Savory Spanish Chicken with Saffron Rice and Black Beans
Savor the vibrant flavors of Spain with this delightful dish featuring tender chunks of chicken, aromatic bell peppers, and hearty beans. Infused with low-sodium broth and a hint of tomato, this recipe is not only delicious but also healthy, boasting just 6 Weight Watchers points per serving. Perfect for a family dinner or a meal prep option for the week, this one-pot wonder will have everyone coming back for seconds.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
green bell pepper
1 cup (chopped)
onion
1 cup (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
boneless skinless chicken breasts
10 ounces (cubed)
low sodium chicken broth
2 cups
tomato paste
2 tablespoons
long grain rice
6 ounces
cooked red kidney beans
6 ounces (drained)
canned plum tomatoes
1 cup (drained)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Spray a large nonstick saucepan with cooking spray (like Pam) and heat over medium-high for 30 seconds.
2
Add the chopped green bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic to the pan. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3
Introduce the cubed boneless skinless chicken breasts to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the chicken pieces are browned on all sides.
4
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the chicken broth and tomato paste until well combined.
5
Add the long grain rice, drained red kidney beans, and canned plum tomatoes to the mixture. Season with fresh ground black pepper to taste.
6
Cover the saucepan and let it cook for 20 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
7
Remove the lid and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Ensure that the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the rice is fluffy before serving.
8
Serve each portion immediately, enjoying the hearty flavors and textures of this Spanish-inspired dish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Spanish Chicken with Saffron Rice and Black Beans?
It is a vibrant Spanish-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breast, bell peppers, kidney beans, and rice, all prepared in a single pot for a healthy and flavorful meal.
How many Weight Watchers points is a serving of this dish?
This recipe is calculated to be 6 Weight Watchers points per serving.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, this recipe is designed as a one-pot wonder, making cleanup quick and easy.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes 4 servings.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 10 ounces of boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
While the title mentions black beans, the ingredient list specifically calls for 6 ounces of cooked, drained red kidney beans.
How long does it take to sauté the initial vegetables?
You should cook the chopped green bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic for 5 to 6 minutes until softened.
How do I brown the chicken?
Add the cubed chicken to the sautéed vegetables and cook for about 5 minutes or until the pieces are browned on all sides.
What kind of broth is recommended?
The recipe recommends using 2 cups of low sodium chicken broth to keep the dish healthy.
How much tomato paste is required?
You will need 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
What type of rice is used for this Spanish dish?
The recipe uses 6 ounces of long grain rice.
How should the canned plum tomatoes be prepared?
You should use 1 cup of canned plum tomatoes that have been drained.
How long does the rice take to cook?
Once covered, the rice and chicken mixture should cook for 20 minutes.
What is the final step in the cooking process?
After 20 minutes of covered cooking, remove the lid and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is a great meal prep option for the week due to its hearty nature and easy reheating.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
Should the heat be adjusted during cooking?
Yes, start with medium-high heat to sauté and brown, then reduce to low before adding the broth and rice.
What can I use to prevent sticking?
Spray the large nonstick saucepan with cooking spray (like Pam) before heating and stir occasionally during the final 5 minutes.
What seasoning is added to the dish?
Fresh ground black pepper is added to taste.
How do I know the dish is ready?
The dish is ready when most of the liquid is absorbed, the rice is fluffy and tender, and the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
What is the preparation for the green bell pepper and onion?
Both the green bell pepper and the onion should be chopped, with 1 cup of each required.
Does this dish contain saffron?
While mentioned in the title, saffron is not listed in the provided ingredients; however, the tomato paste and broth provide a rich color.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for family dinners.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The tags include spanish, chicken, rice, beans, healthy, one-pot meal, and easy recipe.
Can I use black beans instead of kidney beans?
Yes, although the ingredient list specifies kidney beans, black beans (as mentioned in the title) would work well as a substitute.
How much chicken broth is used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of chicken broth.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The 2 garlic cloves should be minced before being added to the pan.
Is there any oil used in the recipe?
No oil is listed; the recipe uses nonstick cooking spray to keep the calorie count lower.
Should the rice be pre-cooked?
No, the rice is added dry and cooks in the chicken broth and tomato mixture.
How should the dish be served?
It should be served immediately once the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender and fluffy.