One Pan Spanish Chicken and Rice

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Total Time 30 minutes

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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 1182 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
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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!

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818 Comments

  1. Wayne says:

    5 stars
    Great recipe! Nice flavors and really easy. I added beans and tomatoes as well as shredded cheese in the last two minutes and then topped with sour cream and picante.

  2. Ember says:

    It says white rice which rice is that minute? LOng grain? I have instant brown and ling grain brown at home will either work?

    1. Tiffany says:

      Hi Ember – the recipe calls for uncooked white rice, but you could sub out different types of rice if desired. I would not recommend instant or minute rice unless you cook the rice separately from the chicken.

  3. william hart says:

    what temp? 375 degrees?

    1. Tiffany says:

      Hi William – continue cooking on medium heat on the stovetop after browning the chicken breasts.

  4. Olivia says:

    Hoping to make this tonight! What temp do you bake it at?

    Thanks!

  5. Lanae DiSilvio says:

    5 stars
    This was amazing! My entire (3/5 of them are picky) family loved it. Will need to double it next time!

  6. Theresa Johnson says:

    5 stars
    So easy and awesome! Has become that recipe I make for my family every few weeks

  7. Jaz says:

    This recipe was delicious and so easy to make! My Husband and I loved it. Thank you so much!

  8. Julie says:

    5 stars
    Just made this a couple of nights ago. Had leftovers tonight! The flavors did NOT disappoint!! YUMMMMM!!!

  9. Caroline says:

    5 stars
    Really beautiful flavours. Made this tonight with ease. I’m pretty certain I am going to be making all your recipes by the end of the month. Keep it up xx

    1. Tiffany says:

      Thank you so much Caroline! I am so happy to hear that!! 🙂

  10. Gayle says:

    5 stars
    Made this for dinner last evening and it was a huge hit. I roasted the Spanish seasoning mix for a minute to bring out the flavors even more. Will definitely make this again!

    1. Tiffany says:

      Yay I am so glad to hear that! Thanks for your sweet message Gayle!