Description
Baked Chicken Legs and Rice is a delightful, cozy dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This one-pan meal combines tender chicken drumsticks with flavorful rice, creating a comforting experience that will satisfy the whole family. With just ten minutes of prep time, you can set this dish to cook while you relax or attend to other tasks. The savory blend of spices and herbs elevates the chicken, making it an impressive centerpiece for any gathering. Enjoy this easy recipe that’s not only delicious but also requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 your oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, salt (1 tsp), and pepper to create a paste. Coat the chicken drumsticks with this mixture and set aside.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions for 3–4 minutes until softened; add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- In a baking dish, combine sautéed onions and garlic with uncooked rice and remaining salt (1/2 tsp).
- Boil chicken broth and water in the saucepan. Pour over the rice mixture in the baking dish.
- Place seasoned chicken on top of the rice along with half of the lemon wedges. Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
- Let rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drumstick (105g)
- Calories: 374
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 703mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 81mg