Spanish Chicken and Rice (35 Minutes)

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Here’s a recipe for Spanish chicken and rice that’s sure to be a hit at dinner time. This one-pot dish is packed with flavor and can be made in just 35 minutes, making it a great option for busy nights. Tender chicken thighs are seared and then simmered with saffron-infused rice, garlic, onions, and bell peppers. The result is a fragrant and satisfying meal that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • Cilantro, for serving

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the chicken thighs to the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Add the onion, red bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
  4. Stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, and saffron threads and cook for another minute.
  5. Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat in the spices. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
  6. Nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet and scatter the peas over the top.
  7. Cover the skillet and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
  8. Pull chicken apart with a fork and distribute throughout the dish.
  9. Serve with lime wedges and cilantro if desired.

Notes

Saffron is a key ingredient in this dish, so don’t skip it! If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, you can use water instead, but you may need to adjust the seasoning accordingly. To make this dish even more authentic, try adding sliced chorizo or diced tomatoes. And if you like your food spicy, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Enjoy!

*The following nutritional information is based on estimates.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.heresyourdinner.com/spanish-chicken-and-rice-35-minutes/