: Helps combine seasonings thoroughly, ensuring your chicken legs are well-coated.
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.
For the Chicken Legs
- 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
For the Rice Base
- 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
For Garnishing
- 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 will cook evenly from the start.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Marinade
In a small bowl, combine:
1. Olive oil
2. Brown sugar
3. Smoked paprika
4. Dried thyme
5. Dried oregano
6. Garlic powder
7. 1 teaspoon kosher salt
8. Black pepper
Mix these ingredients into a thin paste. Spoon this mixture over the drumsticks and gently rub it in to coat them evenly. Set aside while you prepare the rice base.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat:
1. Add chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
3. Transfer this mixture to an 8”x10” or 9”x13” baking dish.
Step 4: Combine Rice with Seasoning
In the baking dish with onions and garlic:
1. Add uncooked white rice along with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
2. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Step 5: Prepare Liquid Mixture
In the same saucepan used for sautéing:
1. Add low-sodium chicken broth and water.
2. Bring to a boil, then pour directly over the rice mixture in the baking dish.
3. Stir it in gently to ensure even distribution.
Step 6: Arrange Chicken Drumsticks
Place marinated drumsticks on top of the rice mixture:
– Include half of your lemon wedges around them.
– Cover tightly with foil before placing in the oven.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for:
1. 30 minutes covered with foil
2. Remove foil; bake for another 20 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
Step 8: Serve
Remove from oven; let rest for about 2-3 minutes:
– Transfer drumsticks and lemons to a plate.
– Use a fork to fluff up the rice gently.
– Garnish with extra lemon wedges and sprigs of parsley or thyme if desired before serving.
This easy-to-follow recipe helps create delicious Baked Chicken Legs and Rice that everyone will enjoy!
How to Serve Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
Baked Chicken Legs and Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish that can be served in various delightful ways. Pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate your dining experience.
With Fresh Salad
- Mixed Greens: A light salad with romaine, spinach, and your favorite dressing adds freshness.
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing complements the savory chicken wonderfully.
With Vegetables
- Roasted Broccoli: Crisp-tender broccoli drizzled with olive oil enhances the meal’s nutrition.
- Steamed Green Beans: Simple yet delicious, green beans add a pop of color and crunch.
With Bread
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover juices from the chicken and rice.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft rolls are great for a satisfying bite alongside this hearty meal.
With Dipping Sauces
- Barbecue Sauce: A tangy barbecue sauce can enhance the flavors of the chicken.
- Hot Sauce: For those who like a kick, hot sauce adds spice to every bite.
How to Perfect Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
To achieve the best results with your Baked Chicken Legs and Rice, a few tips can make all the difference.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh chicken legs and high-quality rice ensure better flavor.
- Marinate Ahead of Time: Letting the chicken marinate for a few hours or overnight intensifies its taste.
- Watch Your Cooking Time: Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165°F for safety.
- Fluff the Rice Gently: After baking, gently fluffing the rice keeps it from becoming mushy.
- Add Fresh Herbs Before Serving: Sprinkling fresh parsley or thyme just before serving brightens up the dish.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven for optimal texture.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
Pairing Baked Chicken Legs and Rice with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a rich contrast to the savory chicken.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw adds freshness and balances out the richness of the dish.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn is always a crowd-pleaser that works well with baked chicken.
- Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasted until golden, Brussels sprouts offer both flavor and texture.
- Quinoa Salad: A light salad made with quinoa, cucumber, and lemon vinaigrette complements well.
- Creamed Spinach: Rich and creamy spinach pairs beautifully with moist chicken legs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Baked Chicken Legs and Rice, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Avoiding these mistakes will help ensure a delicious meal.
- seasoning: Not using enough seasoning can lead to bland chicken. Always coat the drumsticks well with the seasoning paste for maximum flavor.
- Skipping the resting time: Cutting into the chicken too soon can make it dry. Let it rest for a few minutes after baking to retain its juices.
- Using cold liquids: Adding cold broth or water can affect cooking time. Always use hot liquids when mixing with rice to ensure even cooking.
- Overcrowding the pan: Packing too many drumsticks can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure there’s space between each piece for proper airflow.
- Ignoring rice instructions: Not following the rice-to-liquid ratio can result in overcooked or undercooked rice. Stick to the recommended measurements for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
- Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water in a pan, cover, and heat on low until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Baked Chicken Legs and Rice that may help you get the most from this recipe.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of legs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for drumsticks; just adjust cooking time as needed.
How do I ensure my rice is fluffy?
Rinsing the rice before cooking helps remove excess starch, resulting in fluffy grains.
What side dishes pair well with Baked Chicken Legs and Rice?
Green vegetables like steamed broccoli or a fresh salad complement this dish nicely.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare everything and store it in the fridge before baking. Just add additional cooking time if baking from cold.
Final Thoughts
Baked Chicken Legs and Rice is not only easy but also incredibly satisfying. This one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights, and you can easily customize it with your favorite herbs or veggies. Give it a try and enjoy a cozy dinner!
Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Baked Chicken Legs and Rice is the ultimate comfort food, combining juicy chicken drumsticks with fluffy rice in a savory one-pan dish. This recipe is quick and easy, requiring only 10 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings. The chicken is marinated with a delightful blend of spices that infuses each bite with flavor, while the rice absorbs all the delicious juices as it cooks. This hearty meal will satisfy everyone at your table, and clean-up is a breeze since everything cooks together in one dish.
Ingredients
- 6–8 chicken drumsticks
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 and 1/3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken drumsticks with this marinade.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant.
- Combine uncooked rice with the onion-garlic mixture in a baking dish.
- Pour hot chicken broth over the rice mixture.
- Arrange marinated chicken on top and bake covered for 30 minutes; then uncover and bake for an additional 20 minutes until fully cooked.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drumstick (85g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
