Creole Oven Fried Chicken and Rice

Dive into the bold and comforting flavors of the South with this Creole Oven Fried Chicken and Rice recipe—a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Perfectly seasoned chicken drumsticks are marinated in tangy buttermilk and spicy hot sauce, then coated in a crispy cornmeal and flour blend enhanced with smoked paprika, cayenne, and thyme. Baked to golden perfection, this oven-fried chicken is irresistibly crunchy without the grease of traditional frying. Paired with a fragrant Creole rice infused with sautéed bell peppers, onions, celery, and a touch of tomato paste, this dish offers a vibrant balance of crispy, spicy, and savory. Perfect for a family dinner or an indulgent weekend treat, this Southern-inspired meal is high on flavor and low on hassle!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces chicken drumsticks
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cups cornmeal
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for greasing)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 0.5 cup diced onion
• 0.5 cup bell pepper, diced
• 0.25 cup diced celery
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
• 1 tablespoon butter

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken drumsticks, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.

Step 2

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place an oven-safe wire rack on top. Lightly grease the rack with olive oil.

Step 3

In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, coating well, and place on the prepared rack.

Step 5

Lightly drizzle or spray the chicken with olive oil to enhance crispiness. Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 6

While the chicken is baking, prepare the Creole rice. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 7

Stir in the tomato paste and Creole seasoning, cooking for another 1-2 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 8

Add the rice to the pan, stirring to coat it in the spice mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.

Step 9

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Step 10

Serve the crispy oven-fried chicken over a generous helping of Creole rice. Enjoy your flavorful Southern-inspired meal!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2568.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3460.7

Total Fat 136.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 41.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 830.6mg	0%
Sodium 7155.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 326.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.1g	0%
Total Sugars 36.4g
Protein 235.8g	0%

Vitamin D 256.0IU	0%
Calcium 836.7mg	0%
Iron 25.9mg	0%
Potassium 4100.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.3%

Protein: 27.1%

Carbs: 37.6%