Chicken Chorizo Rice Skillet

Featured in: Cozy Everyday Meals

This hearty one-pan dish combines tender chicken and smoky chorizo with vibrant vegetables and long-grain rice. Cooked together with aromatic spices and chicken stock, the flavors meld into a satisfying and easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a bright finish. A budget-friendly option that brings Spanish-inspired taste to your table.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 13:44:00 GMT
Steaming Chicken and Chorizo Rice Skillet, a colorful one-pan meal with sizzling chorizo bits. Save
Steaming Chicken and Chorizo Rice Skillet, a colorful one-pan meal with sizzling chorizo bits. | ivorycrumb.com

A hearty, flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender chicken, smoky chorizo, and vibrant vegetables, simmered with rice for an easy, budget-friendly family meal.

This dish has become a favorite for busy weeknights because it comes together quickly and pleases the whole family.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts: 2 boneless skinless (about 400 g), cut into bite sized pieces
  • Spanish chorizo sausage: 150 g (5 oz), sliced
  • Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
  • Red bell pepper: 1, diced
  • Garlic cloves: 2, minced
  • Frozen peas: 1 cup (150 g)
  • Long grain rice: 1 1/2 cups (300 g), rinsed (e.g. basmati or jasmine)
  • Chicken stock: 3 cups (720 ml)
  • Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
  • Dried oregano: 1/2 tsp
  • Chili flakes: 1/4 tsp (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper: To taste
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp
  • Fresh parsley: Chopped (optional)
  • Lemon wedges: Optional

Instructions

Step 1:
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium high heat. Add chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Brown on all sides for 4 5 minutes then remove and set aside
Step 2:
Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the pan. Sauté chorizo slices for 2 minutes until they release their oils. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic cook for 3 4 minutes until softened
Step 3:
Stir in the smoked paprika, oregano, and chili flakes. Add the rice and cook, stirring, for 1 2 minutes to coat the grains in the oil and spices
Step 4:
Return the browned chicken to the pan. Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 20 minutes, until the rice is cooked and most liquid is absorbed
Step 5:
Stir in the frozen peas, cover, and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes
Step 6:
Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired
Golden rice surrounds tender chicken in this flavorful Chicken and Chorizo Rice Skillet dish. Save
Golden rice surrounds tender chicken in this flavorful Chicken and Chorizo Rice Skillet dish. | ivorycrumb.com

My family gathers around this skillet every time with eager smiles and empty plates after.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of saffron with the stock. Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result. Use bell pepper colors of your choice and serve with a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Required Tools

Large skillet or sauté pan with lid, sharp knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, wooden spoon or spatula.

Allergen Information

Contains meat (chicken, chorizo). Chorizo may contain traces of gluten, milk, or soy check labels for allergens if sensitive. Gluten free if using certified gluten free chorizo and stock.

Close-up of the finished Chicken and Chorizo Rice Skillet, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Save
Close-up of the finished Chicken and Chorizo Rice Skillet, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. | ivorycrumb.com

This recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser and perfect for quick family dinners.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier texture and more robust flavor. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free chorizo and chicken stock to keep the dish gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels to be sure.

What type of rice works best for this dish?

Long-grain varieties like basmati or jasmine rice are ideal as they cook evenly and absorb flavors without becoming mushy.

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Bell peppers of different colors, peas, or even chopped tomatoes can add extra texture and flavor.

How can I enhance the smoky flavor further?

Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a bit of saffron to the stock will deepen the smoky and aromatic notes.

Chicken Chorizo Rice Skillet

A flavorful one-pan meal with chicken, chorizo, rice, and vegetables simmered to perfection.

Prep time
15 min
Cook time
35 min
Total duration
50 min
Created by Nora Ellington


Skill level Easy

Cuisine type Spanish-Inspired

Makes 4 Serves

Diet details No dairy

What You'll Need

Meats

01 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 oz), cut into bite-sized pieces
02 5 oz Spanish 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 (5.3 oz)

Grains

01 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice (e.g., basmati or jasmine), rinsed

Liquids

01 3 cups chicken stock

Spices & Seasonings

01 1 tsp smoked paprika
02 1/2 tsp dried oregano
03 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
04 Salt and black pepper, to taste
05 2 tbsp olive oil

Garnish

01 Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
02 Lemon wedges (optional)

Directions

Step 01

Brown Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then brown them on all sides for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 02

Cook Chorizo and Vegetables: Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Sauté chorizo slices for 2 minutes until oils release. Add chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic; cook 3 to 4 minutes until softened.

Step 03

Incorporate Spices and Rice: Stir in smoked paprika, dried oregano, and chili flakes. Add rinsed rice and cook, stirring, for 1 to 2 minutes until grains are coated evenly with oil and spices.

Step 04

Simmer Rice with Chicken Stock: Return browned chicken to the skillet. Pour in chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed.

Step 05

Add Peas and Rest: Stir frozen peas into the skillet, cover, and cook an additional 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.

Step 06

Serve: Fluff rice with a fork. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Tools needed

  • Large skillet or sauté pan with lid
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergen details

Be sure to review the ingredients for possible allergens and speak to a healthcare provider when uncertain.
  • Contains meat (chicken, chorizo). Chorizo may contain traces of gluten, milk, or soy; verify product labels for allergens. Gluten-free if using certified gluten-free chorizo and stock.

Nutrition info per dish

Details here are just for reference. They don't replace health or nutrition advice.
  • Calories: 540
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Proteins: 32 g