Sunshine Spanish Rice Skillet Speedy Smoky Chorizo Chickpea Dinner

Smoky Chorizo Rice Skillet

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:30 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp cooking oil (e.g., Olive Oil)
• 6 oz diced Spanish Chorizo (cured, dried)
• 1 medium Yellow Onion, finely diced
• 1 large Red Bell Pepper, diced
• 3 large Garlic Cloves, minced finely
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
• 1 1/2 cups Long Grain White Rice (unrinsed)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained
• 3 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth
• 1 (15 oz) can Chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup Frozen Peas
• Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
• 1 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

• Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add diced chorizo and cook until slightly crispy and the fat has rendered (about 4-5 minutes). Remove chorizo solids with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the flavourful red oil in the pan.
• Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the chorizo oil. Sauté until softened (about 5 minutes). Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add the dry, unrinsed rice to the skillet. Stir continuously for 2 minutes to lightly toast the grains in the seasoned oil.
• Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (with juice) and the broth. Stir once to combine everything evenly across the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a rolling simmer.
• Once simmering, reduce the heat immediately to low. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid. Cook undisturbed for exactly 18 minutes. Do not lift the lid.
• Remove the skillet from the heat (still covered) and let it rest for 5 minutes. Lift the lid, gently stir in the drained chickpeas, frozen peas, and the reserved cooked chorizo. The residual heat will cook the peas.
• Stir in the fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish generously with fresh parsley before serving directly from the skillet.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:1242 kcal

Protein:15.8 g

Fat:10.0 g

Carbs:99.3 g

Fiber:36.7 g

Sugar:0.0 g

Sodium:289 mg

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Spanish

Ditch the Dull: Why This Spanish Skillet Reigns Supreme in Rice Dinner Recipes

In the vast culinary landscape of Rice Dinner Recipes , it’s easy to fall into the trap of simple steamed rice served as a side dish. But what if your rice could be the entire star of the show—vibrant, deeply flavourful, and requiring minimal clean-up? This is where the magic of the one-pan method truly shines. We’re moving beyond basic stir-fries and diving headfirst into a hearty, smoky fiesta inspired by Spanish tradition: the Sunshine Spanish Rice Skillet with Chorizo & Chickpeas . This recipe is designed to deliver maximum flavour impact with minimum effort, proving that complex taste doesn't require complex cooking methods. It’s a dish that perfectly embodies satisfying comfort food while still feeling exciting enough for company.

The Weeknight Warrior: Flavor Bombs in Under 30 Minutes

When the clock is ticking and hunger is setting in, efficiency is everything. This skillet creation is specifically engineered to be a Quick Rice Dinner Recipe , moving from prep to plate in under 45 minutes total. It balances high-impact ingredients—like smoky chorizo and aromatic spices—with simple, hands-off cooking techniques, making it one of the best Rice Dinner Recipes Easy options available.

Meet Your New Midweek Meal Hero: Quick & Flavorful

Our philosophy here is leveraging foundational flavour layers right in the cooking vessel. We aren't just heating ingredients; we are building a deep flavour profile that permeates every grain of rice. The key is starting with cured chorizo, which renders its fat—a potent, paprika-infused liquid gold—that we then use as the sole cooking medium for our vegetables and rice. This instant infusion of smoke and spice is what makes this one of the best Rice Dishes Recipes Simple to execute beautifully, even on your most hectic evening.

A Taste of the Med: Unpacking the Sunshine Spanish Vibe

The heart of this dish lies in its Spanish inspiration. It’s not just about rice; it’s about harnessing the vibrant synergy of smoked paprika, garlic, and the rich, fatty burst from the chorizo. Combined with the earthy texture of chickpeas and the sweetness of fresh red pepper, you get a balanced profile that is bright, smoky, and utterly addictive. This moves the needle well beyond standard fare, positioning it firmly among inspiring Recipes With Rice that everyone will ask for again.

Why One-Pan Cooking is the Ultimate Kitchen Hack

The beauty of this method elevates it to a top-tier One Pan Rice Dinner Recipes contender. By utilizing a single, heavy-bottomed skillet with a tight-fitting lid, we create a mini-oven environment. This traps the steam, allowing the long-grain white rice to cook evenly while simultaneously absorbing the concentrated liquid flavour base. Less washing up means more time enjoying that phenomenal meal—a true win-win situation for busy home cooks looking for Healthy Rice Dinner Recipes that don't skimp on satisfaction.

Assembling Your Spanish Rice Skillet Dream Team

Success in any quick recipe hinges on having all your components ready to go before the heat turns on. Think of this as mise en place training—a few quick chops now ensures smooth sailing later.

The Core Components: Rice, Protein, and Pulses Checklist

For this robust main course, we need three anchoring elements. We are using 1 1/2 cups of long-grain white rice (Basmati or standard works perfectly). Crucially, for this one-pan method, do not rinse the rice ; we need that surface starch to bind the sauce beautifully. Protein comes from 6 oz of diced, cured Spanish chorizo , which provides both texture and the fundamental smoky fat base. For fiber and heartiness, we incorporate one 15 oz can of rinsed and drained chickpeas , offering a wonderful textural counterpoint to the soft rice. Finally, we boost the vibrancy with 1 cup of frozen peas , added right at the end for a pop of green and sweetness.

Aromatic Foundation: Garlic, Onion, and Spice Prep

The flavour building block starts with aromatics. You’ll need 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced , and 1 large red bell pepper, also diced . These will soften in the chorizo oil, releasing their natural sugars. Next, mince 3 large cloves of garlic . The spice blend is simple but potent: 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika (the star ingredient!) and 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano . Ensure your spices are fresh so their aromas are maximized when they hit the hot oil.

Tool Talk: What You Need for Skillet Success

The vessel choice is non-negotiable for evenly cooked Rice Dinner Recipes for Family . You absolutely need a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven —ideally 10 to 12 inches in diameter—that comes with a tight-fitting lid . The weight of the pan ensures even heat distribution across the bottom, preventing scorching while the top layers steam perfectly. A sharp knife and good cutting board are your only other mandatory pieces of equipment.

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The Step-by-Step Chronicle of Your Supper Creation

With everything chopped and measured, we move swiftly through the active cooking phases. Remember, the heat management during the simmer is the secret sauce to perfecting these types of Rice Dinner Recipes Easy preparations.

Phase 1: Searing the Sausage and Building the Base Flavor

Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chorizo and cook it for about 4 to 5 minutes. You are aiming to render out some of that bright red, flavourful fat. Once the chorizo looks slightly crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove the solids and set them aside on a plate; leave all that glorious, seasoned oil behind. Now, toss in the diced onion and red pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes until they start to soften, then stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook this fragrant mixture for just 60 seconds until you can really smell the spices blooming—be vigilant that the garlic doesn't burn!

Phase 2: Incorporating Liquids and Achieving Perfect Rice Fluffiness

This is where we transition to the true one-pan technique. Add the unrinsed rice directly to the skillet and stir constantly for about 2 minutes, lightly toasting the grains in the seasoned oil. This step, called 'toasting,' is key to keeping the grains separate later. Next, pour in one 14.5 oz can of undrained diced tomatoes and 3 cups of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth . Stir everything together just once to ensure the rice is submerged and distributed evenly across the bottom of the pan. Bring this mixture up to a strong, rolling simmer over medium-high heat.

Phase 3: The Final Simmer and Resting Period for Deep Flavor Infusion

The moment it hits a full boil, immediately reduce the heat to the absolute lowest setting your stove allows, cover the skillet tightly with the lid, and let it cook undisturbed for exactly 18 minutes . Under no circumstances should you lift that lid during this period; that steam is your cooking mechanism! After 18 minutes, remove the skillet completely from the heat source, but keep the lid firmly in place. Allow it to rest, still covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This resting period allows the grains to fully absorb residual moisture and finish steaming gently. Finally, lift the lid and gently fold in the drained chickpeas, frozen peas, and the reserved cooked chorizo. The residual heat will perfectly thaw and warm the peas. Finish by stirring in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and adjusting salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve directly from the pan.

Elevating Your Plate: Smart Variations on This Rice Dinner Recipe

While this "Sunshine Spanish Rice Skillet" is excellent as is, its structure lends itself beautifully to customization, offering endless inspiration for future Rice Dinner Recipes .

Swaps and Substitutions: Customizing Your Chickpea and Chorizo Blend

If you’re looking for Easy Vegetarian Rice Dishes , you can easily adapt this recipe. Omit the chorizo entirely. Instead, sauté 1 cup of cubed, extra-firm smoked tofu in olive oil until lightly browned, and use an extra 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, or a dash of liquid smoke, when you add the garlic to compensate for the lost depth. For a seafood variation that still feels swift, skip the chickpeas and, after the 5-minute rest period, nestle raw, peeled shrimp into the hot rice, re-cover, and let the steam cook them through in about 5 to 7 minutes.

Making it 'Mexican': Adding Contemporary Twists to Spanish Staples

Though rooted in Spanish flavour, a small shift in spice can push this toward a Mexican-inspired profile, making it a satisfying addition to your rotation of Vegetarian Rice Dishes if you skip the meat. Swap the smoked paprika for a blend of ancho chili powder and cumin, and finish the dish not with lemon, but with a dollop of cooling sour cream or crumbled cotija cheese and a shower of fresh cilantro instead of parsley.

Nutrition Snapshot: Keeping Keeping Track of Your Meal Metrics

For those monitoring their intake, this skillet provides a balanced main course. Serving four generous portions, you can expect roughly 550 calories per person, featuring a good hit of protein (around 22g) and substantial fiber (about 8g) thanks to the rice and chickpeas. Because chorizo is salty, be mindful of your broth choice; opting for low-sodium broth is key if you are aiming for lighter Healthy Rice Dinner Recipes .

Pro Tip: The Secret to Next-Day Rice Perfection

If you find yourself with leftovers—which is unlikely given how delicious this is—proper storage is crucial. Allow the skillet contents to cool fully before sealing them in an airtight container. When reheating, the rice can sometimes dry out. The secret to reviving it is to sprinkle about one tablespoon of water or broth over the portion you plan to eat, cover it loosely with a damp paper towel, and microwave for 60 to 90 seconds. This reintroduces the necessary steam, bringing that smoky flavour right back to life for a quick, satisfying second meal.

From Pan to Pantry: Storing and Reheating Leftovers Brilliantly

Any fantastic Rice Dinner Recipes Easy dish should hold up well for leftovers, and this Spanish skillet certainly does. Once the entire dish has cooled down completely, transfer it into an airtight container. Stored correctly in the refrigerator, this main course will remain delicious for up to three days. The flavours often deepen overnight, making the reheated portion almost as satisfying as the first serving.