- Tomatoes (fresh or canned tomatoes, rich in antioxidants)
- Cilantro (adds a fresh aroma and taste)
- Lime juice (brightens flavors, adds freshness)
- Salt (for seasoning; use kosher or sea salt for better texture)
- Black pepper (sharpens taste; ground from whole peppercorns is preferred)
- Chicken broth (rich in flavor, makes the rice tender)
- Olive oil (healthy fat that enhances absorption of other ingredients)
- Corn kernels (optional but adds a sweet pop to the dish)
- Cheddar cheese (optional topping for extra richness)
Make sure to optimize your recipe by including these ingredients and their benefits. Adding keywords like "SEO-friendly formatting," "Spanish rice," and "main protein" can help improve visibility on search engines.
Steps
### How to Make Chicken with Spanish Rice: A Delicious Main Dish Recipe
Chicken with Spanish Rice is a hearty and flavorful meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This recipe combines tender chicken breast with vibrant vegetables and a perfectly seasoned rice, creating a satisfying main dish that's both comforting and delicious.
#### Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
#### Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Prepare the Chicken:**
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts, skin side down, and cook for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip the chicken and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the other side is also golden. Place the chicken breast on a baking dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked.
2. **Cook the Rice:**
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the rice. Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
- In a separate large pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic; sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the bell peppers, cumin, paprika, and cinnamon. Cook for another 5 minutes or until the vegetables are slightly softened.
3. **Combine Ingredients:**
- Add rice to the pan with the vegetables and stir well to coat each grain of rice.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
4. **Add Remaining Ingredients:**
- Stir in tomato paste, black beans, and corn. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Check seasoning and adjust with more salt if needed.
5. **Serve:**
- Remove chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
- Serve the rice and chicken on large plates or bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro.
#### Tips and Variations
- For added flavor, you can add diced tomatoes to the vegetable mixture or cook the chicken with a little bit of hot sauce.
- Use leftover cooked chicken for an easy meal prep option during busy weeks.
- Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste preferences. Experiment with other herbs like oregano or thyme for unique variations.
#### Conclusion
Chicken with Spanish Rice is not only a delightful main dish but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it based on what ingredients you have available. This recipe combines the savory flavors of chicken and rice with vibrant vegetables, making it a perfect choice for any meal occasion. Enjoy your cooking!