Chicken Chorizo Rice Skillet

Featured in: One-Pot Flavor Recipes

This dish combines tender chicken pieces with smoky chorizo sausage, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Long-grain rice simmers in a blend of chicken broth and diced tomatoes, infused with smoked paprika and oregano for a rich, savory flavor. Frozen peas add a pop of color and sweetness. Prepared in a single skillet, it offers a hearty, comforting meal perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner that brings vibrant Spanish-inspired tastes to your table.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 16:28:00 GMT
Chicken and Chorizo Rice Skillet, a colorful one-pan meal with fluffy rice and savory chorizo. Save
Chicken and Chorizo Rice Skillet, a colorful one-pan meal with fluffy rice and savory chorizo. | saffronhollow.com

A hearty, flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, smoky chorizo, and vibrant vegetables simmered with rice—a perfect, budget-friendly dinner for the whole family.

I first made this dish on a busy weeknight and loved how everything cooked together in one skillet without losing any flavor or texture.

Ingredients

  • Meats: 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces; 150 g (5 oz) cured chorizo sausage, sliced
  • Vegetables: 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 150 g (1 cup) frozen peas; 400 g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • Grains: 250 g (1¼ cups) long grain rice, rinsed
  • Liquids: 750 ml (3 cups) chicken broth
  • Spices & Seasonings: 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp ground black pepper; ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste); 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Garnish (optional): Fresh parsley, chopped; Lemon wedges

Instructions

Step 1:
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium high heat Add the chicken pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper Cook for 4 5 minutes until lightly browned Remove chicken to a plate and set aside
Step 2:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon olive oil Add the chorizo and cook for 2 minutes, stirring, until it releases its oils and starts to crisp
Step 3:
Add the onion, red bell pepper, and garlic Sauté for 3 4 minutes until softened and fragrant
Step 4:
Stir in the smoked paprika and oregano, cooking for 1 minute
Step 5:
Add the rice and stir to coat in the oils and spices
Step 6:
Pour in the canned tomatoes (with their juices) and chicken broth Bring to a simmer
Step 7:
Return the browned chicken to the skillet Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes
Step 8:
Uncover, stir in the frozen peas, and cook for a further 5 10 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed
Step 9:
Remove from heat Let rest, covered, for 5 minutes before serving
Step 10:
Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired
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This dish quickly became a family favorite with weekends filled with laughter as we all gathered around the skillet, sharing stories and seconds.

Notes

Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days Pair with a crisp white wine like Albariño

Required Tools

Large deep skillet with lid Sharp knife Cutting board Measuring cups and spoons Wooden spoon

Allergen Information

Contains None of the top 8 allergens Chorizo may contain dairy or gluten—check labels if needed Use gluten free chicken broth if required

Golden-brown chicken and vegetables mingling with the rice in this flavorful Chicken and Chorizo Rice Skillet. Save
Golden-brown chicken and vegetables mingling with the rice in this flavorful Chicken and Chorizo Rice Skillet. | saffronhollow.com

This skillet recipe is easy to customize and sure to impress even picky eaters every time.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, substituting chicken thighs adds extra juiciness and flavor while maintaining tenderness.

Is it possible to add more heat to this dish?

Adding a pinch of chili flakes during cooking boosts the spice level without overpowering the other ingredients.

How do I ensure the rice cooks perfectly in the skillet?

Use long-grain rice rinsed beforehand and simmer covered until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, usually about 15 minutes plus resting time.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to three days and reheat nicely without losing flavor or texture.

What sides or drinks pair well with this meal?

A crisp white wine, such as Albariño, complements the smoky and savory flavors, while a fresh salad provides a refreshing contrast.

Chicken Chorizo Rice Skillet

Tender chicken and smoky chorizo cooked with rice and vibrant vegetables in one skillet.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
35 min
Overall Time
50 min
Recipe by Mira Dalton


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Spanish-inspired

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Details No Gluten

What You Need

Meats

01 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 5 ounces cured chorizo sausage, sliced

Vegetables

01 1 medium onion, finely chopped
02 1 red bell pepper, diced
03 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 1 cup frozen peas
05 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes with juices

Grains

01 1 1/4 cups long-grain rice, rinsed

Liquids

01 3 cups chicken broth

Spices & Seasonings

01 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
02 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
03 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
04 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
05 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garnish (optional)

01 Fresh parsley, chopped
02 Lemon wedges

How to Make It

Step 01

Brown chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, cook 4 to 5 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 02

Cook chorizo: Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Cook chorizo slices for 2 minutes, stirring until oils are released and slices begin to crisp.

Step 03

Sauté vegetables: Add chopped onion, diced red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 04

Add spices: Stir in smoked paprika and dried oregano. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.

Step 05

Incorporate rice: Add rinsed rice to the skillet, stirring to coat grains evenly with oils and spices.

Step 06

Add liquids and simmer: Pour in diced tomatoes with juices and chicken broth. Bring mixture to a simmer.

Step 07

Combine chicken and cook covered: Return browned chicken to skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.

Step 08

Add peas and finish cooking: Uncover skillet, stir in frozen peas. Continue cooking uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Step 09

Rest before serving: Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 10

Garnish and serve: Top with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges as desired.

Equipment Needed

  • Large deep skillet with lid
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon

Allergy Notice

Review every item for potential allergens, and reach out to a provider with any uncertainty.
  • Check chorizo labels for dairy or gluten; use gluten-free chicken broth if necessary.

Nutrition Stats (per portion)

Details here are for general advice—always consult a health expert for specific needs.
  • Energy: 560
  • Fats: 19 g
  • Carbohydrates: 62 g
  • Proteins: 31 g