Spanish Rice And Chicken
A flavorful Spanish-inspired dish featuring tender chicken baked with aromatic rice, fresh vegetables, and bold spices. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this hearty meal combines savory chicken with seasoned rice and vegetables for a comforting, vibrant plate.
Ingredients
- 1 broiler/fryer chicken (2 1/2 to 3 lb.) ⓘ
- 1 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. celery salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1 1/2 c. uncooked rice ⓘ
- 3/4 c. onion, chopped ⓘ
- 3/4 c. green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 c. fresh parsley, minced ⓘ
- 2 1/4 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Place the chicken in a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Combine garlic salt, celery salt, and paprika, then sprinkle over the chicken.
- Bake uncovered at 425°F for 20 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the pan.
- In the same pan, add the uncooked rice, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, minced parsley, chicken broth, chopped tomatoes, salt, and chili powder.
- Stir to combine and place the chicken back on top.
- Cover and bake at 375°F for about 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of garlic salt, celery salt, and paprika for a few hours before baking. If you don't have fresh parsley, dried parsley can be used as a substitute, although fresh adds a brighter taste. You can also swap out the green pepper for red or yellow bell peppers for a sweeter flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Serve with warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. For a heartier dinner, consider pairing it with a side of Southern-Style Sausage Stuffing for a comforting combination.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the Spanish Rice and Chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Rice And Chicken contains roughly 732 calories, with 31g protein, 132g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (195% of the Daily Value), and iron (186% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2052mg per serving (89% 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 this recipe be made in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure everything is 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).