One Pan Spanish Chicken and Rice

Jump to Recipe ▼
Reader Rating
Total Time 30 minutes

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Easy one pan Spanish chicken and rice is made with simple seasoning that come together with zesty, bold flavors in this one pot, 30 minute meal. 

Try these other easy one pot recipes like One Pan Garlic Herb Chicken and Asparagus, One Pan Mediterranean Chicken with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce, and Cajun Shrimp and Rice Skillet.

close up of Spanish chicken and rice in a pan.

I’m thinking a little bit outside of the box this week and so far I’m loving the out-of-the-box dishes that are happening. I love chicken and rice together and a couple of days ago I was just craving a good ol’ one pan/one pot chicken and rice, only I really wanted to step up the flavor profile.

I’ve been making my ultra-popular one pot lemon herb chicken and rice for a couple of years now and love how easy it is to make with just a few ingredients I almost always have on hand. This week, I took that same one pan chicken and rice idea and put a fun, delicious new twist on it with some big, bold, Spanish seasonings and you guys…. this might even be better than that lemon herb chicken dish. So if you’ve tried that and love it, you are going to go crazy for this Spanish chicken and rice version.

side by side images of Spanish chicken and rice in a pan.

There is one ingredient you mayyyy not recognize and it’s coriander. If you haven’t cooked with coriander, it’s kind of similar to cumin. I use it occassionally and really love the depth it gives to the flavor of dishes. It’s easy to find in the spice section of any grocery store, but if you have everything but the coriander and don’t want to make a special trip to the store just for one ingredient, you can actually use an equal amount of cumin as a pretty great substitute! If you try this dish, I would love to hear what you think of the flavors so don’t be shy and make sure to leave a comment or send me an email or message!!

top view of Spanish chicken and rice in a pan.

What people are saying about this One Pan Spanish Chicken and Rice

“OMG. This was heaven in a skillet. After an exhausting day, I printed out this recipe and gave it to my husband and ordered him to make it. I think he spiced it up with some hot chili powder. But the rice! Strongly recommend the thighs for more flavor.” – Lisa 

“Made this for dinner and husband and daughter begged to have it on a regular basis!! We all loved it, and I especially loved how simple it was to make and it’s only one pot! Thank you Tiffany for the awesome recipe!!” – Mona

“I am beyond thrilled with this recipe! To make something so good in thirty minutes after a long night at work…from the bottom of my heart and sore sore feet thank you!!!” – Alison

“Great recipe. the flavors were great and the meat was juicy (i was worried it wouldn’t be). The spice was just the right amount. It seemed like a ton of spice so I was worried it would be too hot for me, but it wasn’t at all.” – Sarah

One Pan Spanish Chicken and Rice | lecremedelacrumb.com
4.92 from 1186 votes

One Pan Spanish Chicken and Rice

Easy one pan Spanish chicken and rice is made with simple seasoning that come together with zesty, bold flavors in this one pot, 30 minute meal.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
0 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Save this recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!

Ingredients 

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, OR 6 chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
  • 1 cup uncooked white rice
  • 2 ¼ cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 lemon
  • chopped cilantro or parsley, for garnish

Spanish seasoning mix

  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander , (see note)
  • ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions 

  • In a small bowl whisk together all ingredients for the Spanish seasoning mix. Divide in half and set aside. Cut the lemon in half, then thinly slice one half - for garnish - and reserve the other half for juicing later in the recipe.
  • Place chicken in a medium bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons oil, then toss to coat well. Use half of the prepared seasoning mix to rub on both sides of each piece of chicken.
  • Drizzle a large skillet with remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and bring to medium heat. Cook chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. Transfer to a plate. (It won't be cooked through at this point)
  • Add rice, chicken broth, juice from 1/2 of the lemon, and remaining seasoning mix and stir to combine. Return chicken to the pan on top of the rice. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes until liquid is absorbed, rice is tender, and chicken is cooked through.
  • Garnish with lemon slices and freshly chopped cilantro or parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

*Coriander is found in the spice section of any typical grocery store. In a pinch, cumin can be used as a substitute. 

Nutrition

Calories: 426kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 765mg | Potassium: 675mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 691IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this?Leave a star rating or comment below!
Tiffany of Creme de la Crumb in the kitchen

Welcome!

Hey there, I’m Tiffany – chef, photographer, mother, and avid taco eater. I am passionate about turning simple flavors and ingredients into tasty meals the whole family will love, with minimal prep and cleanup so there’s more time to spend eating and enjoying. Stay awhile, and help yourself to a taco or two!

More Recipes To Love

4.92 from 1186 votes (827 ratings without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




825 Comments

  1. Ralph Coleman says:

    5 stars
    AMAZING. THis is staple in our house now

    1. Tiffany says:

      I’m so thrilled to hear you loved this! Thanks Ralph!

  2. Jessica says:

    5 stars
    This was ABSOLUTELY delicious! I never write reviews but felt the need because it was that good. thank you!

    1. Tiffany says:

      Thank you Jessica!! A positive review means the world to me and helps the recipe reach more people so I appreciate you taking a minute to share! So glad you loved this dish as much as my family does. 🙂

  3. Aletha Kellond says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious!

    1. Tiffany says:

      Thank you!

  4. martin says:

    4 stars
    Hi Tiffani, thanks for the recipe. used thighs but left out the chilli as the toddlers were having it. went down a treat with the whole family, and easy to make during lockdown home chaos. many thanks!

    1. Tiffany says:

      Sounds like you did an awesome job! Glad it was enjoyed by everyone 🙂

  5. Erika says:

    5 stars
    Lovely flavor profile! I’ve made this twice and added diced onion and bell pepper to the rice. The added vegetable made the dish so colorful and brightened the dish, taste wise.

    1. Tiffany says:

      I bet those additions were delicious, Erika!

  6. Sabrina says:

    5 stars
    FANTASTIc recipe! Will use thighs next time though as the chicken breasts WERe a touch dry. Rice tasted amazing. Sprinkled with some cheese also!

    1. Tiffany says:

      I bet the added cheese was delicious! You rarely can go wrong with that 😉

  7. Kerri says:

    5 stars
    So i NEVER LEAVE REVIEWS EVER ON THINGS BUT FELT THAT I NEEDED TO LEAVE ONE ON THIS DISH. I BAKE AND COOK EVERY OTHER NIGHT OF THE WEEK. I FOLLOW SO MANY DINNER RECIPES ONLINE.

    IM NOT KIDDING WHEN I SAY THIS IS MY ALL TIME FAVORITE DINNER IVE EVER MADE.

    THE ONLY CHANGES I MADE WAS THE CUMIN INSTEAD OF THE CORIANDER BECAUSE THE STORE DIDN’T HAVE ANY. I ALSO DIDNT MEASURE exact i always over do my spIces. And for four large chicken breasts i didnt feel like there was enough rice so i added an extra cup of rice and another 1/4-1/3 cup of chicken broth

    But this was fantastic!!!

    1. Tiffany says:

      So excited to hear you enjoyed this recipe so much!

  8. Denice A Lanuti says:

    I love this dish! Even better the next day. A new family favorite.

    1. Tiffany says:

      So thrilled to hear how much you and your family enjoy this recipe!

  9. Ari says:

    How would I substitute brown rice for the white? would I add more liquid or change cooking time? Thank you!

    1. Tiffany says:

      Maybe try an extra 1/4 cup!

  10. Marie says:

    5 stars
    Oh wow!!! I did it!! Super easy and extra yummy!
    I added bell peppers (green and red) and onions. I don’t know how to post photo but even my 10ys loved it. Thank you for sharing!

    1. Tiffany says:

      You are so welcome!! I bet those additions were fantastic 🙂