Earlonne’s Chicken and Brown Rice

Step 1

Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper and leave it out at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour. At the same time, add the brown rice to a bowl, cover with water and set aside to soak for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour.

Step 2

Adjust oven rack position to lower third and heat to 375 degrees.

Step 3

Make the spice mix: Add garlic powder, onion powder, coriander, paprika, cayenne, 1 tablespoon salt and 1 tablespoon pepper to a small jar or other lidded container and whisk to combine. Cover spice mix and set aside.

Step 4

Set a large (10- or 12-inch) cast-iron or other oven-safe skillet (preferably with a lid) over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons butter and allow to melt. Working in batches if necessary to avoid crowding, carefully lay chicken legs in pan in a single layer, skin-side down, and cook until golden-brown, 4 to 6 minutes, then remove from pan and set aside on a plate, skin-side up. Meanwhile, drain the brown rice in a fine-mesh strainer, shaking to remove excess water; set aside.

Step 5

Add onions and celery to pan along with a generous pinch of salt. Reduce heat to medium and cook until vegetables are tender and lightly golden, 12 to 14 minutes.

Step 6

Return heat to medium-high, add remaining 2 tablespoons butter and allow to melt, then add rice and 4 teaspoons prepared spice mix. Toast rice until golden, about 90 seconds, then add stock and bay leaves.

Step 7

Bring to a boil, then taste and adjust for salt — the stock should be a little saltier than you are comfortable with. Turn off flame, nestle chicken legs into the pan, skin-side up, and cover with a lid or foil. (If using foil, take care to create a tight seal to prevent steam from escaping.) Place onto prepared rack in the oven.

Step 8

Check the pan after 15 minutes to make sure the liquid is at a steady simmer and adjust oven temperature as needed. Cook until rice absorbs the liquid and is tender and chicken is falling off the bone, about 80 to 90 minutes.

Step 9

Increase oven temperature to 450 degrees and remove lid or foil from pan. Adjust rack position to upper third of oven, and place pan on rack. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until chicken skin is deep golden brown. Remove from oven, and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 10

In the meantime, prepare sauce: In a medium bowl, combine sour cream or yogurt, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir, taste and adjust seasoning for salt. Serve with chicken and rice; garnish with cilantro.

Step 11

Cover and refrigerate leftover chicken, rice and sauce for up to 5 days. Cover and store remaining spice mix in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.