Dive into the bold and vibrant flavors of Spanish Chicken with Rice, a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Featuring succulent bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs seared to golden perfection, this dish is infused with aromatic smoked paprika, earthy cumin, and a hint of oregano for authentic Spanish flair. The tender long-grain rice cooks in a rich blend of chicken broth and diced tomatoes, soaking up every drop of flavor, while sweet red bell peppers and frozen peas add pops of color and texture. With just 15 minutes of prep and under an hour of cooking, this hearty, comforting recipe delivers a beautifully balanced meal garnished with fresh parsley for an extra burst of freshness. It's a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to savor again and again! Perfect keywords for search include Spanish chicken recipe, one-pan chicken and rice, and easy Spanish-inspired dinner.
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Season the chicken thighs with 1 teaspoon of salt and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper on both sides.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for another 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the diced red bell pepper, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes to toast the spices and release their aroma.
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat it in the spice mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the rice.
Pour in the chicken broth and canned diced tomatoes (with their juices). Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up, ensuring they are partially submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently for 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, remove the lid and scatter the frozen peas over the rice. Cover again and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and any excess moisture to absorb into the rice.
Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish for garnish. Serve hot and enjoy your Spanish Chicken with Rice!
Serving size | (2883.2g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 3074.7 |
Total Fat 185.4g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 46.8g | 0% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g | |
Cholesterol 729mg | 0% |
Sodium 5518.6mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 163.3g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 23.3g | 0% |
Total Sugars 38.0g | |
Protein 197.5g | 0% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 417.6mg | 0% |
Iron 22.3mg | 0% |
Potassium 4361.4mg | 0% |
Source of Calories