Simple, hearty, and bursting with flavor, Baked Chicken Legs and Rice is the perfect dish for a comforting supper. With only 10 minutes of prep, this oven-baked recipe combines juicy, well-seasoned drumsticks with fluffy, flavorful rice infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Ideal for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends, it’s a fuss-free way to bring deliciousness to the table.
PrintBaked Chicken Legs and Rice
Comfort food at its best—Baked Chicken Legs and Rice! 🍗🍚 Juicy, tender chicken legs roasted to perfection atop fluffy, flavorful rice seasoned with savory spices. This one-pan wonder is not only delicious but also a breeze to make! 🥘✨ Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner, it’s a hearty meal everyone will love. Ready to dig in? 😍🍴 #BakedChickenAndRice #OnePanWonder #ComfortFoodGoals #ChickenDinner #FlavorfulBites #EasyWeeknightMeals #FamilyFavorites #RiceAndChicken #HomeCookedHappiness #SimpleAndDelicious 🍗🌿
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 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 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 15–20 cranks fresh-ground black pepper
- 6–8 chicken drumsticks
For the Rice and Broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked white rice (See note for rice options)
- 1 ⅓ cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- ⅔ cup water
Garnish and Serving
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- Fresh parsley or thyme (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Season the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and black pepper into a thin paste.
- Rub the mixture generously over the drumsticks to coat them evenly. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Aromatics
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Add onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for an additional 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
4. Assemble the Rice
- Transfer the onion-garlic mixture to an 8”x10” or 9”x13” baking dish.
- Add uncooked rice and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt to the dish and stir to combine.
5. Heat the Broth
- In the same saucepan, bring chicken broth and water to a boil.
- Pour the hot liquid over the rice mixture in the baking dish and stir gently.
6. Arrange and Bake
- Place the seasoned drumsticks on top of the rice, along with half of the lemon wedges.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
7. Rest and Serve
- Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes after removing it from the oven.
- Transfer the drumsticks and lemon wedges to a plate.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, and serve with extra lemon wedges for added brightness.
Notes
- For Better Browning: Broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes after baking for a deeper golden color. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Rice Tips: Avoid using brown rice as it requires a longer cooking time and may remain undercooked.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 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 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 15-20 cranks fresh-ground black pepper
- 6-8 chicken drumsticks
For the Rice and Broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked white rice (See note for rice options)
- 1 ⅓ cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- ⅔ cup water
Garnish and Serving
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- Fresh parsley or thyme (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Season the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and black pepper into a thin paste.
- Rub the mixture generously over the drumsticks to coat them evenly. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Aromatics
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Add onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for an additional 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
4. Assemble the Rice
- Transfer the onion-garlic mixture to an 8”x10” or 9”x13” baking dish.
- Add uncooked rice and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt to the dish and stir to combine.
5. Heat the Broth
- In the same saucepan, bring chicken broth and water to a boil.
- Pour the hot liquid over the rice mixture in the baking dish and stir gently.
6. Arrange and Bake
- Place the seasoned drumsticks on top of the rice, along with half of the lemon wedges.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
7. Rest and Serve
- Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes after removing it from the oven.
- Transfer the drumsticks and lemon wedges to a plate.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, and serve with extra lemon wedges for added brightness.
Notes
- For Better Browning: Broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes after baking for a deeper golden color. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Rice Tips: Avoid using brown rice as it requires a longer cooking time and may remain undercooked.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Flavorful and Balanced: The drumsticks are seasoned to perfection, and the rice absorbs all the rich juices and broth for a deeply satisfying flavor.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes make clean-up a breeze!
- Customizable: Add a pinch of cayenne for heat, or toss in some veggies like peas or carrots for extra nutrients.
Serve this hearty dish with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together, this Baked Chicken Legs and Rice recipe is sure to be a hit!