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Spanish Chicken Rice

Savory Spanish Chicken Rice: One-Pot Comfort Food Bliss

This Spanish Chicken Rice combines comfort and flair, making it a favorite choice for busy weeknights. A gluten-free dish that warms the soul.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Spanish
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Chicken Thighs bone-in for maximum crispiness
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or substitute with a neutral oil
For the Rice
  • 1.5 cups Long-Grain Rice maintain a 1:1.5 rice-to-liquid ratio
  • 3 cups Chicken Stock use vegetable stock for vegetarian option
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric adds earthy flavor and yellow color
  • 1 tablespoon Smoked Paprika or regular paprika as a backup
For the Vegetables
  • 1 medium Onion or shallots for a milder taste
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper
  • 1 medium Yellow Bell Pepper
  • 3 cloves Garlic fresh, minced
For the Garnish
  • 1 bunch Fresh Cilantro optional
  • 2 pieces Limes for juice

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season each thigh generously with salt, black pepper, turmeric, and half of the smoked paprika. Allow the chicken to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 8-10 minutes until crispy and golden brown; then flip and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Set aside.
  3. Using the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  4. Stir in remaining turmeric and smoked paprika. Add 1.5 cups of long-grain rice, stirring continuously for about 2 minutes to toast.
  5. Pour in 3 cups of chicken stock and bring to a boil. Nestle seared chicken thighs back into rice, skin-side up. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until rice is fluffy.
  6. Remove from heat and let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Ensure the chicken thighs are patted dry and the pan is hot to achieve crispy skin. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

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