Spanish Chicken With Rice
A flavorful Spanish-inspired chicken and rice dish featuring tomato juice, peppers, and peas, perfect for hearty family dinners with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onion, bell pepper, and celery in chicken fat until tender.
- Combine cooked chicken, tomato juice, tomato paste, and English peas in a pot.
- Add the sautéed vegetables to the mixture.
- Simmer the mixture for 45 minutes to blend flavors.
- Stir in cooked and cooled rice before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken stock instead of tomato juice. If you want a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the sautéed vegetables. You can also substitute the English peas with frozen mixed vegetables for added variety. This dish is versatile and pairs well with Pimiento Rice for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Spanish Chicken with Rice hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. A side of crusty bread or a simple green salad complements the dish nicely. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a refreshing cucumber salad or browsing more chicken recipes to find the perfect accompaniment.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and rice mixture in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent sticking and maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Chicken With Rice contains roughly 277 calories, with 12g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (182% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (103% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 640mg per serving (28% 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 uncooked chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use uncooked chicken. Simply sauté the pieces until they are browned, then remove them, and follow the recipe as directed. Just make sure you cook the chicken thoroughly before serving.
What can I substitute for tomato juice?
If you don’t have tomato juice, you can use vegetable broth or a combination of crushed tomatoes and water to achieve a similar consistency. This will give a slightly different flavor but will still work well in the dish.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken fat and ensure the tomato juice and paste are free from animal products.
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).