Rustic Spanish Chicken Rice with Olives and Chorizo
This vibrant Rustic Spanish Chicken Rice dish is a delightful medley of flavors that brings the essence of Spain right to your dining table. Juicy chicken pieces are perfectly seasoned and browned to golden perfection, then simmered with aromatic vegetables, smoke-infused chorizo, and fluffy rice simmered in savory broth. The addition of saffron threads elevates this dish, imparting a rich color and unique depth of flavor that is simply irresistible. Garnished with green olives and sweet peas, this dish is hearty enough to be the star of any meal, making it a perfect choice for gatherings or family dinners. Paired with a glass of dry white wine, this dish will transport you to sunny Mediterranean shores with every bite.
4
Servings
375
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken pieces
9 (Use bone-in, skin-on pieces for added flavor.)
Seasoning salt
to taste (For seasoning the chicken.)
Black pepper
to taste (For seasoning the chicken.)
Olive oil
4-6 tablespoons (For browning the chicken.)
Onion
1 large (Chopped.)
Garlic
2 tablespoons (Fresh minced.)
Red bell pepper
1 large (Seeded and chopped.)
Paprika
2 teaspoons (Use smoked or sweet paprika as preferred.)
Dried red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons (Optional, adjust according to spice preference.)
Converted white rice
2 cups (Uncooked (Uncle Ben's is recommended).)
Dry white wine
1 1/4 cups (Use a dry wine that you enjoy drinking.)
Diced tomatoes
1 (14-ounce) can (With juice.)
Chicken broth
3 1/2 cups (Low sodium, if desired.)
Saffron threads
3/4 teaspoon (For flavor and color.)
Bay leaf
1 (To infuse flavor into the dish.)
Frozen peas
1 1/2 cups (Add in towards the end of cooking.)
Pimento-stuffed green olives
1/2 cup (Sliced (adjust to taste).)
Instructions
1
Begin by seasoning the chicken pieces generously with seasoning salt and freshly ground pepper.
2
In a large electric frying pan or heavy skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
3
Carefully add the seasoned chicken pieces to the hot oil, browning them evenly on both sides, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
4
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and dried chili flakes. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
5
Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, and the uncooked rice. Sauté for an additional 3 minutes, stirring frequently to toast the rice slightly.
6
Pour in the dry white wine, raising the heat to bring it to a boil. Allow it to simmer uncovered for 3 minutes to let the alcohol evaporate and the flavors meld.
7
Next, add the canned diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, saffron threads, and bay leaf. Stir to combine and let it simmer for approximately 6-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
8
Carefully return the browned chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice mixture along with any juices that have pooled on the plate.
9
Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender, absorbing most of the liquid. (Check occasionally to ensure nothing is sticking to the bottom.)
10
Once cooked, gently fold in the frozen peas and sliced green olives. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
11
Cover the skillet and allow it to rest for 10 minutes off the heat before serving, which lets the flavors marry beautifully.
Nutrition Information
45g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Spanish Chicken Rice?
It is a vibrant one-pot meal featuring chicken, aromatic vegetables, chorizo, and rice simmered in a savory broth with saffron and olives.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 9 bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for the most flavor and juiciness.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 375 calories.
What type of rice is recommended?
Converted white rice, specifically Uncle Ben's, is recommended for the best texture.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 30 grams of protein per serving in this dish.
How many carbohydrates are in this meal?
Each serving contains about 45 grams of carbohydrates.
Why is saffron included in the ingredients?
Saffron threads are used to impart a rich golden color and a unique, deep flavor profile essential to Spanish cuisine.
Can I use boneless chicken instead?
Yes, you can use boneless pieces, but note that bone-in, skin-on chicken is preferred for its contribution to the dish's flavor.
What kind of wine should I use?
Use a dry white wine that you enjoy drinking, as the flavor will concentrate during cooking.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild heat from 2 teaspoons of dried red pepper flakes, but you can adjust this amount to your spice preference.
What type of olives are used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sliced pimento-stuffed green olives.
How long does it take to brown the chicken?
Browning the seasoned chicken pieces takes approximately 6 to 8 minutes over medium-high heat.
When do I add the frozen peas?
Gently fold in the frozen peas at the very end of the cooking process once the rice and chicken are done.
Should I use low-sodium chicken broth?
Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to better control the salt levels of the final dish.
How long does the rice take to cook?
Once covered, the rice and chicken simmer together for about 20-25 minutes.
What vegetables are included in the base?
The base includes a large onion, a red bell pepper, and fresh minced garlic.
Do I need to toast the rice?
Yes, the recipe suggests sautéing the uncooked rice with garlic and paprika for 3 minutes to toast it before adding liquids.
What is the role of the bay leaf?
The bay leaf is added during the simmering stage to infuse the rice and broth with an earthy herbal flavor.
Can I use smoked paprika?
Yes, you can use either smoked or sweet paprika depending on your preference.
Why must the dish rest for 10 minutes?
Resting off the heat allows the flavors to marry and ensures the rice reaches the perfect consistency.
How much olive oil is needed?
You will need between 4 to 6 tablespoons of olive oil for browning the chicken.
What can I serve with this dish?
It is excellent on its own as a one-pot meal, but it pairs beautifully with a glass of dry white wine.
Should the tomatoes be drained?
No, add the 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes along with their juice to help cook the rice.
Is this an easy weeknight dinner?
Yes, because it is cooked in one pan and uses simple ingredients, it is considered an easy dinner option.
Can I substitute the wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with additional chicken broth and a squeeze of lemon.
What size onion should I use?
The recipe calls for one large onion, chopped.
Does the recipe use fresh garlic?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of fresh minced garlic are used for the best aromatic flavor.
What equipment is required?
You will need a large electric frying pan or a heavy skillet with a tight-fitting lid.
How should I season the chicken?
Generously season the chicken pieces with seasoning salt and freshly ground black pepper before browning.