Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
Loaded with flavor and perfect for a cozy supper, Baked Chicken Legs and Rice combines juicy chicken with tender rice for a comforting meal. This dish is not only simple but also requires just 10 minutes of prep time, allowing you to enjoy your day while it cooks in the oven. It’s suitable for family dinners, weeknight meals, or even special occasions. The standout qualities of this recipe include its rich flavors and the use of real food ingredients that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Prep Time: With only 10 minutes needed to prepare, this recipe fits perfectly into busy schedules.
- Flavorful Dish: The combination of spices and herbs creates an irresistible flavor that will please any palate.
- One-Pan Meal: Cooking everything in one baking dish means less cleanup for you after the meal.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily substitute or add vegetables to personalize this dish to your taste.
- Comfort Food Classic: This dish embodies comfort food, making it ideal for gatherings or cozy nights at home.
Tools and Preparation
Before you get started with Baked Chicken Legs and Rice, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish (8”x10” or 9”x13”)
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking Dish: A sturdy baking dish ensures even cooking of the chicken and rice.
- Medium Saucepan: Used for sautéing onions and garlic, it helps to build flavor before mixing with rice.
- Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining seasonings easily without making a mess.
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 cooks evenly when placed inside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Drumsticks
In a small bowl, combine:
Olive oil
Brown sugar
Smoked paprika
Dried thyme
Dried oregano
Garlic powder
Kosher salt (1 teaspoon)
Black pepper
Mix these ingredients into a thin paste. Spoon this mixture over the drumsticks, gently rubbing it in to coat each piece thoroughly. Set aside while you prepare the rice.
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.
Transfer this mixture into your baking dish.
Step 4: Mix in Rice
In the baking dish with onions and garlic:
1. Add uncooked white rice.
2. Stir well together with the remaining kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon).
Step 5: Prepare Broth Mixture
In the same saucepan used for sautéing:
1. Add chicken broth and water.
2. Bring this mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, pour it directly over the rice in the baking dish, stirring gently to combine.
Step 6: Assemble Chicken Legs on Rice
Arrange seasoned drumsticks on top of the rice along with half of the lemon wedges. Cover tightly with foil.
Step 7: Bake the Dish
Bake covered for about 30 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and rice is tender.
Step 8: Final Touches Before Serving
Remove from oven and let rest for about 2–3 minutes.
1. Transfer drumsticks and lemons onto a plate.
2. Use a fork to fluff up the rice gently.
3. Garnish with extra lemon wedges and sprigs of parsley or thyme if desired before serving.
Enjoy your delightful Baked Chicken Legs and Rice!
How to Serve Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
Baked Chicken Legs and Rice is a comforting dish that offers versatility in serving. You can add various sides or garnishes to enhance the meal’s flavor and presentation.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Parsley or Thyme: Adding freshly chopped parsley or thyme gives a delightful pop of color and freshness.
- Lemon Wedges: Serve extra lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over their chicken for added zest.
Pair with a Simple Salad
- Mixed Greens: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette complements the richness of the chicken.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds a crunchy texture and creamy flavor that balances well with baked chicken.
Include Crusty Bread
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread for dipping into the flavorful rice and broth.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any remaining sauce on your plate.
Offer a Side of Vegetables
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition without overpowering the main dish.
- Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots bring an earthy sweetness that pairs beautifully with chicken.
How to Perfect Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
To make your Baked Chicken Legs and Rice even more delicious, consider these tips for perfection.
- Preheat Your Oven Properly: Ensuring your oven is at the right temperature before baking helps cook the chicken evenly.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh herbs and good-quality spices elevate the flavor of this dish significantly.
- Let It Rest After Baking: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the flavors meld together.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Don’t be afraid to tweak the seasoning based on your preference; taste as you go!
- Consider Different Rice Types: Try jasmine or basmati rice for a different texture and aroma in your dish.
- Cover Tightly While Baking: Keeping the baking dish covered with foil ensures moisture retention, resulting in juicy chicken and tender rice.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
Pairing side dishes with Baked Chicken Legs and Rice can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes seasoned with garlic make a hearty addition to the table.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness that contrasts beautifully with baked chicken.
- Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned grilled asparagus provides a crisp texture that balances the meal.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob is an easy, fun side that kids love alongside chicken dishes.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad packed with vegetables offers a healthy alternative full of nutrients.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice, beans, or cheese add both flavor and visual appeal to your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Baked Chicken Legs and Rice, it’s easy to make a few common errors that can affect the final dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
-
Skipping the seasoning: Not properly seasoning the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to coat the chicken drumsticks well with the spice mixture for maximum taste.
-
Not preheating the oven: Failing to preheat your oven can result in uneven cooking. Always start by heating your oven to 350 degrees F before placing your dish inside.
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Using too much liquid: Adding excess broth or water can make the rice soggy. Stick to the measurements provided for best results.
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Removing foil too early: Taking off the foil too soon can dry out the chicken and rice. Keep it covered for the first 30 minutes of baking.
-
Overcooking or undercooking: Cooking times may vary based on your oven. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- item Store Baked Chicken Legs and Rice in an airtight container.
- item It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
- item Cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
- item This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
- Oven: Preheat your oven 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 microwave in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed, until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Baked Chicken Legs and Rice that might help you while cooking!
How long does it take to cook Baked Chicken Legs and Rice?
The total cooking time is approximately 50 minutes after a quick prep time of about 10 minutes.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but note that brown rice requires more liquid and longer cooking time. Adjust accordingly if you choose this option.
What sides go well with Baked Chicken Legs and Rice?
Salads or steamed vegetables are excellent choices that complement this dish nicely.
Can I prepare Baked Chicken Legs and Rice ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can season the chicken and prepare the rice mixture ahead, then store it in the fridge until ready to bake.
Final Thoughts
Baked Chicken Legs and Rice is a hearty, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner. Its simplicity allows for easy customization; feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap seasonings. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a satisfying meal with minimal effort!
Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Baked Chicken Legs and Rice is a comforting, one-pan meal that brings together juicy chicken drumsticks and tender rice for a delightful supper. With just 10 minutes of prep time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings. The rich flavors from spices and fresh ingredients make every bite a treat. Plus, this recipe allows for easy customization with your favorite vegetables, ensuring everyone at the table will love it. Simply pop it in the oven and let it do the work while you enjoy your evening.
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 (low-sodium preferred)
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 lemon (cut into wedges)
- Fresh parsley or thyme (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a paste. Coat the chicken drumsticks with this mixture.
- Sauté chopped onion in butter until softened; add minced garlic.
- In a baking dish, combine sautéed onions and garlic with uncooked rice.
- Boil chicken broth and water; pour over the rice mixture.
- Place seasoned drumsticks on top and cover with foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes covered, then remove foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken leg (about 150g)
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
