Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
Loaded with flavor and perfect for a cozy supper, Baked Chicken Legs and Rice is a delightful dish that brings comfort to any table. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can set it in the oven and relax while it cooks. This recipe is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep for the week. The combination of juicy chicken legs and savory rice creates a fulfilling meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: With only 10 minutes of hands-on time, this dish is simple enough for any home cook.
- Flavorful Ingredients: A blend of spices and seasonings ensures each bite bursts with deliciousness.
- One-Pan Wonder: Enjoy minimal cleanup with all components cooked together in one baking dish.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions; it adapts to your needs.
- Satisfying and Hearty: The combination of chicken and rice makes it a filling meal that pleases all appetites.
Tools and Preparation
To make Baked Chicken Legs and Rice effectively, some essential tools will help streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish (8”x10” or 9”x13”)
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking Dish: A good-quality baking dish ensures even cooking and allows you to serve directly from it.
- Medium Saucepan: Ideal for sautéing ingredients like onions and garlic before combining them with rice.
- Mixing Bowl: Perfect for mixing spices with olive oil to create a flavorful paste for the chicken.
Ingredients
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.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, garlic powder, kosher salt (1 teaspoon), and black pepper.
- Mix these ingredients into a thin paste.
- Spoon this mixture over the chicken drumsticks, gently rubbing it in to coat them evenly. Set aside to marinate briefly.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped onion, cooking for about 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Transfer the onion-garlic mixture to your baking dish.
Step 4: Combine Rice with Liquids
- In the same saucepan used for sautéing, add uncooked white rice along with the remaining kosher salt. Stir well to combine.
- Pour in chicken broth and water. Bring this mixture to a boil before pouring it directly over the rice in the baking dish.
Step 5: Assemble Dish for Baking
- Arrange the seasoned chicken drumsticks on top of the rice mixture along with half of the lemon wedges. Cover tightly with foil.
Step 6: Bake in Oven
- Bake in preheated oven for about 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 20 minutes until both the rice is tender and chicken fully cooked.
Step 7: Fluff Rice and Serve
- After removing from oven, let rest for about 2–3 minutes. Remove drumsticks and lemon wedges onto a plate. Fluff up the rice gently using a fork. Garnish with additional lemon wedges and sprigs of parsley or thyme if desired before serving.
How to Serve Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
Baked Chicken Legs and Rice is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.
Casual Family Dinner
- Serve the chicken legs directly from the baking dish for a relaxed family-style meal. This allows everyone to help themselves to the juicy drumsticks and flavorful rice.
With Fresh Salad
- Pair your baked chicken with a crisp garden salad. The freshness of greens balances the rich flavors of the chicken, making for a delightful contrast.
Lemon Wedges on the Side
- Providing extra lemon wedges enhances the dish’s flavor. Guests can squeeze fresh lemon juice over their chicken or rice for a zesty kick.
Garnish with Herbs
- Fresh parsley or thyme makes a beautiful garnish. It adds color and an aromatic touch that complements the baked chicken perfectly.
With Crusty Bread
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. A warm baguette or rustic loaf will add a comforting element to your meal.
As Leftovers
- Enjoy leftovers by shredding the chicken and mixing it into soups or salads. This transforms your meal into something new and exciting!
How to Perfect Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
To make sure your Baked Chicken Legs and Rice turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use quality chicken: Opt for fresh, organic chicken legs for better flavor and tenderness.
- Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Let it rest: Allowing the dish to rest after baking helps redistribute juices, making the chicken even juicier.
- Adjust seasoning: Feel free to modify spices according to personal preference. Experimenting with herbs can elevate your dish further.
- Cover tightly: Make sure your baking dish is covered well with foil during cooking to trap steam, ensuring moist rice.
- Serve immediately: For best flavor and texture, serve this dish hot right after resting.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
While Baked Chicken Legs and Rice is hearty on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal even more.
- Steamed Vegetables: Freshly steamed broccoli or green beans offer a nutritious balance.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, cutting through the richness of the chicken.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread provides an irresistible way to enjoy every drop of sauce from your plate.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes pair wonderfully, adding comfort and heartiness.
- Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned grilled asparagus adds a touch of elegance with its charred flavor.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob is a classic side that’s easy to prepare during summer months.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasting brings out their sweetness while adding texture—perfect alongside savory chicken.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette complements the flavors of baked chicken beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Baked Chicken Legs and Rice, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of the dish. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.
- Skipping the Marinade: Not allowing enough time for the spice mixture to penetrate the chicken can result in bland flavor. Marinate for at least 30 minutes for better taste.
- Overcrowding the Baking Dish: Placing too many chicken legs in one dish can lead to uneven cooking. Use a larger dish or bake in batches if needed.
- Not Preheating the Oven: Starting with a cold oven can affect cooking times and lead to undercooked chicken. Always preheat your oven to 350 degrees F before baking.
- Ignoring Rest Time: Cutting into the chicken immediately after baking can release juices and dry it out. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving for juicier meat.
- Using Regular Salt Instead of Kosher: Regular salt is finer and can lead to over-salting. Opt for kosher salt, which is less intense, especially during seasoning.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Baked Chicken Legs and Rice in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
- Portion out the meal into freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
- Oven: Preheat to 350 degrees F, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
- Stovetop: Add a little water or broth in a skillet, cover, and warm over medium heat until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Baked Chicken Legs and Rice.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but note that it will require a longer cooking time. Adjust your liquid ratios accordingly.
What sides go well with Baked Chicken Legs and Rice?
Green beans, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad complement this dish nicely.
How do I make my chicken legs crispy?
For extra crispiness, broil the chicken legs for an additional 3-5 minutes after baking.
Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute thighs or breasts; just adjust cooking times as needed based on thickness.
Final Thoughts
Baked Chicken Legs and Rice is a comforting meal that combines hearty flavors with minimal effort. This recipe’s versatility allows for numerous customizations; feel free to add vegetables or switch up seasonings based on your preferences. Enjoy this satisfying dish any night of the week!
Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Baked Chicken Legs and Rice is the ultimate comforting dish for cozy family dinners. This one-pan wonder combines juicy chicken drumsticks with savory rice, all infused with a delightful blend of spices. In just 10 minutes of prep time, you can pop this meal in the oven and enjoy precious moments with your loved ones while it cooks. Ideal for potlucks, meal prep, or special occasions, this dish is versatile enough to adapt to any gathering. Whether you’re looking to please picky eaters or impress guests, Baked Chicken Legs and Rice is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 6–8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 medium yellow onion (chopped)
- 3–4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 and 1/3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper to create a paste. Rub this mixture onto the chicken drumsticks.
- Sauté chopped onions in butter until softened; add minced garlic briefly before transferring to a baking dish.
- Combine rinsed rice with chicken broth and water in the baking dish. Place seasoned chicken on top and cover tightly with foil.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes; then uncover and bake 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 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
