Spanish Style Chicken with Saffron Rice
Description
This delightful dish combines tender chicken with aromatic saffron rice, creating a comforting one-dish meal that will have your family raving. The blend of flavors—from the richness of chicken broth to the vibrant saffron and zesty red bell pepper—brings a touch of Spanish cuisine to your table. Perfect for a hearty dinner, this recipe is a favorite in our home and is sure to become a staple in yours!
Total Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 – 4 pounds chicken pieces (thighs or breasts, or a mix)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 1/4 cups dry white wine
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/8 teaspoon saffron threads
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup green olives, sliced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken
Begin by patting the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor of the meat. This step ensures that your chicken will be well-seasoned and have a delicious taste throughout. -
Brown the Chicken
In a heavy skillet (at least 2 inches deep) heat the olive oil over moderately high heat. Once the oil is hot but not smoking, carefully add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Brown the chicken on all sides, which should take about 12 minutes in total. This process will give the chicken a beautiful golden color and develop a rich flavor. -
Set Aside the Chicken
After browning, use tongs to transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside. The chicken will continue cooking later, so don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked yet. -
Cook the Vegetables
Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of fat from the skillet, leaving just enough to sauté the vegetables. Add the finely chopped onion and diced red bell pepper to the skillet, along with a pinch of salt. Cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 7 minutes. The onion should become translucent and the bell pepper tender. -
Add Garlic and Paprika
Stir in the minced garlic and paprika, cooking for an additional minute. The garlic will become fragrant, and the paprika will coat the vegetables, infusing them with a smoky flavor. -
Incorporate the Rice
Add the long-grain white rice to the skillet, stirring to combine it with the vegetables and spices. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the rice to toast slightly and absorb the flavors. -
Deglaze with Wine
Pour in the dry white wine and bring to a boil. Let it cook uncovered for 2 minutes, which allows the alcohol to evaporate and the wine to reduce slightly. This step also helps to deglaze the pan, picking up any browned bits left from the chicken. -
Combine with Broth and Tomatoes
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), chicken broth, saffron threads, and bay leaf. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. The saffron will add a beautiful golden color and subtle flavor to the rice. -
Cook the Chicken
Nestle the browned chicken pieces back into the rice mixture. Be sure to pour in any juices that accumulated on the plate. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, the rice is tender, and most of the liquid has been absorbed. -
Add Peas and Olives
Once the chicken and rice are fully cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the frozen peas and sliced green olives (if using). The residual heat will cook the peas and warm the olives. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. -
Let it Rest
Cover the skillet and let it stand for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that the rice is perfectly fluffy. -
Serve
Discard the bay leaf before serving. Spoon the chicken and saffron rice onto plates, making sure to get a bit of everything in each serving. Enjoy the wonderful medley of flavors and the comforting texture of this Spanish-style meal.
This Spanish Style Chicken with Saffron Rice is sure to impress with its rich flavors and beautiful presentation. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting friends, this dish is an easy yet elegant choice that will leave everyone satisfied and eager for more. 🐔🍚🌟
