If you are craving a vibrant, comforting meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, look no further than this One Pan Spanish Chicken and Rice Recipe. It’s a beautiful blend of juicy, seasoning-rubbed chicken nestled into perfectly cooked, flavorful rice, all cooked together in one skillet for easy cleanup and maximum flavor. This dish is a celebration of warm spices, tangy lemon, and fresh herbs that you’ll want to make over and over again. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe delivers a satisfying, colorful feast with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully straightforward yet essential to crafting the bold flavors and comforting textures that make this One Pan Spanish Chicken and Rice Recipe so unforgettable. Each element plays a crucial role, from the smoky paprika that imparts depth to the fresh lemon that brightens every bite.
- Chicken (4 boneless skinless breasts or 6 thighs): Provides tender, juicy protein that cooks beautifully alongside the rice.
- Vegetable or canola oil (3 tablespoons): Helps brown the chicken and infuse the rice with richness.
- Uncooked white rice (1 cup): Absorbs all those wonderful spices and broth for a perfectly textured base.
- Low sodium chicken broth (2 ¼ cups): Adds savory depth while keeping the rice moist and flavorful.
- Lemon (halved; one half sliced for garnish, one squeezed): Brings a bright, tangy note that balances the smoky spices.
- Chopped cilantro or parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal finish as a garnish that lifts the dish.
- Smoked paprika (2 teaspoons): Infuses a rich, smoky warmth that defines the Spanish flair.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances flavor with a subtle, savory punch.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for elevating all the flavors in the dish.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Adds earthiness and depth.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Provides a gentle heat and complexity.
- Coriander (1 teaspoon): Offers a warm, citrusy undertone.
- Italian seasoning (¼ teaspoon): A subtle herb blend that complements the other spices perfectly.
How to Make One Pan Spanish Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spanish Seasoning Mix
In a small bowl, whisk together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, cumin, chili powder, coriander, and Italian seasoning. This fragrant blend forms the backbone of your dish’s amazing flavor. Once mixed, divide the seasoning in half—half for the chicken and half for the rice.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Drizzle 2 tablespoons of oil over the chicken breasts or thighs, then toss to coat evenly. Generously rub half of the spice blend onto both sides of each piece, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken pieces in the hot pan and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. This step locks in moisture and flavor, so don’t rush it! Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate but keep that pan handy for the next step.
Step 4: Prepare the Rice
Keeping the skillet on the stove, add the uncooked rice, chicken broth, lemon juice from half the lemon, and the remaining seasoning mix. Stir gently to combine, scraping up any browned bits left from the chicken for added flavor. This step incorporates all those delicious pan drippings, resulting in rice that is anything but ordinary.
Step 5: Cook Everything Together
Return the browned chicken to the skillet, nestling it on top of the rice. Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to simmer. Let everything cook together for 20 to 25 minutes, giving the rice time to absorb the broth and seasoning and the chicken time to finish cooking through. The lid traps the steam, which perfectly cooks the rice and keeps the chicken tender and juicy.
Step 6: Serve
Once the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender, your dish is ready! Garnish with fresh lemon slices and a generous sprinkle of chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve it straight from the pan for a warm, casual presentation that’s as inviting as it is delicious.
How to Serve One Pan Spanish Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this dish beyond the ordinary. Use sliced lemon to add brightness and a pop of color, and sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley for an herbal lift. These fresh touches not only make the dish look beautiful but also add layers of flavor with every bite.
Side Dishes
This One Pan Spanish Chicken and Rice Recipe is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to expand, consider light sides like a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette or roasted vegetables. A side of crusty bread also pairs wonderfully for soaking up any remaining juices on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For impressing guests or family, serve the chicken and rice in colorful, rustic bowls or on large platters surrounded by garnishes. Adding roasted red peppers or olives on top can bring extra Mediterranean flair. You can also offer lime wedges instead of lemon for a twist to brighten up the flavors differently.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, simply let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the rice and chicken will stay good for up to 3 days without losing that wonderful flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you’d like to enjoy this dish later, freezing is a great option. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers, separating chicken from rice if preferred for easier reheating. Frozen properly, your One Pan Spanish Chicken and Rice Recipe can last up to 2 months, perfect for quick meals on busy days.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist. Cover the pan to steam and warm evenly. You can also microwave the dish with a damp paper towel over it to prevent drying out. Either way, your meal will taste almost as good as fresh.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to increase the simmer time and possibly add a bit more broth. It adds a lovely nutty flavor and extra fiber to the dish.
What if I don’t have all the spices for the seasoning mix?
No worries! You can simplify the mix with just smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and cumin for a tasty version. The other spices add complexity but aren’t strictly necessary to enjoy this dish.
Can this recipe be made with bone-in chicken?
Yes, you can use bone-in pieces, but cooking times will increase. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving, and you might need to adjust liquid and simmer time accordingly.
Is this dish spicy?
This recipe has a gentle warmth from chili powder but isn’t spicy hot. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne if you like it spicier.
What wine pairs well with One Pan Spanish Chicken and Rice Recipe?
A dry white wine such as Albariño or a light red like Garnacha complements the smoky spices and lemony brightness perfectly. These choices balance the flavors without overwhelming the dish.
Final Thoughts
This One Pan Spanish Chicken and Rice Recipe is truly a kitchen hero that combines ease, flavor, and vibrant colors in one satisfying dish. From the smoky, perfectly seasoned chicken to the tender, aromatic rice, every bite feels like a warm hug on the plate. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes one of your go-to meals for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be hooked!
Print
One Pan Spanish Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Spanish
Description
This One Pan Spanish Chicken and Rice recipe delivers a flavorful, easy-to-make meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken breasts seasoned with smoky paprika and a blend of spices cook atop a bed of fragrant rice infused with lemon and herbs, all prepared in a single skillet for minimal cleanup and maximum taste.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or 6 chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil (divided)
Rice and Seasoning
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 ¼ cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 lemon (halved; one half sliced for garnish, one half for juicing)
- Chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Spanish Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, whisk together smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, cumin, chili powder, coriander, and Italian seasoning. Divide the mixture in half and set one portion aside for later.
- Season the Chicken: Drizzle the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and toss to coat evenly. Rub half of the seasoning mix on both sides of each piece of chicken, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until each piece is nicely browned. Then, transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, leaving the oil and any drippings in the skillet.
- Prepare the Rice: In the same skillet, add the uncooked rice along with the low sodium chicken broth and juice from half a lemon. Stir in the remaining half of the Spanish seasoning mix to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Cook Everything Together: Return the browned chicken to the skillet, placing each piece on top of the rice mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to low. Let it cook undisturbed for 20 to 25 minutes until the liquid is absorbed, the rice is tender, and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Serve: Once cooked, garnish with lemon slices and chopped cilantro or parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve the dish immediately while hot and flavorful.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat if preferred.
- Adjust the seasoning blend for spiciness or smokiness based on taste.
- Ensure the skillet is covered tightly when simmering to cook rice perfectly.
- Use low sodium broth to control salt content and flavor balance.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on skillet size and stove type.
