Spanish-style Chicken with Rice

Spanish-style Chicken with Rice Recipe - Authentic Taste of Spain

Region / culture: Spain | Servings: 6

Introduction

Spanish-style Chicken with Rice 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 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
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. Cook, stirring often, for about 3 minutes or until tender.
Add the rice and sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly until it begins to brown.
Add the chicken, salt, chicken broth, water, saffron (Sazón), and tomatoes. 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. Garnish with olives or capers, if desired.

Variations

For a spicier version, add a diced jalapeño pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dish.
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or artichokes.
For a Mediterranean twist, add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese to the dish before serving.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To add extra flavor to the dish, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking.

- For a richer taste, use homemade chicken broth instead of water.

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

Serving Suggestions

This dish can be served on its own as a complete meal, or paired with a side salad or crusty bread for a more substantial meal. A glass of Spanish red wine or sangria would also complement the flavors of the dish nicely.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making this dish successfully is to cook the chicken and rice together slowly over low heat. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that the rice is cooked perfectly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have saffron or Sazón on hand, you can substitute with a pinch of turmeric or paprika for color. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs instead of a whole chicken, if preferred.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply prepare the casserole as directed, then let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop until heated through.

Presentation Ideas

To make this dish look more visually appealing, garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro before serving. You can also sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Spanish-style Chicken with Rice pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread. For a complete meal, serve with a glass of Spanish red wine or sangria.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spanish-style Chicken with Rice contains approximately 400 calories. This makes it a satisfying and filling meal option that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spanish-style Chicken with Rice 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 olive oil used in the recipe provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help lower cholesterol levels.

Proteins

Spanish-style Chicken with Rice is a protein-rich dish, with each serving providing approximately 30 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, making this dish a nutritious choice for a balanced meal.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is packed with vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables used, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten. However, if you have specific allergies or dietary restrictions, be sure to check the ingredients carefully before preparing the dish.

Summary

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

Summary

Spanish-style Chicken with Rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With a rich combination of chicken, vegetables, and rice cooked together in a savory broth, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to clean out the old dusty attic that had been neglected for years. As I rummaged through the old boxes and trunks, I stumbled upon a tattered old cookbook that belonged to my great-grandmother. The pages were yellowed and fragile, but the recipes inside were a treasure trove of culinary delights.

Among the various recipes for pies, stews, and casseroles, one particular recipe caught my eye - Spanish-style Chicken with Rice. The ingredients were simple yet exotic, and the instructions were written in a flowing cursive handwriting that I could barely make out. I knew right then and there that I had to try making this dish.

I brought the cookbook down to the kitchen and set to work gathering the ingredients. I could almost picture my great-grandmother standing in the kitchen, preparing this dish for her family many years ago. The aroma of spices and herbs filled the air as I chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic, and browned the chicken in a hot skillet.

As I followed the recipe step by step, I could feel a connection to my heritage and the generations of women who had cooked before me. I imagined my great-grandmother teaching my grandmother how to make this dish, passing down the recipe through the years. It was a way of preserving our family history and traditions through the art of cooking.

The dish simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing scent that made my mouth water. The rice absorbed the flavors of the tomatoes, saffron, and paprika, creating a rich and savory base for the tender chicken pieces. I couldn't wait to taste the final result.

When the dish was finally ready, I ladled a generous portion onto my plate and took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the tangy tomatoes, the smoky paprika, the earthy saffron - it was a symphony of tastes that transported me to a quaint Spanish village. I closed my eyes and savored each mouthful, feeling grateful for the opportunity to recreate this recipe and carry on the tradition.

From that day on, Spanish-style Chicken with Rice became a staple in my repertoire of recipes. I would make it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and quiet nights at home. Each time I cooked it, I felt a connection to my past and a sense of pride in preserving a piece of my heritage.

As I grew older, I began to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twist with different spices and ingredients. I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who marveled at the exotic flavors and asked for seconds. It became a dish that was loved and cherished by all who tried it.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar aromas of cooking, I can't help but smile as I think back to that day in the attic when I discovered the recipe for Spanish-style Chicken with Rice. It has become more than just a dish - it is a link to my past, a testament to the love and care that went into each meal prepared by the women in my family.

I hope that one day, my own grandchildren will find joy in cooking this recipe and carry on the tradition of sharing good food with loved ones. For me, this dish will always be a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. And for that, I am eternally grateful.