Description
This One Pan Spanish Chicken and Rice is a delicious and hassle-free meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts or thighs are seasoned with a flavorful Spanish spice mix and cooked with white rice and chicken broth in one skillet. Garnished with fresh lemon and herbs, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Ideal for families or meal prepping, it’s a complete and nutritious dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or 6 chicken thighs
3 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
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
Spanish Seasoning Mix:
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 all the spices. Divide in half and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: Drizzle chicken with 2 tablespoons of oil, toss to coat, and rub half of the seasoning mix on both sides of each piece of chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. Transfer to a plate.
- Prepare the Rice: In the same skillet, combine rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, and remaining seasoning mix. Stir to combine.
- Cook Everything Together: Return chicken to the skillet, placing it on top of the rice. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes until liquid is absorbed, rice is tender, and chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Garnish with lemon slices and chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
For brown rice, adjust cooking time to 40-45 minutes and add extra chicken broth as needed.
Substitute chicken with pork chops, turkey, or seafood if preferred. Adjust cooking time based on protein choice.
For extra spice, increase chili powder or add cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 426 kcal per serving
