Baked Chicken Legs and Rice will make your kitchen smell divine, drawing everyone in like a moth to a flame. Picture crispy, golden skin on juicy chicken legs nestled atop a fluffy bed of seasoned rice, all bubbling away in the oven. baked Italian chicken thighs crispy oven-fried chicken thighs The aroma wafting through your home is like a warm hug after a long day at work.
Jump to:
- Ingredients for Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
- How to Make Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs :
- What are the best sides to serve with Baked Chicken Legs and Rice?
- How long does it take to cook Baked Chicken Legs and Rice?
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in Baked Chicken Legs and Rice?
- What spices work best for Baked Chicken Legs and Rice?
- Conclusion for Baked Chicken Legs and Rice :
- 📖 Recipe Card
This dish doesn’t just taste amazing; it’s also steeped in family memories. I remember my grandmother bustling around the kitchen, her laughter filling the air as she prepared her famous baked chicken legs and rice for Sunday dinners. Mediterranean chicken sheet pan dinner It was a feast that brought us together, and now I want to share that experience with you. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish promises to deliver comfort and satisfaction with every bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Baked Chicken Legs and Rice offers an easy preparation method that even beginner cooks can master.
- The robust flavor profile combines savory spices with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice.
- Visually appealing with its golden hues, this dish is sure to impress your guests.
- It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize flavors based on your preferences or what’s in your pantry.
Ingredients for Baked Chicken Legs and Rice
For more inspiration, check out this Amish Country Casserole recipe.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Chicken Legs: Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken legs for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Long-Grain Rice: This type of rice cooks evenly and absorbs flavors well; jasmine or basmati work great too.
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while enhancing the chicken flavor in the rice.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil ensures the chicken skin crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- Garlic Powder: Adds depth of flavor without the fuss of peeling garlic cloves.
- Dried Herbs (Thyme or Rosemary): These fragrant herbs elevate the dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; don’t skip out on these simple yet powerful ingredients.
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
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because no one wants soggy chicken—yuck! While waiting for it to heat up, spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried herbs. Rub this spice mix all over the chicken legs generously—don’t be shy! You want them seasoned like they’re going out to dinner.
Step 3: Prepare the Rice
In your prepared baking dish, add long-grain rice followed by chicken broth. Stir briefly to combine; think of it as giving the rice a little spa treatment before it meets its chicken counterpart.
Step 4: Nestle in the Chicken
Place those beautifully seasoned chicken legs right on top of the rice mixture. Make sure they are nestled snugly but not overcrowded—everyone needs their space!
Step 5: Drizzle with Olive Oil
Drizzle some olive oil over both the chicken and rice—this will ensure that everything bakes evenly while also adding rich flavor.
Step 6: Bake Away
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for about 45 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). Remove the foil in the last five minutes for that glorious crispy finish.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with any remaining juices from the baking dish for that perfect finishing touch. Voilà! You’ve just created a comforting masterpiece of baked chicken legs and rice that’s bound to make everyone at your table smile!
You Must Know
- This amazing Greek chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating your chicken legs for at least an hour to soak up all that yummy goodness. While they marinate, preheat your oven and prepare the rice to cook simultaneously, ensuring everything finishes together in perfect harmony.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the spices or add veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for an extra crunch. You can even use different types of rice, like jasmine or basmati, to change the flavor profile completely!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, gently warm them in the oven to maintain crispiness, or microwave for quick convenience but don’t blame me if they lose some charm!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always pat your chicken dry before marinating; this ensures better adhesion of flavors and a crispier skin.
- Don’t overcrowd your baking dish; give each piece enough space for even cooking.
- Consider using a meat thermometer to check for doneness; aim for 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken.
Sharing this recipe reminds me of that time my friend thought he could impress his date with “gourmet” cooking but ended up burning the rice instead. We still laugh about it today!
FAQs :
What are the best sides to serve with Baked Chicken Legs and Rice?
Baked chicken legs and rice pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Consider adding steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a nutritious option. A fresh garden salad dressed with a light vinaigrette can complement the meal nicely. You might also choose garlic bread or cornbread for a comforting touch. Each of these options enhances the meal’s flavor profile while providing a balanced plate.
How long does it take to cook Baked Chicken Legs and Rice?
Cooking baked chicken legs and rice typically takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before placing the dish inside. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is fully cooked. The rice usually takes about 45 minutes to absorb all the flavors, so timing is key for a perfect meal.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in Baked Chicken Legs and Rice?
Yes, you can definitely use brown rice instead of white rice in baked chicken legs and rice. Brown rice offers more fiber and nutrients, making it a healthier choice. However, keep in mind that brown rice typically requires a longer cooking time, around 50-60 minutes. Adjust your cooking time accordingly to ensure both the chicken legs and rice are perfectly cooked.
What spices work best for Baked Chicken Legs and Rice?
When preparing baked chicken legs and rice, a blend of spices can elevate the dish significantly. Popular choices include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You may also consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for added aroma. Experimenting with different spice combinations allows you to customize the flavor profile according to your preferences.
Conclusion for Baked Chicken Legs and Rice :
In conclusion, baked chicken legs and rice is an easy-to-make dish that delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. By choosing quality ingredients and following simple steps, you can create a wholesome meal that delights everyone at your table. flavorful rice recipes Pairing this dish with fresh sides enhances its appeal even further. Don’t hesitate to explore different seasonings or sides to make this recipe your own! Enjoy a delightful dining experience with this satisfying combination!
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
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 features juicy chicken legs resting on a bed of fluffy, flavorful rice. As it bakes, the enticing aroma fills your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This effortless dish marries savory spices with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice, ensuring deliciousness in every bite.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Rub the spice mixture generously over the chicken legs.
- Place the rice in the prepared baking dish and pour the chicken broth over it, stirring to combine.
- Nestle the seasoned chicken legs on top of the rice mixture and drizzle with olive oil.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for about 45 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). Remove foil in the last five minutes for a crispy finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken leg (150g) with rice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
