Looking for an easy Mediterranean dinner recipe thats quick, hearty, and flavorful? This One-Pan Spanish Chicken and Rice is the answer to your weeknight dinner dilemma. It is perfect for feeding a family of four, brings together seasoned chicken, tender rice, with all time aromatic spices, combined and cooked to perfection in one skillet.
This recipe is inspired by Spanish’s love for rice dishes such as paella. One-Pan Spanish Chicken and Rice Recipe simplifies the cooking process while retaining the taste of Mediterranean cuisine. Spanish chicken and rice recipes have a tradition of combining everyday food items like chicken, rice, and spices to create recipes that are both affordable and perfect on table. This version of chicken and rice will give you a rich, smoky, and zesty dish _ a perfect meal for any occasion. The best part? Yes! Minimal prep, minimal cleanup, and maximum flavor! With ingredients like smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic powder, your kitchen will be filled with the tantalizing aroma of Spanish-inspired spices.
Let’s get started on this flavor-packed one-skillet chicken rice recipe that is necessary to become a favorite in your weekly meal rotation.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Rice
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup uncooked white rice (long-grain for best texture)
- 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 lemon (half for juicing, half for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
For the Spanish Seasoning Mix
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (essential for authentic flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Directions
1. Prepare the Spanish Seasoning
First, combine spanish seasoning ingredients like smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, cumin, chili powder, coriander, and Italian seasoning in a bowl. Divide this spanish seasoning into two portions, one for the chicken and the other for the rice.
2. Season and Sear the Chicken
Now place chicken in a bowl, and drizzle 2 tablespoons oil on it, then toss to coat. Take half of the spanish spice mix and apply over both sides of the chicken. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon of oil. Put chicken pieces in the pan and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. As chicken become brown, remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Rice
In the same skillet add the rice, followed by chicken broth, the juice of half a lemon, and the remaining half portion of spanish seasoning. Stir to combine, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with spices.
4. Combine and Simmer
When you see rice absorb half of the stock, return the chicken to the skillet, placing it on top of the rice. Then cover pan with a lid and simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through and become juicy.
5. Garnish and Serve
Now remove skillet from heat and garnish with lemon slices and fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve directly from the skillet for a warm and mesmerizing taste.
This One-Pan Spanish Chicken and Rice recipe is the perfect blend of convenience and flavor. Its packed with smoky spices, zesty lemon, and fluffy rice, making it an ideal choice for easy Mediterranean dinners or quick weeknight meals. Not only does this recipe save time with its one-skillet method, but it also delivers a restaurant-quality dish that’s sure to impress. Pair it with a fresh side salad to complete the meal.
Make this recipe tonight and enjoy a delicious, satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup. Your family will love the bold flavors, and you’ll love how simple it is to prepare!
You may also check Asian Chicken Rice
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often remain juicier than chicken breasts. Just ensure they’re cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I substitute white rice with brown rice?
You can use brown rice, but it requires a longer cooking time and additional liquid. Plan to increase the broth to about 3 cups and cook for an extra 10-15 minutes.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
Smoked paprika is a key ingredient for that authentic smoky flavor, but if unavailable, you can substitute with regular paprika and a pinch of ground chipotle powder for a smoky kick.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, this dish reheats well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to keep the rice moist.
Tips
Use Long-Grain White Rice
Long-grain rice ensures a light, fluffy texture and gives beautiful platter look. Avoid short-grain or sticky rice, which can result in a mushy consistency.
Sear the Chicken First
Browning the chicken adds a layer of depth and flavor. Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken to get a nice golden crust.
Don’t Skip the Lemon
Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and balances the smoky spices.
Cook Over Low Heat
After adding the rice and broth in pan, reduce the heat and cover the skillet tightly to allow the rice to cook evenly and absorb all the flavorful liquid.
One-Pan Spanish Chicken and Rice Recipe
Course: MainCuisine: SpanishDifficulty: Medium4
servings5
minutes40
minutes590
kcalSpanish chicken and rice recipes have a long-standing tradition of combining everyday staples like chicken, rice, and spices to create meals that are both affordable and flavorful. This version is no exception, giving you a rich, smoky, and zesty dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken and Rice
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup uncooked white rice (long-grain for best texture)
2 ¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 lemon (half for juicing, half for garnish)
Fresh cilantro for garnish
- For the Spanish Seasoning Mix
2 teaspoons smoked paprika (essential for authentic flavor)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Directions
- Prepare the Spanish Seasoning
Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, cumin, chili powder, coriander, and Italian seasoning in a bowl. Divide into two portions: one for the chicken and the other for the rice. - Season and Sear the Chicken
Place chicken in a bowl, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of oil, and toss to coat.
Rub half of the spice mix over both sides of the chicken. Heat a large skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon of oil. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside. - Cook the Rice
Add the rice to the skillet, followed by chicken broth, the juice of half a lemon, and the remaining spice mix. Stir to combine, ensuring the rice is evenly coated. - Combine and Simmer
Return the chicken to the skillet, placing it on top of the rice. Cover with a lid and simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. - Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with lemon slices and fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve directly from the skillet for a warm, and mesmerizing taste.
Notes
- Smoked paprika is a key ingredient for that authentic smoky flavor, but if unavailable, you can substitute with regular paprika and a pinch of ground chipotle powder for a smoky kick.
