Chicken rice is a Spanish home cooking staple that pairs tender meat with saffron’s floral notes and paprika’s smoky depth. This paprika broth adds a rich, savory finish that turns an ordinary weeknight dinner into something truly special.
Ingredients
How many are you cooking for?
Original recipe for 4 servings
- 4 chicken thighs
- 200g bomba rice
- 1 onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 grated tomato
- 1/2 tsp saffron threads
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp hot paprika
- 750ml chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- salt
- black pepper
- fresh parsley
Step by step
Follow the timeline: technique icon, time and temperature when relevant.
- Step 1 Pan 8 min
Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a wide paella pan over medium-high heat and sear the chicken thighs with salt and pepper for four minutes per side until deeply golden; transfer to a plate to keep the meat moist and juicy.
- Step 2 Pan 6 min
In the same pan, add the diced onion and red bell pepper, sautéing for five minutes until soft and translucent; stir in the sliced garlic cloves and cook for one more minute to release their aroma without burning them.
- Step 3 Pan 4 min
Fold in the grated tomato and cook for three minutes to evaporate excess moisture, then remove from heat and quickly whisk in both paprikas; this trick prevents the spice from turning bitter when exposed to direct high heat.
- Step 4 Mix 1 min
Return the chicken to the pan, add the rice, and stir for one minute to lightly toast the grains; pour in the saffron-infused warm broth and ensure everything is submerged for an even cooking process.
- Step 5 Pot / simmer 20 min
Increase the heat for two minutes until it boils, then reduce to the lowest setting, cover the pan, and simmer undisturbed for eighteen minutes; never lift the lid to let the steam cook the rice uniformly.
- Step 6 Rest
Turn off the heat and let it rest covered for five minutes so the flavors settle; garnish with chopped parsley and serve straight from the pan, checking that the liquid has thickened into that signature creamy base.