One-Pot Spanish Chicken and Rice with Smoked Paprika
A vibrant one-pot meal featuring tender chicken thighs simmered with saffron-infused rice and smoky paprika for a comforting Spanish-inspired dish. This Spanish-inspired one-pot recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces bone-in chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 tsp saffron threads
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season 6 bone-in chicken thighs with 2 tsp smoked paprika and 1 tsp salt. Brown chicken thighs skin-side down for 5-6 minutes until golden and crispy, then flip and cook an additional 3 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, 1 cup drained diced tomatoes, 1/2 tsp saffron threads, and 1/2 tsp salt. Cook rice mixture for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to toast the rice.
- Step 4: Pour in 3 cups chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Nestle the browned chicken thighs back into the skillet on top of the rice. Cover and simmer gently for 20 minutes.
- Step 5: After 20 minutes, remove the lid and sprinkle 1/2 cup frozen peas evenly over the rice. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the rice is tender and peas are heated through.
- Step 6: Remove from heat, sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the dish, and let rest covered for 5 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spanish Chicken and Rice with Smoked Paprika take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Spanish Chicken and Rice with Smoked Paprika?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Spanish Chicken and Rice with Smoked Paprika?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Spanish Chicken and Rice with Smoked Paprika for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pot Spanish Chicken and Rice with Smoked Paprika?
Spanish one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
