Cooking the Spanish Rice:
- Heat oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the rice mix: Add Roni’s Spanish Rice package contents and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the rice starts to brown slightly.
- Add water: Follow the package instructions for the amount of water (usually around 2 cups). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for the time specified on the package (typically 15-20 minutes) until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables:
- Cook the chicken: While the rice is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in another large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté onions and bell peppers: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and tomatoes: Add the minced garlic and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to break down.
- Combine ingredients: Add the corn, black beans, cooked chicken, cumin, paprika, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Combining the Rice and Chicken Mixture:
- Mix together: Once the Spanish rice is cooked, add it to the skillet with the chicken and vegetable mixture. Gently stir to combine everything thoroughly.
- Heat through: Let the entire mixture cook together for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and well combined.
Serving:
- Garnish: Serve the Spanish rice mixture hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro.
- Optional toppings: Offer optional toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, and lime wedges for extra flavor.
Tips for Success
- Uniform chicken pieces: Cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Fresh vegetables: Use fresh, in-season vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
- Resting time: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after combining everything to let the flavors meld together.
Conclusion
Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Roni’s Spanish Rice with Chicken and Vegetables—a complete meal that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for any night of the week, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Visit our site for more exclusive recipes and culinary inspirations to elevate your cooking adventures.