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About This Recipe
Looking for the perfect weeknight meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes and budget-friendly? This one pan Spanish Chicken and Rice recipe is packed with bold flavors and is one of my favorite easy chicken dinners. Perfect when you need something quick that the whole family will love.
I love using my favorite seasoned store-bought chicken for this easy Spanish rice recipe to save time! The tomatoes and rice are the real star of the show in this dish and it just makes sense to use chicken that’s already cooked. Or, if you have any of my favorite homemade shredded chicken on hand it’s perfect for this recipe with a little extra simple seasoning!
This rice skillet is lower in fat and high in protein than similar traditional recipes. I love adding shredded cheese, sour cream or avocado to really take it up a level. Or if i’m serving a crowd, it goes great with 7-layer bean dip and chips!
And did I mention this rice dinner reheats like a dream? Seriously, there’s nothing better than a yummy dinner that doubles as an even tastier lunch the next day! Just store in an airtight container and pop in the microwave when you’re ready to eat.
If you’re looking for more easy dinners like this delicious spanish rice recipe, check out my pork carnitas burrito bowls, high protein chicken enchiladas or Crockpot taco pasta! You can also use the pork carnitas in this dish if you want to mix things up too!
Why You’ll Love This Spanish Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Packed with great flavor, tender chicken and fluffy rice! One of my favorite recipes lately!
- Quick and easy! Ready in just 30 minutes and makes the best lunch the next day!
- Only one large skillet required! Makes cleanup a breeze on busy weeknights.
- Budget-friendly and requires minimal simple ingredients!
- Macro-balanced and high protein! Plenty of room for all your favorite toppings.
- Fire roasted diced tomatoes – use Muir Glen for best quality
- Onion
- Bell pepper
- Butter
- Garlic powder
- Chicken broth
- Rice – I used brown jasmine uncooked rice
- Chicken – store bought or homemade. I recommend adding seasoned chicken to this dish (versus plain chicken). If you do use plain chicken, you will likely need to add more seasoning to this dish!
- Swap chicken for pulled pork or beef! You can easily change up the taste of this dish by using shredded pork carnitas or beef for this recipe!
- Any kind of rice! Use white rice, yellow rice or cauliflower rice instead of brown rice if you prefer.
- Add chorizo or shrimp! Add extra flavor (and protein) by adding your favorite spicy chorizo or grilled shrimp to this spanish rice dish.
How To Make
The full printable recipe is below, but let me walk you through the process so you know what to expect when you’re making it!
1. Add butter to a medium-size skillet. Heat over medium heat until melted.
2. Add in the tomatoes, onion, pepper, salt and garlic powder. Mix to combine and saute for 5-6 minutes.
3. Next, add the rice and the chicken broth.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer (this was medium heat for me) and cover. Simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Finally, stir in the chicken until heated through.
6. Taste and add any salt or black pepper to preference. Serve up in a bowl and top with your favorite toppings to really elevate all the flavors! I love shredded cheese, sour cream and avocado!
Use Seasoned Chicken!
I recommend adding seasoned chicken to this dish (versus plain chicken). If you do use plain chicken, you will likely need to add more seasoning to this dish!
What is the best kind of rice for this recipe?
You can use any kind of rice for this Spanish rice and chicken recipe. Use short grain rice, long grain rice, white or brown rice. I like using brown rice for the extra fiber but seriously any rice works. I do recommend using uncooked rice for this recipe so it really soaks up that flavors when cooked with the chicken broth and tomatoes but if you’re short on time you can also throw in a bag of microwave rice.
Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, many spanish rice and chicken recipes call for chicken thighs and they are absolutely delicious in this dish. I used precoooked shredded chicken to save time but if you want to use boneless thighs just cook the thighs before the rice. Once done, set aside and cook recipe as instructed through step 3. You can either shred the tender chicken thighs and add them in step 4 or place cooked thighs on top of the rice and serve as is.
What should I serve with this one pot spanish chicken meal?
This dish is great on it’s own or serve with a side of green beans or broccoli for a complete meal. You can also serve with my Healthy 7 Layer Dip and a side of tortilla chips for the ultimate Mexican-inspired meal.
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure leave a review, tag me on Instagram or TikTok at @LaurenFitFoodie or hashtag #LaurenFitFoodie so I can see your creations!
30-Minute Spanish Chicken and Rice (One-Skillet)
Ingredients
- 2 (14.5-oz.) cans fire roasted diced tomatoes I used Muir Glen
- 1 small onion (140g) diced
- 1 bell pepper (160g) diced
- 2 Tbsp butter (28g)
- 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder or to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth (480g)
- 1 cup uncooked brown jasmine rice (180g)
- 12 oz. cooked chicken store-bought, rotisserie or homemade (see notes)
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Instructions
- Add butter to a medium-size skillet. Heat over medium heat until melted.
- Add in the tomatoes, onion, pepper, salt and garlic powder. Mix to combine and saute for 5-6 minutes.
- Next, add the rice and the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer (this was medium heat for me) and cover. Simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finally, stir in the chicken until heated through. Taste and add any salt or pepper to preference.
- Serve up in a bowl and top with your favorite toppings to really elevate all the flavors! I love shredded cheese, sour cream and avocado!
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition is hand-calculated and accurate. No autocalulations! However, note that values can vary based on the brands you use and if you substitute ingredients.
