spanish chicken and rice recipe

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Craving a hearty, one-pan dinner that’s easy and flavorful? This Spanish chicken and rice recipe is your perfect go-to. Packed with tender chicken, seasoned rice, and bold spices, it’s a family-friendly favorite ideal for weeknights or casual entertaining.

Let me tell you something—if there’s one dish that never fails me after a long day, it’s this Spanish chicken and rice recipe. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. You get tender, flavorful chicken, similar to a traditional chicken and yellow rice dish, perfectly seasoned rice, and the kind of aroma that makes the whole house smell amazing.

Now, I live in Florida, where Spanish and Latin influences shine bright in our kitchens. Over the years, I’ve tried and tweaked this recipe so many times, it’s practically a member of the family. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but still impressive enough if you’ve got friends coming over. And the best part? Everything cooks in one pan. Yes, you heard that right—less mess, more yum.

So grab your skillet and let’s cook something delicious together.

Main Ingredients (and Why They Matter)

Every great Spanish chicken and rice recipe starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one makes a difference:

4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or 6 Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs give you more flavor and stay juicy, but breasts are leaner and quicker to cook.
3 Tablespoons Vegetable or Canola Oil
Helps get that perfect sear on the chicken and adds richness to the rice.
1 Cup Uncooked White Rice
Long-grain rice is ideal—it absorbs flavors without turning mushy.
2 ¼ Cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth
Adds depth to the dish. Go low-sodium so you can control the salt level.
Juice of 1 Lemon
A little acidity brightens everything and balances the spices.
Chopped Cilantro or Parsley (for garnish)
Adds a pop of color and freshness right before serving.

And of course, we can’t forget the secret weapon…

Spanish Spice Blend:

2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon coriander
¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning

This seasoning blend is where all the smoky, earthy, and slightly spicy magic happens.

spanish chicken and rice recipe ingredients

Additional Ingredients & Swaps

Want to jazz things up? Here are a few tasty add-ins and substitutions that still stay true to the soul of a Spanish chicken and rice recipe:

Diced Bell Peppers: Adds sweetness and color. Red or yellow peppers are my fave.
Frozen Peas or Corn: Toss them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Sliced Olives: A little salty bite never hurt anybody.
Brown Rice: A bit chewier and takes longer to cook, but works well—just like in many of our chicken and brown rice recipes.
Chicken Drumsticks or Bone-in Thighs: Great for more flavor, just increase the cook time a bit.

Pro tip: If you’re out of coriander, a tiny pinch of ground fennel or caraway can offer a similar vibe.

Expert Tips for Perfect Results

You know how sometimes a recipe almost turns out right, but something’s missing? Let me help you get it just right the first time.

Brown that Chicken—Don’t Skip It: Searing locks in moisture and builds flavor. Even if you’re tempted to rush, give it that 3–4 minutes per side in a hot pan.
Toast the Rice: Once you remove the chicken, sauté the uncooked rice for a minute or two before adding the broth. It deepens the flavor and keeps it from getting mushy.
Don’t Peek: Once that lid is on and your rice is simmering, resist the urge to check on it. Steam is your friend—it helps everything cook evenly.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t have the same zing. That citrusy brightness at the end really makes a difference.
Let it Rest: Once the heat is off, give your dish 5–10 minutes to rest before serving. It helps everything settle and makes the rice fluffier. Especially helpful when using bone-in cuts, as seen in our hearty chicken thigh and rice recipes.

Oh, and one more thing: don’t be shy with the garnishes. A sprinkle of parsley or cilantro on top makes it look—and taste—like a million bucks.

Recommended Techniques

Here are a few tried-and-true tricks that take this Spanish chicken and rice recipe from good to great:

Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to prevent burning the rice.
Deglaze the pan after searing the chicken—don’t waste those golden brown bits!
Cook on low and steady heat to avoid overcooked rice and rubbery chicken.
Cover tightly with a lid to trap in moisture and flavor.
Fluff rice with a fork instead of stirring to keep the texture light and airy.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Spanish Chicken and Rice Recipe

Alright, apron on? Let’s do this.

Season the Chicken:
Combine all your spices in a small bowl. Rub generously onto the chicken, saving a teaspoon of the mix for later.
Sear the Chicken:
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken for 3–4 minutes per side. Set aside. Or try a hands-off approach with one of our rice cooker recipes with chicken.
Toast the Rice:
In the same pan, stir in the uncooked rice. Let it toast for 2 minutes to absorb all those tasty drippings.
Add Liquid:
Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Stir in the reserved seasoning mix.
Nestle the Chicken:
Place the browned chicken pieces right on top of the rice. Cover with a tight-fitting lid.
Simmer:
Reduce heat to low and let everything cook undisturbed for about 20–25 minutes.
Rest & Garnish:
Turn off the heat and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.

Additional Guide: Variations & Special Touches

Looking to switch it up next time? Here are a few fun twists on the classic Spanish chicken and rice recipe:

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes if you like it hot.
Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle a little shredded Manchego or cheddar on top during the last few minutes.
Oven Baked Version: After searing, assemble everything in a casserole dish and bake at 375°F for 35 minutes.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make a double batch and portion it out for easy lunches all week.

You can even make it a party dish with a side of sangria and some garlic bread. Just saying…

Frequently Asked Questions about Spanish Chicken and Rice Recipe

What can I serve with it?

It’s a full meal on its own, but a side salad or some roasted veggies work great.

What is a Spanish dish with chicken and rice?

One classic example is this Spanish chicken and rice recipe, often inspired by dishes like arroz con pollo. It’s a hearty, one-pan meal full of flavor from spices, rice, and tender chicken. But similar dishes like our Mexican chicken and rice recipe also showcase bold spices and hearty rice.

What spices go in Spanish chicken?

Common spices include smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, coriander, chili powder, and sometimes a touch of Italian seasoning for balance. These bring warmth, smokiness, and just the right kick.

Conclusion

There you have it—your new favorite Spanish chicken and rice recipe. Whether you’re cooking for the family, hosting a casual dinner, or just want something soul-warming on a busy night, this dish has got your back. It’s cozy, flavorful, and super satisfying without being fussy.

Thanks for hanging out with me in the kitchen today. I hope this recipe becomes one of your go-to meals just like it is for me. And hey, if you give it a try, don’t forget to share your results—I’d love to hear how it turns out!

Until next time, happy cooking and lots of love from my Florida kitchen to yours!