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Chicken & Chorizo Rice Skillet

Chicken & Chorizo Rice Skillet

Savor the bold and hearty flavors of this easy Chicken & Chorizo Rice Skillet recipe. Featuring tender chicken, smoky and spicy chorizo, and fluffy seasoned rice all cooked in one pan, this dish is perfect for quick family dinners or meal prepping while packing vibrant colors and rich tastes.

Ingredients

Proteins

  • Chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless, diced into bite-sized pieces (about 1 lb)
  • Chorizo sausage, sliced into thin rounds or crumbled (about 6 oz)

Grains & Vegetables

  • Long grain white rice (1 cup)
  • Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz)
  • Onion, chopped (1 medium)
  • Garlic cloves, minced (3 cloves)
  • Bell peppers, chopped (1 cup, mixed colors)

Liquids & Oils

  • Chicken broth (2 cups)
  • Olive oil (2 tablespoons)

Spices & Herbs

  • Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon)
  • Cumin (1 teaspoon)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (2 tablespoons for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and chop the onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Slice the chorizo into thin rounds or crumble it for a different texture. This prep work will keep the cooking process smooth and fast.
  2. Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside. In the same pan, add the chorizo and cook until it releases its flavorful oils and crisps slightly.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Add onion, garlic, and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  4. Add Rice and Spices: Mix the rice into the vegetables and stir well to coat the grains with oil and spices. Sprinkle smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper over the rice and stir for about a minute to unlock those warm flavors.
  5. Combine and Simmer: Return chicken to the skillet along with diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir to combine everything evenly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and let it rest covered for a few minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro over the top, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use quality chorizo: Opt for authentic Spanish or Mexican chorizo for the best smoky flavor.
  • Don’t skip the broth: Chicken broth enriches the rice far more than water would.
  • Cook rice evenly: Keep heat low while simmering and avoid lifting the lid to ensure perfectly cooked rice.
  • Let it rest: Allowing the skillet to sit off heat helps flavors meld together beautifully.
  • Adjust seasoning at the end: Taste and add extra salt, pepper, or spice as needed before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken, Chorizo, Rice, One-Pan, Skillet, Quick Dinner, Gluten Free, Spicy, Family Meal