Pan-Seared Chicken with Smoky Paprika and Saffron Rice

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-28 · Updated 2026-07-28

Pan-seared with smoky paprika paired with fragrant saffron-infused rice for a vibrant Spanish-inspired meal. This Spanish-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs chicken breasts, smoked paprika, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 2, 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

• 2 pieces (about 6 oz each) chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1/4 tsp saffron threads
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 small, finely chopped onion
• 1 tbsp butter

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a small bowl. Rub this spice mix evenly over 2 chicken breasts. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Step 2: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove and rest on a plate.
3. Step 3: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil. Add 1 small finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup long-grain white rice and 1/4 tsp saffron threads, cooking for 1 minute until the rice is fragrant.
5. Step 5: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed. Fluff with a fork before serving alongside the chicken.