Irresistible Baked Chicken Legs & Rice for a Family Feast

There’s something magical about the aroma of baked chicken legs wafting through your kitchen, mingling with the earthy scent of rice. Imagine that crispy skin, golden and glistening, ready to meet your taste buds in a dance of flavor. Picture this: you pull that bubbling dish from the oven, and it looks like a masterpiece worthy of a Michelin star—or at least an Instagram post worthy of your dinner table. For more inspiration, check out this creamy smothered chicken and rice recipe.

Now, let’s not forget the stories that come with such meals. I still recall the time my cousin attempted to make this baked chicken legs and rice for our family gathering. She ended up creating a culinary “oops” moment when she confused baking powder with powdered sugar. The ensuing dessert was… memorable, to say the least! But the actual dish? Pure comfort food bliss—perfect for cozy family dinners or that lazy Sunday afternoon when you want to impress without breaking a sweat.

I remember my brother’s delighted face after devouring this dish—it’s always a hit!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Chicken Legs: Opt for skin-on, bone-in chicken legs for moist meat that crisps beautifully in the oven.
• Long-Grain Rice: A classic choice that cooks evenly and absorbs all those delicious flavors.
• Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown color during baking.
• Garlic Powder: A must-have for enhancing flavor without overpowering other ingredients.
• Onion Powder: Adds a sweet depth to your dish without requiring actual onions—great for onion haters!
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the vibrant flavors in this recipe.
• Chicken Broth: Using broth instead of water adds an extra layer of flavor to the rice.
• Your Favorite Herbs (like thyme or rosemary): Fresh or dried, they elevate the dish with aromatic notes. fresh coleslaw side dish.

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

Let’s Make it together

Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Dish: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a large baking dish or roasting pan and lightly grease it with nonstick spray.

Season Your Chicken Legs: Pat your chicken legs dry with paper towels—this step ensures crispy skin! Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. delicious shredded beef tacos pairing pasta with chicken Don’t be shy; seasoning is key!

Add Rice and Broth: Spread uncooked long-grain rice evenly across the bottom of your prepared dish. Pour in chicken broth—this will help cook the rice while infusing flavor into both the rice and chicken.

Arrange Chicken Over Rice: Place your seasoned chicken legs on top of the rice layer like they’re lounging in their cozy bed. Drizzle olive oil over them; this will enhance browning during baking.

Bake Until Golden Brown: Slide your creation into the preheated oven and bake for about 45-55 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and has crispy skin. You’ll know it’s ready when you see that beautiful golden color!

Let It Rest Before Serving: Remove from oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving—this helps keep everything juicy! Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy.

In just a few simple steps, you’ll have baked chicken legs & rice that’ll impress even those picky eaters at your table! With its mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures, it’s no wonder this recipe is a favorite among families everywhere. easy casserole options So gather around the table; it’s time to dig in!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by seasoning the chicken legs generously, then bake them at 425°F while cooking the rice simultaneously. This method ensures everything finishes around the same time, and you get crispy chicken with perfectly cooked rice.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the rice for extra flavor and nutrition. You can swap out herbs, using thyme or rosemary based on your preference, to personalize this dish.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through, ensuring your chicken remains juicy and your rice fluffy.

Baking Baked Chicken Legs & Rice reminds me of family gatherings where everyone would come together. One time, my cousin declared it “the best meal ever,” which made me realize that simple home cooking creates lasting memories!

FAQ

Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, other chicken parts like thighs or breasts work well, but adjust cooking times.

What type of rice is best for this dish?

Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice are excellent choices due to their texture.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can season chicken and pre-cook rice a day in advance for convenience.

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

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Baked Chicken Legs & Rice

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Baked Chicken Legs & Rice is a delightful one-pan dish that brings together crispy, juicy chicken legs nestled on a bed of flavorful rice. This comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely family dinners, effortlessly combining rich flavors and textures. With its golden-brown skin and aromatic herbs, it’s sure to impress your loved ones. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this dish is a go-to for any home cook looking to create lasting memories around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

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• 4 skin-on, bone-in chicken legs
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp fresh or dried thyme (or rosemary)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish.
2. Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the prepared dish and pour in the chicken broth.
4. Place the seasoned chicken legs on top of the rice and drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake for 45-55 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is golden brown.
6. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken leg with rice (approximately 300g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

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