This recipe for Baked Chicken Drumsticks and Fluffy Rice is the epitome of comforting, home-style cooking. It’s a dish that evokes warmth, simplicity, and satisfying flavors, making it a beloved choice for weeknight dinners or casual family gatherings. The drumsticks are seasoned to perfection and baked until the skin is wonderfully crispy and golden, while the meat remains juicy and tender. Paired with perfectly cooked, light, and fluffy rice, it creates a balanced and incredibly satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and universally loved. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, prepared with care, can create truly memorable food.
Contents
Detailed Ingredients
For the Baked Chicken Drumsticks:
- Chicken:
- 8-10 chicken drumsticks (about 2.5 – 3 lbs total)
- Oil:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
- Dry Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a slight kick)
- Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
For the Fluffy Rice:
- Rice:
- 2 cups long-grain white rice (e.g., Basmati or Jasmine)
- Liquid:
- 3 cups cold water (or chicken broth for extra flavor)
- Fat & Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (or olive oil)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Part 1: Prepare and Bake the Chicken Drumsticks
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. If using foil, you might want to lightly grease it.
- Pat Chicken Dry: Pat the chicken drumsticks thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for crispy skin.
- Season Chicken: In a large bowl, drizzle the olive oil over the drumsticks. In a small separate bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Sprinkle this seasoning mixture generously over the chicken.
- Coat Evenly: Using your hands, massage the seasonings into the chicken drumsticks, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Arrange the seasoned drumsticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other. This allows for even cooking and crisping.
- Bake: Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, the juices run clear, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer at the thickest part without touching the bone.
- Broil for Extra Crispy Skin (Optional): For extra crispy skin, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest: Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
- Garnish: If desired, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Part 2: Prepare the Fluffy Rice
- Rinse Rice: Place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, preventing sticky rice.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, combine the rinsed rice, cold water (or broth), butter (or olive oil), and salt. Stir gently to combine.
- Bring to a Boil: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce Heat & Simmer: Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the saucepan tightly with the lid, and simmer undisturbed for 18-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
- Rest: After 18-20 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat, but keep the lid on. Let the rice rest for another 10 minutes. This allows the steam to finish cooking the rice and makes it extra fluffy.
- Fluff and Serve: After resting, remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Serve immediately alongside the baked chicken drumsticks.
Tips, Variations, and Storage
- For Crispy Skin: Patting the chicken very dry is the most important step. Don’t skip it! A little baking powder (½ tsp mixed with the dry seasoning) can also help crisp the skin.
- Even Cooking: Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Give the drumsticks space to breathe.
- Flavor Boost for Rice: Using chicken broth instead of water for the rice adds a depth of savory flavor that complements the chicken beautifully. You can also add a bay leaf to the rice while cooking.
- Drumstick Marinade (Variation): For even more flavor, you can marinate the drumsticks for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator, in a mix of the oil and seasonings.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preference, or omit it entirely for a mild flavor.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with other dried herbs like oregano, rosemary, or a poultry seasoning blend.
- Storage: Leftover chicken drumsticks and rice can be stored in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat chicken in the oven or air fryer for best results to maintain crispiness. Reheat rice in the microwave with a splash of water, or on the stovetop.
Pairings
- Wine: A medium-bodied white wine like a Chardonnay (oaked or unoaked, depending on preference), a Pinot Grigio, or even a light-bodied red like a Pinot Noir would pair well with the savory chicken.
- Beverages: Iced tea, lemonade, or a simple sparkling water with lemon would be refreshing.
- Sides:
- Vegetables: Steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, a simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing, corn on the cob, or sautéed asparagus would be excellent choices.
- Other Carbs: If you prefer, mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes could be a comforting alternative to rice.
- Salads: A light cucumber and tomato salad, or a mixed green salad with a lemon-herb dressing, would provide a fresh contrast to the rich chicken and rice.
Quick Info
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-45 minutes (chicken) + 30 minutes (rice)
- Total Time: 50-60 minutes
- Servings: 4-5
- Cuisine: American / Comfort Food
