Spanish Chicken Bake
A flavorful Spanish-inspired chicken bake featuring seasoned chicken, rice, green peppers, and olives, ideal for a hearty family dinner with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Shake chicken pieces with flour in a plastic bag to coat well.
- Brown a few pieces at a time in vegetable oil in a large skillet.
- Drain the browned chicken on paper towels.
- In a baking dish, combine rice, water, Spanish rice seasoning mix, and green pepper rings.
- Place the browned chicken on top of the rice mixture.
- Sprinkle sliced stuffed green olives over the chicken.
- Cover the dish and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 45-60 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, consider adding a can of diced tomatoes or a splash of chicken broth to the rice mixture. If you want a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with roasted vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of water. Additionally, ensure the chicken is well-coated with flour for a crispy texture after frying.
Serving Suggestions
This Spanish Chicken Bake pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a light salad, such as German Cold Salad, to balance the flavors. For an extra kick, serve with a dollop of sour cream or your favorite hot sauce. A simple green vegetable like steamed broccoli complements the dish well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Chicken Bake contains roughly 597 calories, with 21g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (42% of the Daily Value) and iron (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to increase the cooking time and the amount of water. Brown rice typically requires about 2 1/4 cups of water per cup of rice and takes longer to cook, so adjust your baking time accordingly.
What can I use if I can't find Spanish rice seasoning?
If you can't find Spanish rice seasoning, you can make your own by combining paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and dried oregano. This blend will give your dish a similar flavor profile. Adjust the quantities to taste.
Is it possible to make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the Spanish Chicken Bake a day ahead. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
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).