Baked Chicken Legs and Rice

Loaded with flavor and perfect for a cozy supper, Baked Chicken Legs and Rice is an easy dish that brings comfort to any table. This recipe uses simple, real food ingredients and requires just 10 minutes of prep time before it cooks away in the oven. It’s ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep for the week ahead. The combination of juicy chicken legs and savory rice makes it a standout meal that will delight everyone.

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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
• Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
• Step 4: Combine Rice Ingredients
• Step 5: Boil Liquid Mixture
• Step 6: Assemble & Bake
• Step 7: Serve
• How to Serve Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
• Pair with Fresh Salad
• Serve with Roasted Vegetables
• Add a Tangy Sauce
• Offer Crusty Bread
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs
• Accompany with Lemon Wedges
• 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
• How long does it take to make Baked Chicken Legs and Rice?
• Can I use brown rice instead of white?
• What should I serve with Baked Chicken Legs and Rice?
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The blend of spices and aromatics infuses the chicken and rice with irresistible flavors.
• One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks together in one baking dish, making cleanup a breeze.
• Versatile Option: Great for family dinners or gatherings, and can easily be adjusted for larger groups.
• Comfort Food: The soft rice paired with tender chicken legs creates a satisfying meal everyone will enjoy.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking Baked Chicken Legs and Rice, gather your kitchen tools. Having the right tools makes the cooking process smoother and more 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: Provides an even cooking surface for both the chicken legs and rice.
• Medium saucepan: Ideal for sautéing onions and garlic before adding to the rice, enhancing flavor.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining spices into a paste to coat the chicken evenly.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need 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.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

• In a small bowl, combine olive oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and fresh-ground black pepper.
• Mix these ingredients into a thin paste.
• Spoon this mixture over the chicken drumsticks and rub it in gently to coat each piece evenly. Set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

• Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
• Add chopped onion and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until softened.
• Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
• Remove this mixture from heat.

Step 4: Combine Rice Ingredients

• Transfer the onion-garlic mix to your baking dish.
• Add uncooked white rice along with the remaining half teaspoon of kosher salt. Stir well to combine.

Step 5: Boil Liquid Mixture

• In the same saucepan used for onions, combine low-sodium chicken broth and water.
• Bring this mixture to a boil before pouring it directly over the rice in your baking dish.

Step 6: Assemble & Bake

• Arrange marinated drumsticks on top of the rice along with half of the lemon wedges.
• Cover tightly with foil.
• Bake in preheated oven for about 30 minutes; then remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.

Step 7: Serve

Remove from oven; let rest for about 2–3 minutes. Carefully remove drumsticks along with lemons onto a plate. Fluff up the rice gently with a fork before serving. Garnish with extra lemon wedges or fresh herbs if desired.

Enjoy your deliciously satisfying Baked Chicken Legs and Rice!

How to Serve Baked Chicken Legs and Rice

Baked Chicken Legs and Rice is a hearty dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

Pair with Fresh Salad

• A light garden salad adds a refreshing crunch that complements the rich flavors of the chicken and rice.

Serve with Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini provide a colorful and nutritious side that balances the meal.

Add a Tangy Sauce

• Drizzle some homemade barbecue sauce or a zesty chimichurri over the chicken for an extra burst of flavor.

Offer Crusty Bread

• A warm slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover juices from the chicken and rice.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkling fresh parsley or thyme on top not only enhances presentation but also adds a pop of freshness to each bite.

Accompany with Lemon Wedges

• Additional lemon wedges can be served on the side, allowing guests to add more acidity to their dish as desired.

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How to Perfect Baked Chicken Legs and Rice

To achieve the best results when making Baked Chicken Legs and Rice, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Ingredients – Opt for fresh chicken legs and high-quality spices for maximum flavor.
• Let Chicken Marinate – For deeper flavor, allow the spice mixture to marinate on the chicken for at least an hour before baking.
• Check Rice Consistency – Ensure that the rice is tender by checking it during cooking. If needed, add a bit more broth.
• Rest Before Serving – Let the dish rest after baking; this helps in settling flavors and makes serving easier.
• Experiment with Spices – Feel free to adjust spices based on your taste preferences. A pinch of cayenne can add heat!
• Make it One-Pan – Use a single baking dish for easy cleanup and efficient cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Chicken Legs and Rice

Baked Chicken Legs and Rice pairs wonderfully with various sides. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds vibrant color and nutrition while being easy to prepare.
2. Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread offers a deliciously buttery complement that everyone loves.
3. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw provides a crunchy texture contrast that’s refreshing alongside this hearty dish.
4. Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes create comfort food vibes that pair beautifully with baked chicken.
5. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn is simple yet satisfying; grill or boil it for an easy side option.
6. Cucumber Salad – A chilled cucumber salad is light and crisp, making it an ideal counterbalance to warm dishes.
7. Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Their natural sweetness enhances your meal’s overall flavor profile while providing nutrients.
8. Quinoa Salad – This protein-packed salad can bring additional textures and flavors, making it both healthy and filling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Baked Chicken Legs and Rice, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can ruin your meal. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Over-marinating chicken: Leaving the chicken drumsticks in the marinade for too long can lead to overly salty or sweet flavors. Stick to the suggested marinating time for the best results.

• Ignoring rice water ratio: Using too much or too little water can affect rice texture. Always follow the recommended liquid measurements for fluffy rice.

• Not covering while baking: Failing to cover your baking dish with foil at first can lead to dry chicken and undercooked rice. Ensure you cover it tightly before the initial bake.

• Using cold liquid: Adding cold broth and water directly to hot rice can shock it and result in uneven cooking. Always use hot or boiling liquid when combining with rice.

• Skipping resting time: Cutting into the chicken immediately after baking can let juices escape, resulting in dry meat. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Baked Chicken Legs and Rice

• Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months; label with date for reference.

Reheating Baked Chicken Legs and Rice

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium for 2-3 minutes until warm.
• Stovetop: In a skillet, add a splash of broth or water, cover, and heat over medium until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Baked Chicken Legs and Rice:

How long does it take to make Baked Chicken Legs and Rice?

The total time is about 60 minutes, including 10 minutes of prep and 50 minutes of cooking.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio as brown rice typically requires longer cooking.

What should I serve with Baked Chicken Legs and Rice?

This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for added nutrition.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead and reheat it later. Just follow storage instructions carefully.

Final Thoughts

Baked Chicken Legs and Rice is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Feel free to customize the seasonings or add your favorite veggies for a personal touch!