Rice with Chicken Spanish-style

Spanish-Style Rice with Chicken Recipe from Spain

Region / culture: Spain | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Rice with Chicken Spanish-style is a delicious and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and aromatic rice. This recipe is a popular choice for family dinners and special occasions, as it is both satisfying and easy to prepare.

History

This recipe has its roots in traditional Spanish cuisine, where rice dishes are a staple. The combination of chicken, vegetables, and rice cooked together in a flavorful broth is a classic preparation that has been enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
2 medium onions, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 medium red or green peppers, cut into strips
1 cup chopped mushrooms
2 cups uncooked brown rice
1 x 3 lb (1.36 kg) chicken, cut into 8 pieces, skin removed
1 tsp salt (optional)
3.5 cups chicken broth, fat removed
4 cups water
saffron or Sazón, for color
3 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup frozen corn
1 cup frozen green beans
olives or capers for garnish, if desired

How to prepare

Heat the oil in a nonstick pot over medium heat.
Add the onion, garlic, celery, green pepper, and mushrooms to the pot.
Cook over medium heat, stirring often, for about 3 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Add the rice to the pot and sauté for 2 – 3 minutes, stirring constantly until it begins to brown.
Add the chicken, salt, chicken broth, water, saffron (Sazón), and tomatoes to the pot.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer.
Cover the pot and let the casserole simmer until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 20 minutes.
Stir in the peas, corn, and beans, and cook for 8 – 10 minutes.
Once everything is hot, the casserole is ready to serve.
If desired, garnish with olives or capers before serving.

Variations

For a spicier version, add some chopped chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the dish.
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables or tofu for protein.
You can also experiment with different types of rice, such as white or jasmine rice, for a different texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To add extra flavor to the dish, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of water.

- For a richer taste, you can use bone-in chicken pieces instead of boneless.

- Make sure to stir the rice occasionally while it is cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Rice with Chicken Spanish-style with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. You can also garnish the dish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Rice with Chicken Spanish-style is to cook the ingredients slowly and allow the flavors to meld together. Simmering the dish over low heat helps to ensure that the rice is cooked perfectly and the chicken is tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have all the ingredients on hand, you can easily substitute them with similar items. For example, you can use white rice instead of brown rice, or bell peppers instead of green peppers. Feel free to get creative and customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences.

Make Ahead Tips

Rice with Chicken Spanish-style can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. Simply store the dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Presentation Ideas

To make the dish look more appealing, consider garnishing it with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, before serving. You can also arrange the chicken pieces on top of the rice for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Rice with Chicken Spanish-style pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or a simple green salad. For drinks, consider serving it with a glass of Spanish red wine or a refreshing glass of sangria.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Rice with Chicken Spanish-style can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in a microwave-safe container and heat it on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Stir the dish halfway through to ensure even heating.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Rice with Chicken Spanish-style contains around 350 calories. This makes it a satisfying and filling meal option that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Rice with Chicken Spanish-style contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Fats

This dish is relatively low in fat, with each serving containing around 8 grams of fat. The fat content mainly comes from the olive oil used for cooking and the natural fats present in the chicken.

Proteins

Rice with Chicken Spanish-style is a good source of protein, with each serving providing approximately 25 grams. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, making it an important nutrient for overall health.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the peppers and tomatoes, vitamin A from the peas and corn, and iron from the chicken. These nutrients are important for supporting the immune system and overall well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains celery and chicken, which are common allergens for some individuals. If you have allergies to these ingredients, be sure to substitute them with suitable alternatives.

Summary

Overall, Rice with Chicken Spanish-style is a nutritious and well-balanced meal option that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Summary

Rice with Chicken Spanish-style is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With its tender chicken, aromatic rice, and colorful vegetables, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. The air was filled with the enticing aroma of garlic and spices, and I couldn't help but ask her what she was cooking.

Maria smiled and said, "I'm making Arroz con Pollo, a traditional Spanish dish that my abuela taught me how to make. Would you like to learn how to make it too?"

I eagerly nodded, and Maria began to show me the steps. She started by sautéing onions and garlic in a large skillet until they were fragrant and golden brown. Then she added diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and a generous sprinkle of paprika, cumin, and oregano. The kitchen filled with a mouthwatering scent that made my stomach growl in anticipation.

Next, Maria added pieces of tender chicken thighs to the skillet, letting them brown on all sides before pouring in chicken broth and rice. She stirred everything together and brought the mixture to a boil before covering the skillet and letting it simmer until the rice was fluffy and the chicken was cooked through.

As we sat down to enjoy the meal, Maria explained to me the importance of using high-quality ingredients and taking the time to let the flavors develop. She told me stories of her abuela, who had learned the recipe from her own mother and passed it down through the generations.

I was enchanted by the history and tradition behind Arroz con Pollo, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself. Maria graciously shared her abuela's handwritten recipe with me, and I promised to cherish it and pass it down to my own grandchildren one day.

Over the years, I have made Arroz con Pollo countless times, always with a sense of pride and connection to my Spanish heritage. I have experimented with different variations, adding my own twist with ingredients like saffron, olives, and roasted red peppers.

Each time I prepare this dish, I am transported back to that sunny day in Maria's kitchen, surrounded by the love and warmth of family traditions. The flavors of garlic, paprika, and tender chicken remind me of the strong women who came before me, who cooked with passion and shared their recipes with me.

I am grateful for the gift of learning how to make Arroz con Pollo, a dish that has become a staple in my own kitchen and a symbol of my cultural identity. It brings me joy to share this recipe with my loved ones, passing on the flavors and stories that have shaped me into the cook I am today.

As I stir the fragrant mixture of rice and chicken, I feel connected to my abuela, Maria, and all the women who have inspired me to cook with love and tradition. And as I sit down to enjoy a steaming bowl of Arroz con Pollo, I am filled with gratitude for the rich tapestry of recipes and memories that have been woven into my culinary repertoire.