Spanish Chicken Rice Casserole
This Spanish Chicken Rice Casserole features succulent bone-in chicken breasts baked to perfection with a vibrant medley of vegetables and aromatic spices. The combination of sautéed onions, garlic, green bell peppers, and jalapeños infuses the dish with delightful flavors, while the turmeric and chili powder provide a warm, comforting heat. Fluffy white rice cooked in savory chicken broth absorbs all the delicious juices from the chicken, making every bite a satisfying experience. Serve with sliced green olives for an extra touch of zest and enjoy a hearty meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.
4
Servings
550
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
1/3 cup (none)
seasoning salt
2 teaspoons, divided (to taste)
ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (can increase to 1 teaspoon if desired)
bone-in chicken breasts
4-5 pieces (none)
butter
3 tablespoons (none)
oil
1 tablespoon, divided (can use more if needed)
large onion
1, chopped (none)
fresh minced garlic
2 tablespoons (or to taste)
green bell pepper
1 large, seeded and chopped (none)
jalapeno pepper
1 small, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
turmeric
1.5-2 teaspoons (none)
chili powder
1-2 teaspoons (to taste)
cayenne pepper
a pinch (none)
sliced pimientos
1 (2.5 ounce) jar, drained (none)
uncooked converted white rice
1 cup (Uncle Ben's is recommended)
canned low sodium chicken broth
2.5 cups (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Lightly grease a 4-quart casserole dish, ensuring it is large enough to accommodate the chicken pieces.
3
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the flour, 1 teaspoon of seasoning salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Add the chicken breasts and shake until they are well coated.
4
In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
5
Carefully add the coated chicken breasts to the skillet and brown them on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
6
In the same skillet with the drippings, sauté the chopped onion, minced garlic, green bell pepper, and optional jalapeño until the vegetables are tender, roughly 3-4 minutes.
7
Stir in the turmeric, chili powder, and pinch of cayenne pepper, cooking for an additional minute to release the spice flavors.
8
Add the drained pimientos and uncooked rice to the skillet, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir constantly for about 3 minutes to toast the rice slightly.
9
Slowly pour in the chicken broth and the remaining 1 teaspoon of seasoning salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently to ensure the rice doesn’t stick.
10
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or spices to fit your preference.
11
Transfer the rice mixture to the greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Place the browned chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture.
12
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
13
For added flavor, you can garnish with sliced green olives before serving.
14
Serve hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this Spanish-inspired dish.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
56g
Carbs
42g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spanish Chicken Rice Casserole?
It is a hearty dish featuring bone-in chicken breasts baked with a medley of vegetables, aromatic spices, and fluffy white rice cooked in chicken broth.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size casserole dish is needed?
A 4-quart casserole dish is recommended to ensure there is enough space for the rice and chicken.
What type of chicken is used in this casserole?
The recipe calls for 4-5 pieces of bone-in chicken breasts.
How do I prepare the chicken coating?
Combine 1/3 cup flour, 1 teaspoon seasoning salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder in a resealable bag and shake the chicken until coated.
How long should I brown the chicken in the skillet?
Brown the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side over medium heat.
What fats are used for sautéing and browning?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of oil.
Which vegetables are included in the recipe?
The dish includes a large chopped onion, 2 tablespoons of minced garlic, a large green bell pepper, and an optional small jalapeño.
Is the jalapeño pepper mandatory?
No, the jalapeño is optional and should be seeded and finely chopped if used.
What spices give the rice its flavor and color?
Turmeric, chili powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper provide the warm heat and vibrant color.
How long do I toast the rice?
The uncooked rice and drained pimientos should be stirred constantly in the skillet for about 3 minutes to toast slightly.
What type of rice is recommended?
The recipe recommends using 1 cup of uncooked converted white rice, such as Uncle Ben's.
How much chicken broth is required?
You will need 2.5 cups of canned low-sodium chicken broth.
What are pimientos and how are they used?
Pimientos are small sweet peppers; a 2.5-ounce jar of sliced, drained pimientos is stirred into the rice mixture.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil before placing it in the oven.
How long does the casserole take to bake?
It takes approximately 45 minutes for the rice to become tender and the chicken to cook through.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken's internal temperature should reach 165°F.
What can I use as a garnish?
The recipe suggests garnishing with sliced green olives for an extra touch of zest.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 550 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 20g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 56g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
This dish is high in protein, providing 42g per serving.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can adjust the chili powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper to suit your personal preference.
What is the first step of the instructions?
Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease your casserole dish.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon, but mentions you can increase it to 1 teaspoon if desired.
Is this considered a one-pot meal?
While it requires a skillet for browning and a dish for baking, it is tagged as a one-pot meal due to its all-in-one casserole nature.
What type of seasoning salt is needed?
You need 2 teaspoons of seasoning salt total, divided between the flour coating and the broth mixture.
How do you prepare the vegetables before sautéing?
The onion should be chopped, the garlic minced, and the bell pepper seeded and chopped.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 17 ingredients in total.