What other cuts of chicken can I use?

You can swap in chicken thighs—they'll bake for the same time. If you're using bone-in chicken breasts, check them at 40-45 minutes since they could cook quicker.

Can white rice be replaced with brown rice?

Brown rice needs extra liquid and more time. Use 2 cups broth, 1 cup water, and bake covered for 45 minutes, then uncovered for another 15-20 minutes.

How can I tell if the chicken is cooked?

When the thickest part hits 165°F (75°C) or the juices are clear when you poke it, your chicken is ready. The outside should be crispy and golden too!

Can I throw veggies into this dish?

Definitely! Toss in carrots, peppers, or peas before baking. If you’re using frozen peas, mix them into the hot rice right after it’s done to keep them bright and tasty.

What’s the best way to store and reheat extra food?

Pop leftovers into a sealed container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Warm them in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes. Add a splash of broth if the rice feels dry.

Delicious Baked Chicken Legs with Rice

Category: Meals for Every Occasion

Rub chicken legs with a sweet, smoky mix, layer over rice with sautéed garlic and onions, and bake it all together. The rice soaks in the juices, creating an easy, all-in-one dinner.

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By Ana

Updated on Sat, 31 May 2025 18:15:19 GMT

Chicken Legs with Rice Dish | homebitesbyana.com

Recipe FAQs

→ What other cuts of chicken can I use?: You can swap in chicken thighs—they'll bake for the same time. If you're using bone-in chicken breasts, check them at 40-45 minutes since they could cook quicker.
→ Can white rice be replaced with brown rice?: Brown rice needs extra liquid and more time. Use 2 cups broth, 1 cup water, and bake covered for 45 minutes, then uncovered for another 15-20 minutes.
→ How can I tell if the chicken is cooked?: When the thickest part hits 165°F (75°C) or the juices are clear when you poke it, your chicken is ready. The outside should be crispy and golden too!
→ Can I throw veggies into this dish?: Definitely! Toss in carrots, peppers, or peas before baking. If you’re using frozen peas, mix them into the hot rice right after it’s done to keep them bright and tasty.
→ What’s the best way to store and reheat extra food?: Pop leftovers into a sealed container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Warm them in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes. Add a splash of broth if the rice feels dry.

Chicken Legs with Rice

Drumsticks dressed in a smoky herb mix, baked on a bed of rice that absorbs all the savory goodness as it cooks.

Prep Time

10 min

Cooking Time

50 min

Total Time

60 min

By: Ana

Category: Lunch & Dinner

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yields: 6 Servings

Dietary Preferences: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Chicken Spice Blend

01 1 teaspoon kosher salt

02 3 tablespoons olive oil

03 2 teaspoons dried thyme

04 1 teaspoon dried oregano

05 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

06 2 tablespoons brown sugar

07 1 teaspoon garlic powder

08 15-20 twists of black pepper

→ Rice Ingredients

09 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

10 2 tablespoons butter

11 1 cup uncooked white rice

12 1 and 1/3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

13 2/3 cup water

14 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

15 3-4 garlic cloves, minced

→ Key Ingredients

16 6-8 chicken drumsticks

→ For Plating

17 Fresh thyme or parsley, for sprinkling (optional)

18 Lemon cut into wedges

Steps

Step 01

Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Whisk together olive oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until it's a smooth blend.

Step 02

Drizzle the spice mixture over the chicken legs and massage it in so they’re evenly covered. Leave them to sit while you get the rice ready.

Step 03

On medium-high heat, melt butter in a saucepan. Cook the onions for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Toss in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring often, until fragrant.

Step 04

Move the onion and garlic mixture into a baking dish (8"x10" or 9"x13"). Stir the uncooked rice and kosher salt into the baking dish until everything is mixed together.

Step 05

Using the same saucepan, bring the chicken broth and water to a boil.

Step 06

Pour the boiling liquid into the baking dish with the rice mixture and stir gently. Arrange the marinated drumsticks on top of the rice, and spread out a few lemon wedges alongside them.

Step 07

Seal the baking dish tightly with foil. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes.

Step 08

Take off the foil and bake another 20 minutes, making sure the chicken is fully cooked through and the rice is soft.

Step 09

Let it rest for a couple of minutes after removing it from the oven. Transfer the chicken and cooked lemon slices to a serving plate. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve alongside the chicken. Sprinkle with parsley or thyme and extra lemon wedges, if you’d like.

Notes

Cleanup's a breeze with this one-pan meal that pairs juicy chicken drumsticks with fluffy, flavorful rice.
The brown sugar in the seasoning caramelizes perfectly, adding a sweet touch to the crispy chicken.
If drumsticks aren’t your thing, swap them for chicken thighs — the cooking time won’t change.