Baked chicken legs & rice is the kind of dish that fills the house with a warmth that could rival a cozy hug from your favorite grandma. Picture it: juicy, succulent chicken legs nestled atop a fluffy bed of perfectly seasoned rice, all mingling together to create a culinary harmony that sings in your mouth. The aroma wafts through the air like an inviting invitation to dinner, making you wonder if you’ve accidentally walked into a five-star restaurant instead of your humble kitchen.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- How long should I bake Baked Chicken Legs & Rice for?
- Can I use brown rice instead of white?
- What can I serve with Baked Chicken Legs & Rice for?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now, let me take you back to that one Saturday night when we decided to have a family cook-off. Armed with my secret recipe for baked chicken legs & rice, I challenged my siblings to bring their A-game. Spoiler alert: they didn’t stand a chance. Mississippi chicken recipe As we gathered around the table, laughter erupted over who could best mimic Gordon Ramsay while taste-testing my creation. Trust me; this dish deserves a spot in your weekly rotation, especially when you want to impress without breaking a sweat.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This baked chicken legs & rice dish is not only easy to prepare but also resonates with comforting flavors everyone loves.
- It’s visually appealing with golden-brown chicken and fluffy white rice.
- The versatility allows for endless flavor combinations based on what’s in your pantry.
- Plus, it’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead.
The last time I made baked chicken legs & rice, my friends couldn’t stop raving about how tender and flavorful the chicken was. Mexican corn coleslaw.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Chicken Legs: For the best flavor and juiciness, choose skin-on, bone-in chicken legs; they hold up beautifully during baking.
- Long Grain Rice: This type of rice gives a lovely texture; avoid quick-cooking varieties for optimal results.
- Chicken Broth: Using broth instead of water adds depth and richness to the rice; low-sodium is preferable to control salt levels.
- Garlic Powder: A must-have for seasoning; it infuses the dish with an aromatic punch without much effort.
- Paprika: Sweet or smoked paprika enhances color and flavor; it adds that irresistible smoky undertone. pulled beef sandwiches.
- Onion Powder: This brings out savory notes in the dish without needing fresh onions, which can be overpowering.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic yet essential; these amplify all other flavors beautifully.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle helps achieve crispy skin on the chicken while keeping everything moist.
- Fresh Herbs (Optional): Add parsley or thyme at the end for freshness; they brighten up rich dishes nicely.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grab a large baking dish and lightly grease it with nonstick cooking spray or olive oil.
Season the Chicken Legs: Pat dry six chicken legs with paper towels. Rub them generously with olive oil, then sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper all over until well-coated.
Add Rice and Broth: In another bowl, combine one cup of long-grain rice with two cups of chicken broth. Stir in additional spices if desired before pouring this mixture into the baking dish around the seasoned chicken.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for about 30 minutes. meatball casserole option Remove foil after 30 minutes so that those delicious chicken legs can become golden brown and crispy.
Check for Doneness: Bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the rice has absorbed all liquid. The aroma will be irresistible!
Serve and Enjoy!: Let it rest for about five minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy—a little bit of color goes a long way!
There you have it! Baked chicken legs & rice is ready to devour—deliciously crispy on top while remaining juicy inside.
Feel free to tweak this recipe as you see fit! Whether you’re adding veggies or swapping out spices based on what’s hanging around in your pantry—get creative! Enjoy every bite and embrace those kitchen shenanigans along the way!
You Must Know
- Baked Chicken Legs & Rice for is a comforting dish that fills the house with mouthwatering aromas.
- Adding some fresh herbs at the end elevates the flavor and freshness.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners, it offers both simplicity and satisfaction on a plate.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken legs to lock in moisture, then bake them alongside seasoned rice for a complete meal.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out rice for quinoa or add vegetables like bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven to keep that crispy skin.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve that perfect crispness, pat the chicken dry before seasoning.
- Always season your rice well; it makes a world of difference.
- Letting the dish rest after baking allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Memories of family gathering around the table always warm my heart, especially when this dish brings smiles all around.
FAQ
How long should I bake Baked Chicken Legs & Rice for?
For more inspiration, check out this Hearty Chicken Stew Recipe recipe.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 45-50 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but increase cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook thoroughly.
What can I serve with Baked Chicken Legs & Rice for?
Consider pairing with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Baked Chicken Legs & Rice
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Baked Chicken Legs & Rice is a comforting dish that brings warmth and flavor to your dinner table. Juicy chicken legs roast to golden perfection atop a bed of fluffy, seasoned rice, creating a delightful harmony of textures and tastes. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for family dinners or meal prep, ensuring you can enjoy succulent chicken any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 6 skin-on, bone-in chicken legs
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish.
- Pat dry the chicken legs with paper towels and rub with olive oil. Season generously with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, combine rice and chicken broth; pour around the seasoned chicken in the baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the rice has absorbed all liquid.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving; garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken leg (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 387
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 623mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
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