Healthy One-Pan Chicken & Shrimp Spanish Rice
Inspired by classic Spanish rice dishes, this Healthy One-Pan Chicken & Shrimp Spanish Rice is packed with lean protein, colorful vegetables, and bold spices. Everything cooks together in one skillet, making cleanup simple while delivering a satisfying meal that's perfect for weeknights or meal prep.
Recipe
Healthy One-Pan Chicken & Shrimp Spanish Rice
This healthy one-pan Spanish-style rice combines lean chicken, juicy shrimp, colorful vegetables, and seasoned brown rice in a hearty Mediterranean-inspired meal that's perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 4 lemon wedges
Instructions
- Season the chicken with smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes until lightly browned. Remove to a plate.
- Add the onion, carrots, and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
- Add the cooked brown rice and peas, stirring until evenly coated.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until pink and fully cooked.
- Remove from the heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve with fresh lemon wedges squeezed over each serving.
Equipment
- Large nonstick skillet
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Notes
- Cook the shrimp only until pink to keep them tender.
- Leftover cooked brown rice works perfectly for this recipe.
- Add zucchini or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors just before serving.
- For extra smoky flavor, use fire-roasted tomato paste.
Nutrition Estimate
- Calories
- 395
- Protein
- 35g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 5g
- Sugar
- 5g
- Sodium
- 430mg
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes. Values are not exact unless calculated from a verified nutrition database.
Why You'll Love This
- Everything cooks in one pan.
- High in lean protein.
- Loaded with colorful vegetables.
- Great for meal prep.
- Naturally dairy-free.
- Ready in under an hour.
Ingredient Tips
- Use cooked brown rice for extra fiber and a hearty texture.
- Large shrimp stay juicy and cook quickly.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness just before serving.
- Fresh lemon wedges balance the smoky spices beautifully.
- Smoked paprika provides authentic Spanish-inspired flavor.
Tips
- Pat the shrimp dry before cooking for better browning.
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp.
- Warm leftover rice before adding if it's very cold.
- Taste before serving and adjust salt and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium-high heat for the best texture.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth. Freeze for up to 2 months if desired.
Variations
- Replace chicken with turkey breast.
- Add sliced chorizo for a traditional Spanish-inspired twist.
- Use cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
- Add zucchini or mushrooms.
- Include diced tomatoes for extra richness.
Substitutions
- Use quinoa instead of brown rice.
- Replace shrimp with scallops.
- Swap peas for green beans.
- Use vegetable broth for a different flavor profile.
- Replace parsley with fresh cilantro.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw and pat them dry before cooking for the best texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. It's excellent for meal prep and reheats well for lunches.
Can I use white rice instead?
Absolutely. Cook the rice before adding it to the skillet.
Is this spicy?
It's mildly seasoned. Omit the cayenne if you prefer a milder dish.
What can I serve with it?
A simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli make excellent side dishes.
This Healthy One-Pan Chicken & Shrimp Spanish Rice is a flavorful dinner that's easy enough for busy weeknights while still feeling impressive enough to serve guests. Fresh lemon, herbs, and smoky spices bring every bite to life.
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