Chicken With Spanish Rice
Juicy chicken breasts paired with flavorful Spanish rice and green beans create a hearty, colorful dish perfect for family dinners. The combination of tomatoes, parsley, and spices offers a comforting yet vibrant taste that appeals to lovers of savory, well-rounded meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a nonstick skillet, warm the vegetable oil.
- Sprinkle the chicken breasts with paprika and cook until golden on both sides. Remove the chicken and cover loosely with foil.
- Add rice and chopped onion to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the rice is golden and translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Stir in chicken broth, canned tomatoes with liquid, chopped parsley, and pepper. Crush the tomatoes with a spoon and bring to a boil.
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in green beans. Cover and cook for about 15 more minutes until green beans are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, marinate the chicken in a mixture of paprika, garlic, and lime juice for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have long grain rice, substitute with jasmine or basmati rice. For added protein, consider including cooked beans or peas when adding the green beans. This dish is similar to Chicken Adobo (Braised) in its comforting flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken with Spanish Rice hot, garnished with extra chopped parsley. Pair it with a simple green salad for a fresh contrast. This dish is hearty enough to stand alone but also complements crusty bread or a side of roasted vegetables. For a twist, serve alongside Canadian Cheese Soup for a cozy meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth to the skillet and warm over low heat until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken With Spanish Rice contains roughly 813 calories, with 11g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (160% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (88% of the Daily Value), and iron (38% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1305mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh green beans?
Yes, frozen green beans work well in this recipe. Just add them during the last 10 minutes of cooking to ensure they warm through without becoming mushy. They provide the same nutrition and flavor, making them a convenient alternative.
What can I substitute for low-sodium chicken broth?
If you don't have low-sodium chicken broth, you can use regular chicken broth but reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe. Alternatively, vegetable broth can be a good substitute, adding a different flavor profile while still keeping the dish hearty.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, include a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño when cooking the onions. You can also serve the dish with hot sauce on the side, allowing guests to adjust the spice level to their liking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).