Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
Loaded with flavor and perfect for a cozy supper, Baked Chicken Legs and Rice is an ideal dish for any occasion. This recipe uses simple, real food ingredients and requires just 10 minutes of prep. While it cooks in the oven, you can relax or attend to other tasks. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this meal is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Prep Time: With only 10 minutes of preparation, you can have this delicious meal ready to bake in no time.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.
- Flavorful Dish: The combination of spices and chicken broth creates a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the rice.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out vegetables or seasonings based on what you have on hand.
- Feeding a Crowd: This recipe serves six, making it great for family dinners or gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
To make Baked Chicken Legs and Rice, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: A good quality baking dish ensures even cooking and helps retain moisture in your chicken legs and rice.
- Medium saucepan: This is perfect for sautéing onions and garlic before adding them to the rice, enhancing their flavors.
Ingredients
The following ingredients are needed to prepare Baked Chicken Legs and Rice:
- 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 step ensures that your chicken cooks evenly from the start.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Drumsticks
In a small mixing bowl:
1. Combine olive oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix into a thin paste.
3. Spoon this mixture over the chicken drumsticks and rub it in gently to coat.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat:
1. Melt butter.
2. Add chopped onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
4. Transfer the onion-garlic mixture into your baking dish.
Step 4: Prepare the Rice Mixture
In the same baking dish:
1. Add uncooked white rice and remaining kosher salt; stir well.
2. Bring chicken broth and water to a boil in the same saucepan used for onions.
3. Pour hot liquid directly over the rice mixture in the baking dish; stir to combine.
Step 5: Assemble for Baking
Arrange marinated drumsticks on top of the rice along with about half of the lemon wedges:
1. Cover tightly with foil.
2. Bake covered for 30 minutes.
3. Remove foil; bake for another 20 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
Step 6: Serve Your Dish
Once out of the oven:
1. Let rest for about 2–3 minutes.
2. Move drumsticks and lemon wedges to a plate.
3. Use a fork to fluff up the rice gently.
4. Garnish with extra lemon wedges and fresh parsley or thyme if desired, then serve warm.
Enjoy your delicious Baked Chicken Legs and Rice!
How to Serve Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
Baked Chicken Legs and Rice is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering, these serving suggestions will add flair to your meal.
With Fresh Salad
- Garden Salad: A mix of greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing adds freshness.
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw offers a crunchy texture that pairs well with the chicken and rice.
With Dipping Sauces
- Garlic Aioli: This creamy dip complements the flavors of the chicken beautifully.
- Spicy BBQ Sauce: Add a kick to your meal with a tangy and spicy barbecue sauce for dipping.
With Extra Lemon Wedges
- Brighten the Flavor: Serve additional lemon wedges on the side for those who enjoy a citrusy zest with their chicken.
With Crusty Bread
- Freshly Baked Bread: A loaf of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful juices from the dish.
How to Perfect Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
Achieving perfectly baked chicken legs and rice is all about timing and seasoning. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out great every time.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley or thyme as a garnish enhances flavor and presentation.
- Properly Season the Rice: Make sure to mix salt evenly into the rice for balanced flavor.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the cooking time; overcooking can dry out the chicken.
- Let it Rest Before Serving: Allowing the dish to sit briefly after baking helps retain moisture in both the chicken and rice.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
Pairing side dishes with Baked Chicken Legs and Rice can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement this main course perfectly.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans add color and nutrition.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes provide a hearty addition to your plate.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a pop of sweetness that balances savory flavors.
- Garlic Bread: This classic side is perfect for mopping up any leftover juices from your dish.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers a sweet contrast to the savory chicken.
- Quinoa Salad: A nutritious quinoa salad with veggies adds texture and health benefits.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Baked Chicken Legs and Rice, there are some common pitfalls to be aware of. Here are key mistakes to avoid to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.
- Neglecting to season the chicken: Failing to properly season the chicken can result in bland flavors. Make sure to coat the drumsticks thoroughly with the spice mixture for maximum taste.
- Skipping the resting time: Cutting into the chicken right after baking can lead to dry meat. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juices.
- Using unwashed rice: Not rinsing your rice can lead to excess starch, resulting in a sticky texture. Always rinse the rice under cold water before cooking.
- Overcrowding the baking dish: Placing too many drumsticks in one dish may lead to uneven cooking. Arrange them comfortably with space in between for even heat distribution.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature could leave you with undercooked or overcooked chicken. Always preheat your oven to 350 degrees F for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
- Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Stovetop: Add a bit of water or broth in a pan over medium heat, cover, and stir occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about preparing Baked Chicken Legs and Rice, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but adjust cooking time as it typically takes longer than white rice.
What can I serve with Baked Chicken Legs and Rice?
Baked Chicken Legs and Rice pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The internal temperature of chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
Can I customize the spices used?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust spices based on your preference or try adding different herbs like rosemary or basil for variety.
Final Thoughts
Baked Chicken Legs and Rice offers a wonderful blend of flavors that makes it perfect for any cozy dinner. Its simplicity allows you to customize it easily based on what you have on hand. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a satisfying meal that brings comfort and joy!
Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Baked Chicken Legs and Rice is the ultimate comfort meal that brings warmth and flavor to your table. This one-pan wonder combines juicy chicken drumsticks with aromatic rice, all cooked together for a delightful, hassle-free dinner. With just 10 minutes of prep time and easy-to-follow instructions, you can relax while this dish bakes in the oven. The savory blend of spices and the richness of chicken broth ensure every bite is packed with flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this recipe serves six and offers versatility for ingredient swaps based on what you have on hand. Enjoy a satisfying meal that’s as delicious as it is effortless.
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
- 1 and 1/3 cups chicken broth
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 lemon (cut into wedges)
- fresh parsley or thyme (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Coat chicken drumsticks with this mixture.
- Sauté chopped onion in butter until softened; add minced garlic briefly until fragrant.
- In a baking dish, combine uncooked rice with sautéed onion and garlic mixture. Pour hot chicken broth and water over the rice.
- Place marinated chicken on top of the rice with lemon wedges; cover with foil.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes; uncover and bake an additional 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drumstick with rice (approx. 240g)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
