One Pot Spanish Chicken and Rice

This One Pot Spanish Chicken and Rice looks and tastes rather impressive – but is actually unbelievably easy, everything cooks in one pan and takes minimal effort to make! Perfect for a touch of midweek flavor, but hearty enough to serve at the weekend – or even for guests. It’s also a great way to turn simple chicken and rice into something that feels special!

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This recipe is so super simple and yet smells really bold and tastes AMAZING! It’s a real dinner rotation favourite.

Weirdly, my family absolutely adore this Spanish Chicken and Rice and go mad for it, even though I pack it with spices and rich tomato flavor and I would have thought complex dishes needed hours to cook… but no, not according to this one-pot wonder!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One Pot Spanish Chicken and Rice brings comfort and ease together in one pan.

One pot cooking: Less cleanup keeps things relaxed.

Bold flavor: Smoked paprika and tomatoes bring depth.

Juicy chicken: Thighs stay tender and full of flavor.

Filling meal: Rice and chicken make it satisfying.

Family friendly: Warm spices without overpowering heat.

Great leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken and Rice:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 bone in skin on chicken thighs
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 red bell peppers, chopped
• 1½ cups long grain rice, uncooked
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup sliced olives
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

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Step by Step Instructions

1. Brown the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs lightly with salt and pepper. Place them skin side down and cook until the skin turns golden and crisp. This step adds flavor and texture. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

2. Build the Base

Using the same pot, add the chopped onion. Stir and cook until soft and lightly golden. Add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Keep stirring so nothing sticks or burns on the bottom.

3. Add Vegetables

Stir in the chopped red bell peppers. Let them soften slightly while mixing with the onion and garlic. The color and sweetness start balancing the savory base here.

4. Toast the Rice

Pour the uncooked rice into the pot. Stir it well so every grain coats with oil and vegetables. Let it cook for a minute or two. This step helps the rice hold texture while cooking.

5. Create the Sauce

Mix in the tomato paste and smoked paprika. Stir until the paste blends smoothly. Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, olives, red pepper flakes, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir gently and bring everything to a light simmer.

6. Nestle the Chicken

Place the browned chicken thighs back into the pot, skin side up. Spoon a little sauce around them but keep the skin mostly uncovered so it stays crisp. Lower the heat and cover the pot.

7. Simmer Slowly

Let the dish cook gently for about 30 to 35 minutes. The rice absorbs the liquid while the chicken cooks through. Check once or twice to make sure the rice does not stick.

8. Finish and Rest

Turn off the heat and let the pot rest for five minutes. Remove the bay leaf and sprinkle parsley over the top before serving.

Tips and Variations

• Add a bit more smoked paprika.
• Skip the red pepper flakes.
• Stir in peas near the end.
• Use boneless thighs and shorten cook time.
• Long grain works best for fluffy texture.

Serving Suggestions

One Pot Spanish Chicken and Rice works beautifully as a complete meal. Serve it straight from the pot with a simple green salad on the side. Crusty bread also pairs well for scooping up the sauce.

When I serve this for family dinners, I like placing lemon wedges on the table. A squeeze over the rice brightens the dish and balances the richness without changing the main flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts?

Yes, though thighs stay juicier during longer cooking.

What if the rice looks dry?

Add a small splash of broth and continue cooking gently.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, it reheats very well and tastes even richer later.

Do I need to rinse the rice?

Rinsing helps remove extra starch but is optional.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, store in airtight containers for up to two months.

Final Thoughts

One Pot Spanish Chicken and Rice brings comfort, color, and bold flavor into one simple pot. The mix of tender chicken, seasoned rice, and tomato richness makes it feel both homey and special.