Chicken with Spanish Rice is a vibrant and satisfying dish that brings together tender, flavorful chicken with a bed of aromatic, spiced rice. The chicken is seasoned and seared to golden perfection, then cooked alongside the rice, which is infused with tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and a blend of spices. The result is a one-pan meal that’s bursting with color and flavor, perfect for a hearty family dinner or a casual gathering. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome and comforting.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the Rice: Stir in the rice, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and oregano. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer with Chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the rice. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired, and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Enjoy this Chicken with Spanish Rice as a flavorful and comforting meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!
