Name: Mexican chicken, rice & beans
Yield: 10+
Ingredients: About 20 chicken drumsticks (roughly 9–10 lb); 3 tbsp olive or avocado oil, for the chicken; 2 tbsp garlic powder; 2 tbsp onion powder; 1 tbsp ground cumin, for the chicken; 1 tbsp paprika, for the chicken; 2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp kosher salt, for the chicken; adjust to taste; 4 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed well; 2–3 tbsp olive or avocado oil, plus a little more for garlic; 3 small red onions, roughly diced; 8 garlic cloves, roughly chopped; 3 medium tomatoes, roughly diced; 2 cans (15 oz each) red kidney beans, drained; 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained; 6½ cups chicken broth; 2 tsp ground cumin, for the rice; 2 tsp paprika, for the rice; 2 tsp kosher salt, for the rice; adjust to taste

Let’s make it.

Heat oven to 425°F. Toss drumsticks with 3 tablespoons oil and all chicken seasonings until evenly coated.
Arrange in a large lined roasting pan. Roast for 45 minutes, then check the thickest pieces without touching bone. Continue to 175–185°F for tender dark meat; 165°F is the safe minimum.
Heat a large heavy pot over medium-high. Add 2–3 tablespoons oil and rinsed rice. Toast 2–3 minutes, stirring every few seconds.
Add onions and sauté 2–3 minutes. Make a well, add a little oil and garlic, and cook 30 seconds. Stir in tomatoes and the rice cumin, paprika, and salt; cook 2–3 minutes.
Fold in drained beans. Add 6½ cups broth, stir gently, and bring to a simmer.
Lower heat, cover, and cook 20 minutes. Turn off heat and rest covered 10 minutes. Fluff, then serve two drumsticks per plate with rice and chicken-pan juices.

Make it work for you

The card describes this crowd batch as a repeatable starting point. Adjust salt and spices to taste.

The detail that matters

Check the thickest drumstick with a thermometer without touching bone.

Use a food thermometer, not a photo, to check doneness. FoodSafety.gov temperature guidance. Refrigerate cooked rice promptly; reheat leftovers to 165°F.

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Mexican chicken, rice & beans

Let’s make it.

Make it work for you

The detail that matters

Watch the video.