Spanish Rice and Chicken is a flavorful and comforting dish that brings together tender chicken pieces, aromatic rice infused with saffron, and a medley of vegetables.
Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the chicken to the pot and season with salt and pepper.
Brown on all sides of the chicken.
Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Dice the red pepper, add to the pot, season with salt and sauté for a few minutes.
Chop the onion, add to the pot and sauté until the vegetables are softened.
Mince garlic cloves, add to the pan, pour extra virgin olive oil and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Chop the runner beans, stir into the pot and cook for a few minutes until the beans are slightly tender.
Add bay leaves, and paprika and cook for 30 seconds.
Cut the tomatoes, place in a mixer and blend until smooth puree.
Add the tomato puree to the pot. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Pour the wine and simmer for a few minutes until the liquid is slightly reduced.
Return the browned chicken to the pot.
Pour in the chicken broth and add a pinch of saffron for flavor and color.
Stir in the green peas and rice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low-medium, and let it simmer for about 17 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender, stirring occasionally.
Turn off the heat and cover with a cloth for about 5 minutes.
Serve the Spanish Rice and Chicken hot.
Notes
Quality Ingredients: Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh vegetables, good-quality chicken, and authentic spices will enhance the overall taste of your dish.Chicken Browning: Take the time to properly brown the chicken before setting it aside. This step adds depth of flavor to the dish. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to achieve a nice sear. Sautéing Aromatics: Sauté the onions and garlic until they are translucent and aromatic. This builds a flavorful base for the dish.Seasoning Layers: Season the chicken, vegetables, and rice at different stages of cooking. This helps to build layers of flavor throughout the dish.Wine Choice: Choose a good-quality wine for deglazing the pan. The wine adds a depth of flavor to the dish. You can use either white or red wine based on your preference.Chicken Broth: If using store-bought chicken broth, opt for low-sodium or no-sodium varieties. This allows you better control over the dish's saltiness.Saffron Infusion: Allow the saffron to infuse into the broth for a few minutes before adding it to the dish. This enhances the saffron flavor and imparts a beautiful golden color to the rice.Simmering Rice: Once you add the rice, ensure it is evenly distributed in the pot. Stirring occasionally prevents sticking and ensures uniform cooking.Checking Doneness: Test the rice for doneness towards the end of the cooking time. If the rice is still a bit firm, you can add a bit more broth and continue simmering until it reaches the desired texture.Resting Period: Let the Spanish Rice and Chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to meld, and the rice to firm up slightly.