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+ servings

Grilled Chicken Leg with Spiced Rice

Tender, caramelized grilled chicken leg quarters with a honey-paprika glaze, served alongside fragrant spiced rice loaded with bell peppers and tomato, plus a fresh cucumber and tomato salad. This complete dinner is ready in under an hour and looks restaurant-quality on the plate.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 chicken leg quarters or drumsticks
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp honey
For the Spiced Rice
  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 onion sliced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt to taste
For the Fresh Salad
  • Cucumber slices
  • Tomato wedges
  • Red onion slices
  • Lettuce leaves

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp honey in a small bowl. Stir until the honey dissolves and everything comes together as a smooth paste.
  2. Rub the marinade all over 4 chicken leg quarters or drumsticks, getting into all the nooks and crevices. Let the chicken sit for at least 15 minutes (or as long as you have time).
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, sauté 1 diced green bell pepper, 1 diced red bell pepper, and 1 sliced onion until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, then add 2 cups basmati rice and stir for about 2 minutes. Pour in 3 cups chicken broth and sprinkle with 1 tsp paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Season with salt to taste.
  4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit). Place marinated chicken pieces skin-side down and cook undisturbed for 6 to 7 minutes. Flip and continue cooking for another 8 to 10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit at the thickest part.
  5. Arrange cucumber slices, tomato wedges, red onion slices, and fresh lettuce leaves on a serving plate or bowl.

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 38gFat: 16gSodium: 780mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4g

Notes

If you don't have a grill, use a grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat on your stovetop. The rice and chicken can be prepared simultaneously if you have two burners available. For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the salad just before serving.

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