Crispy Baked Chicken Legs and Rice – A Flavorful Delight

Baked Chicken Legs and Rice is an irresistible dish that combines the crispy, savory goodness of chicken with fluffy rice, creating a flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as the chicken cooks to perfection while the rice absorbs all those savory juices. Sausage Breakfast Casserole Your dinner guests will be begging for seconds, and you might just have to start charging for your chef skills! For more inspiration, check out this Amish Country Casserole recipe.

This recipe brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter filled the air, and delicious food was always abundant. Picture everyone gathered around the table, eagerly diving into a warm plate of Baked Chicken Legs and Rice, each bite bursting with flavor. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. For more inspiration, check out this Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders recipe.

Ingredients for Baked Chicken Legs and Rice

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Chicken Legs: About 4-6 legs work best; look for fresh or thawed options for maximum flavor.
• Long-Grain Rice: This helps absorb flavors beautifully; jasmine rice adds a special aroma.
• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to keep control over saltiness while enhancing flavor.
• Olive Oil: A drizzle adds richness; feel free to swap with another oil if preferred.
• Garlic Powder: A must-have seasoning that brings out savory notes in the dish.
• Paprika: Adds a beautiful color along with a mild smoky flavor; sweet or smoked works well.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste preferences.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Baked Chicken Legs and Rice

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, grab a baking dish and spray it with some nonstick cooking spray—this ensures your chicken legs won’t become permanent residents of their cozy abode.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this delightful mixture all over your chicken legs—don’t be shy! Give them a good massage; they’ve had a long day too!

Step 3: Prepare the Rice

In another bowl or pot, rinse your long-grain rice under cold water until it runs clear. This helps remove excess starch so that your rice doesn’t turn into one clumpy mess. Next, drain it well before adding it to the baking dish.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Now that everything is prepped, add your seasoned chicken legs on top of the rinsed rice in the baking dish. Slowly pour in chicken broth until it’s just covering the rice—like giving it a warm bath before dinner!

Step 5: Bake Away

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil (to trap all those amazing flavors) and pop it into your preheated oven. Let it bake for about 45 minutes—it’s like an aromatic countdown that’s sure to get everyone’s stomach growling!

Step 6: Finishing Touches

After baking time is up, carefully remove the foil (watch out for steam), then return it uncovered back into the oven for another 15-20 minutes. This allows those chicken legs’ skin to crisp up beautifully. Once golden brown and crispy, take them out and let rest for five minutes.

Transfer to plates and serve hot! Drizzle any remaining juices over everything—it’s like giving your meal its final touch-up before showtime.

And there you have it! A mouthwatering plate of Baked Chicken Legs and Rice that not only feeds hungry bellies but also warms hearts with its comforting flavors. Enjoy every bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve perfection with baked chicken legs and rice, start by seasoning the chicken and allowing it to marinate while prepping your rice. Sear the chicken to lock in moisture, then combine everything in a baking dish for a flavorful finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the rice for quinoa or couscous, or try different spices like paprika or cumin. Toss in some vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added color and nutrition. The possibilities are endless!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover baked chicken legs and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or oven until heated through, ensuring juicy chicken and fluffy rice.

Sharing this recipe with friends brought back fond memories of my family’s Sunday dinners, where laughter echoed as we bonded over delicious food and secret family recipes that never failed to impress!

FAQs :

What are the best seasonings for Baked Chicken Legs and Rice?

For Baked Chicken Legs and Rice, seasoning is key to enhancing flavor. A blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper works wonders. You can also add herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch. Marinating the chicken legs in olive oil mixed with lemon juice and your choice of spices will elevate the dish further. Don’t forget to season the rice as well; adding chicken broth instead of water can infuse it with rich flavors.

How long does it take to bake chicken legs with rice?

Baking chicken legs with rice typically takes about 45 to 50 minutes at 375°F (190°C). The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Cooking times may vary based on the size of the chicken legs and your oven’s accuracy. To ensure even cooking, consider using a meat thermometer to check doneness. For perfectly cooked rice, let it rest covered for about 5 minutes after baking.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?

Yes, you can certainly use brown rice in place of white rice for Baked Chicken Legs and Rice. However, keep in mind that brown rice requires a longer cooking time—approximately 50 to 60 minutes depending on your oven. It is important to increase the liquid amount slightly since brown rice absorbs more water than white rice. Adjusting cooking times will ensure both the chicken and rice are cooked perfectly together.

What side dishes pair well with Baked Chicken Legs and Rice?

Baked Chicken Legs and Rice pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans add a vibrant touch to your plate. A fresh garden salad or coleslaw can provide a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken and fluffy rice. Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Additionally, a light dipping sauce or homemade chutney can enhance the meal’s flavors while keeping it balanced.

Conclusion for Baked Chicken Legs and Rice :

Baked Chicken Legs and Rice is a delightful meal that combines convenience with flavor. The key to success lies in seasoning the chicken well and ensuring proper cooking times for both components. This dish not only delivers satisfying flavors but also offers versatility with different side options. Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Remember, using quality ingredients enhances every bite, making this recipe perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Enjoy this comforting dish any day of the week!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Baked Chicken Legs and Rice

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Hannah Reed
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Baked Chicken Legs and Rice is a delicious one-pan meal that combines crispy, seasoned chicken with fluffy rice soaked in savory broth. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this dish delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. With minimal prep and cooking time, it’s sure to become a family favorite that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4–6 chicken legs (about 1.5–2 lbs)
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture over the chicken legs.
3. Rinse the rice under cold water until it runs clear, then drain well.
4. Place the rinsed rice in the baking dish and lay the seasoned chicken legs on top. Pour in chicken broth until it just covers the rice.
5. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and crispy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken leg (about 150g) with rice
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 460mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 90mg