Baked chicken legs with rice is one of those comforting meals that can easily become a family favorite. I stumbled upon this recipe during one of those busy weeknights when I wanted something hearty yet uncomplicated. The aroma wafting from the oven as this dish cooked was pure bliss! It offers crispy, flavorful chicken paired with fluffy rice, soaking in rich chicken broth and spices. This dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prep, and it checks all the boxes—easy, delicious, and budget-friendly!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This recipe is a hidden gem for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, with minimal prep work involved. Just mix everything in a baking dish, and let the oven do the heavy lifting. Secondly, it’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on flavor, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. This dish is also kid-approved, with its savory chicken and fluffy rice that everyone can’t resist.
“I made this for my family last Tuesday, and it disappeared faster than I could serve it! The rice was perfectly fluffy, and the chicken was so tender. This will definitely be a regular in our meal rotation!” — A Happy Home Cook
The Cooking Process Explained
Making baked chicken legs with rice is straightforward, and the rewards are plentiful. You’ll begin by preheating your oven then preparing the flavorful rice mixture at the bottom of a baking dish. Top this with the chicken legs, drizzle with olive oil, and cover. After a brief baking session, uncover for a golden finish! The rice cooks in rich chicken broth, absorbing all those flavors, while the chicken gets crispy and delicious.
What You’ll Need
Gather These Items:
- 4 chicken legs
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Feel free to experiment with certain ingredients; for instance, you can swap chicken legs for thighs or drumsticks, or replace the rice with quinoa for a healthier twist.
Directions to Follow
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a baking dish, mix together the rice, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and dried thyme until well combined.
- Place the chicken legs on top of the rice mixture.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken legs, then sprinkle a little extra salt and pepper for added flavor.
- Cover the baking dish with foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is fluffy.
- Serve hot and enjoy your heartwarming meal!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
There are endless ways to enjoy baked chicken legs with rice. Serve it straight from the oven with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a pop of color. Pair it with a side salad for freshness, or consider roasted vegetables for added nutrition. A drizzle of tangy sauce, like a balsamic reduction or chimichurri, can elevate the dish even further.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last around 3-4 days. When reheating, gently warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes to retain moisture and prevent rubbery chicken. Alternatively, the microwave works in a pinch, but be wary of drying out the chicken.
Helpful Cooking Tips
To ensure your chicken legs come out perfectly, consider marinating them in olive oil, garlic, and spices a few hours before cooking for an even deeper flavor. Additionally, if you prefer crispier skin, broil the chicken for a few minutes at the end of cooking time. And don’t forget to fluff the rice with a fork before serving to separate the grains!
Recipe Variations
You can play with this recipe in various ways. Try adding different spices such as paprika or cumin to the rice for a fun twist. Substitute traditional rice with jasmine or basmati for a unique flavor, or use brown rice for a healthier option—just remember that you may need to adjust cooking times!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this meal take to prepare?
The total cooking time is approximately 1 hour, with a quick prep time of about 10 minutes. It’s a great option if you have a busy schedule!
Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Yes! Chicken thighs or drumsticks are excellent substitutes, as they will provide a similar flavor and texture.
Is it safe to reheat leftovers?
Absolutely! Just be sure to store leftovers properly in the fridge, and reheat until steaming hot to ensure food safety.
Baked Chicken Legs with Rice
A comforting baked chicken legs dish served with fluffy rice, infused with rich chicken broth and spices, perfect for family dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 chicken legs
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a baking dish, mix together the rice, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and dried thyme until well combined.
- Place the chicken legs on top of the rice mixture.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken legs, then sprinkle a little extra salt and pepper for added flavor.
- Cover the baking dish with foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is fluffy.
- Serve hot and enjoy your heartwarming meal!
Notes
For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for a few minutes at the end. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg