Baked Chicken Legs and Rice

Loaded with flavor and perfect for a cozy supper, Baked Chicken Legs and Rice is an easy meal that suits any occasion. This dish brings together juicy chicken legs and fluffy rice, all cooked to perfection in one pan. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. With just 10 minutes of prep, you can set it in the oven and enjoy your day while it cooks.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Drumsticks
• Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
• Step 4: Combine Rice with Liquid
• Step 5: Arrange Drumsticks and Bake
• Step 6: Final Touches Before Serving
• How to Serve Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
• Pair with Fresh Salad
• Serve with Steamed Vegetables
• Offer Crusty Bread
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs
• Include Extra Lemon Wedges
• Create a Family-Style Presentation
• How to Perfect Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
• Best Side Dishes for Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
• Reheating Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use other cuts of chicken?
• Can I add vegetables to Baked Chicken Legs and Rice?
• How do I know when chicken legs are done?
• What can I serve with Baked Chicken Legs and Rice?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of active prep time, this recipe fits perfectly into your busy schedule.
• One-Pan Meal: Enjoy easy cleanup with everything cooked in one baking dish.
• Flavorful Ingredients: A delightful blend of spices and seasonings makes this dish incredibly tasty.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with various sides or enjoy it on its own for a satisfying meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, everyone will love this comforting dish.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin cooking, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

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 good baking dish ensures even cooking and helps keep all the flavors contained.
• Medium Saucepan: Ideal for sautéing the onions and garlic, allowing their flavors to enhance the rice.
• Mixing Bowl: Necessary for combining ingredients easily before applying them to the chicken drumsticks.

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 a consistent cooking temperature for your chicken legs and rice.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Drumsticks

In a small bowl, combine:
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
Fresh-ground black pepper

Mix these ingredients into a thin paste. Spoon the mixture over the drumsticks, gently rubbing it in to coat evenly. Set aside while you prepare the rice.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Melt 2 Tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add:
Chopped onion

Cook for about:
1. 3–4 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in minced garlic (3–4 cloves) and cook for an additional 30–60 seconds, until fragrant.

Scrape this mixture into your prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Combine Rice with Liquid

To the same saucepan used for sautéing, add:
Uncooked white rice (1 cup)

Stir well, then add:
Chicken broth (1 and 1/3 cups)
Water (2/3 cup)

Bring this mixture to a boil before pouring it directly over the rice in the baking dish.

Step 5: Arrange Drumsticks and Bake

Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on top of the rice along with half of the lemon wedges. Cover tightly with foil. Bake as follows:
1. For 30 minutes, covered.
2. Remove foil and bake for another 20 minutes, until both the rice is tender and chicken fully cooked.

Step 6: Final Touches Before Serving

Remove from oven; let rest for about 2–3 minutes. Take out drumsticks and lemons carefully. Use a fork to fluff up the rice gently. Garnish with extra lemon wedges alongside fresh parsley or thyme if desired before serving.

Enjoy your flavorful Baked Chicken Legs and Rice!

How to Serve Baked Chicken Legs and Rice

Baked Chicken Legs and Rice is a hearty meal that can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you want to impress guests or enjoy a cozy family dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your dish.

Pair with Fresh Salad

• A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the chicken and rice.
• Consider adding cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese for extra freshness.

Serve with Steamed Vegetables

• Steamed broccoli or green beans are great options that add color and nutrition.
• Drizzle a bit of lemon juice over the veggies to tie in with the lemon used in the chicken dish.

Offer Crusty Bread

• A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover juices from the chicken.
• Try serving it with garlic butter for an added flavor boost.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme on top just before serving to brighten the dish.
• This not only enhances the presentation but adds a fresh aroma as well.

Include Extra Lemon Wedges

• Serving additional lemon wedges allows diners to add more citrus flavor to their plates if desired.
• This can enhance the overall taste experience and balance the richness of the chicken.

Create a Family-Style Presentation

• Presenting the baked chicken legs and rice in a large dish encourages sharing and makes for a communal dining experience.
• This style is perfect for family gatherings or casual dinner parties.

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How to Perfect Baked Chicken Legs and Rice

Perfecting Baked Chicken Legs and Rice comes down to simple techniques that enhance flavor and texture. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Choose high-quality ingredients: Using fresh herbs, quality chicken, and good broth can significantly improve your dish’s flavor.
• Marinate chicken in advance: Allowing the drumsticks to marinate for at least an hour (or overnight) infuses deeper flavors into the meat.
• Monitor cooking time closely: Keeping an eye on your bake time ensures that both the rice is perfectly cooked and the chicken stays juicy.
• Use a meat thermometer: Checking that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F guarantees safety and doneness without risk of drying out.
• Allow resting time: Letting the dish sit for a few minutes after baking helps redistribute juices throughout the chicken, making it even more succulent.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust seasonings or add others like cayenne pepper for heat or cumin for warmth according to your taste preferences.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Chicken Legs and Rice

Pairing side dishes with Baked Chicken Legs and Rice can round out your meal beautifully. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting combination alongside this dish.
2. Roasted Asparagus: Simply seasoned asparagus roasted until tender brings a vibrant touch, balancing out heavier flavors.
3. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds texture and refreshing acidity, perfect for complementing baked chicken legs.
4. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob pairs well as a side, offering sweetness that contrasts nicely with savory elements.
5. Quinoa Salad: A cold quinoa salad with veggies provides a nutritious option that’s also filling without being heavy.
6. Baked Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes enhances flavors while providing additional nutrients.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Baked Chicken Legs and Rice, avoiding common mistakes can enhance your dish’s flavor and texture. Here are key pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not marinating enough: Skipping the marinating step or not allowing enough time can result in bland chicken. Make sure to coat your chicken legs well and let them sit for at least 30 minutes.
• Using the wrong rice: Using quick-cooking rice instead of long-grain white rice may lead to mushy results. Stick to uncooked white rice for the best texture.
• Overcrowding the baking dish: Packing too many chicken legs can prevent even cooking. Give the chicken space to brown properly by using a larger dish if needed.
• Neglecting resting time: Cutting into the chicken immediately after cooking can dry it out. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Ignoring doneness: Not checking if the chicken is fully cooked could lead to food safety issues. Always use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Baked Chicken Legs and Rice can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Baked Chicken Legs and Rice

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty aluminum foil.
• This meal can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Baked Chicken Legs and Rice

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cover with foil and heat until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place servings in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a lid, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed, until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Baked Chicken Legs and Rice that might help you in your cooking journey.

Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Yes! While this recipe uses chicken legs, you can substitute with thighs or breasts. Adjust cooking time as needed based on the cut.

Can I add vegetables to Baked Chicken Legs and Rice?

Absolutely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers or carrots enhances nutrition and flavor. Just toss them in with the rice before baking.

How do I know when chicken legs are done?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure that chicken legs reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and juiciness.

What can I serve with Baked Chicken Legs and Rice?

This dish pairs well with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Baked Chicken Legs and Rice is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Its simplicity allows for various customization options—try different spices or add your favorite veggies. Don’t hesitate; give this recipe a try today!