Spicy Chicken, Chorizo, and Rice Bake – A Flavorful One-Pan Wonder

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If you’ve ever craved a comforting, hearty meal that’s full of bold flavors, this Spicy Chicken, Chorizo, and Rice Bake is just what you need. Picture this: tender chicken, smoky chorizo, and fragrant rice, all cooked together in one skillet and baked to perfection. With the rich, smoky heat of chorizo combined with spices like cayenne, smoked paprika, and garlic, this dish is a sure way to spice up your weeknight dinner. The best part? It’s a simple, one-pan recipe that makes cleanup a breeze!

Whether you’re looking for a dinner to impress family or want something satisfying after a long day, this easy-to-make bake will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.

Ingredients for Spicy Chicken, Chorizo, and Rice Bake

Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about what you’ll need for this flavorful dish. Luckily, you won’t need to hunt down any exotic ingredients. Most of the items are pantry staples, with a few fresh ingredients to make the dish really shine.

Ingredient	Amount
Olive oil	4 tablespoons
Chicken (pieces)	8 (approx. 800g/28oz)
Large onion	1, thinly sliced
Garlic cloves	5, crushed
Uncooked chorizo	300g (10 oz.), sliced
Tomatoes	3, grated (discard skins)
White wine (optional)	1/2 cup
Chicken stock	5-6 cups
Long-grain rice	1 cup
Chili flakes	1 tablespoon (or 2 tbsp fresh chili)
Cayenne pepper	1 teaspoon
White pepper	1/2 teaspoon
Smoked paprika	2 teaspoons
Garlic powder	1 teaspoon
Fresh rosemary (optional)	1 sprig
Salt	To taste

With these ingredients, you’re set for an incredibly tasty meal that’s full of flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Spicy Chicken, Chorizo, and Rice Bake

Step 1 – Brown the Chicken

To start, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke. Once the pan is hot, add your chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Brown the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until it turns a beautiful golden color. This step is crucial for developing the rich, deep flavor that the chicken will bring to the final dish.

Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This will ensure that it doesn’t overcook while you prepare the other ingredients.

Pro Tip: Brown the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid steaming the meat. You want that crispy golden exterior, not a soggy texture.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our https://miarecipes.com/baked-spinach-mushroom-quesadillas-3/

Step 2 – Sauté Onion, Garlic, and Chorizo

Now that the chicken is out of the pan, it’s time to build layers of flavor with the onion, garlic, and chorizo.

Lower the heat to medium and add the sliced onion to the skillet. Sauté it for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent, with just a hint of golden brown. The onion will add a sweet base to the dish that perfectly complements the spicy chorizo.

Next, add the crushed garlic and sliced chorizo. Allow the chorizo to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. As the chorizo cooks, it will release its flavorful red oil, which will infuse the onion and garlic with a smoky, spicy kick.

Once everything is nicely cooked, remove the mixture from the skillet and set it aside.

Pro Tip: Chorizo is the star of this dish. Its rich and smoky flavor will infuse the entire dish, making it absolutely irresistible. Make sure to let it release all of its oil before removing it from the pan.

Step 3 – Build the Sauce

Preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C) while you get started on the sauce.

In the same skillet, it’s time to build the flavorful sauce that will coat the rice and chicken. Start by adding the grated tomatoes to the skillet. You’ll notice the tomatoes will release their juices, which will help form the base of your sauce. For extra depth of flavor, add smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and white pepper.

If you’re using white wine, pour it in now. The wine will help deglaze the pan and lift any flavorful bits that were stuck to the bottom from browning the chicken and chorizo. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.

Add two ladles of chicken stock to the mixture and stir well. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then add the chili flakes (or fresh chili) and the sprig of rosemary. Allow everything to simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the aroma fills your kitchen. Remove the rosemary at the end to avoid any woody texture in your dish.

Pro Tip: If you want an extra smoky flavor, opt for hot smoked paprika. It adds a depth of flavor that complements the chorizo and balances the heat from the chili.

Step 4 – Add Rice, Combine, and Bake

Now that you have a flavorful sauce, it’s time to stir in the rice. Add the long-grain rice to the pan, ensuring that it’s evenly coated with the sauce. Add another 1-2 ladles of chicken stock to help the rice cook evenly in the oven.

Once the rice is mixed in, return the browned chicken, onions, and chorizo to the pan. Bring the entire mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, ensuring that everything is well incorporated.

Season with salt to taste, making sure to balance out the flavors of the spicy sauce. If you’re using an ovenproof skillet, you can transfer it directly to the oven. Otherwise, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and cover everything with the remaining chicken stock.

Pro Tip: If you find that the mixture is too dry, add a little more stock to ensure the rice cooks properly in the oven.

Step 5 – Bake to Perfection

Finally, it’s time to let the oven work its magic. Place the pan (or casserole dish) in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.

Check the rice towards the end of baking. If it’s still too firm, you can add a splash of chicken stock and let it bake for a few more minutes.

Once everything is cooked through, remove from the oven and let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for the Best Spicy Chicken, Chorizo, and Rice Bake

• Prepare Your Stock in Advance:
  To achieve the most flavorful dish possible, prepare your chicken stock ahead of time. Homemade stock is always the best, but store-bought stock will do if you’re short on time.
• Adjust the Spice Level to Your Taste:
  You can make this dish as spicy or mild as you like by adjusting the amount of chili flakes, cayenne pepper, and fresh chili. Start with less heat and gradually add more if you prefer extra spice.
• Use Quality Chorizo:
  The chorizo you choose will play a major role in the flavor of the dish. Look for high-quality, authentic Spanish or Mexican chorizo for the best results.
• Add Extra Veggies:
  If you want to make this dish more hearty or include some extra nutrition, add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or even spinach to the pan when you sauté the onion and garlic.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this recipe is straightforward, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcrowding the Skillet:
  If you put too many chicken pieces in the pan at once, they won’t brown properly. Brown them in batches if necessary to get that perfect golden color.
• Not Preheating the Oven:
  Always preheat your oven before baking the dish. This ensures that the rice cooks evenly and the chicken reaches the proper temperature.
• Under-seasoning:
  Don’t forget to taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning. The salt, pepper, and spices all work together to create a balanced flavor, so make sure to season properly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can swap the chicken for turkey, pork, or even beef if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times as necessary.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the recipe up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, just bake it as instructed.

Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can increase the chili flakes, fresh chili, or even add hot sauce to make the dish as spicy as you like.

Can I freeze the Spicy Chicken, Chorizo, and Rice Bake?
Yes, once the dish has cooled down, you can store it in an airtight container and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just reheat it in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Conclusion: Why You Should Try Spicy Chicken, Chorizo, and Rice Bake Today

This Spicy Chicken, Chorizo, and Rice Bake is a winning dish that combines comfort, flavor, and simplicity. With the perfect balance of spice, smoky chorizo, tender chicken, and fragrant rice, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, the one-pan nature of the recipe makes cleanup a breeze, allowing you to enjoy more of the delicious meal you’ve just created.

Next time you’re looking for a satisfying and flavorful dinner, try this recipe. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or entertaining friends, this dish will be the star of the table.

Ready to spice up your dinner routine? Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal tonight!

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