Sandra This Paula Deen Spanish Rice is an easy and flavorful recipe, which is made with savory chicken broth and zesty picante sauce. It’s the perfect side dish for any weeknight meal, ready in about 30 minutes.
Paula Deen Spanish Rice Ingredients
Just 5 simple ingredients for a classic, flavorful side dish.
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped onion
- 1 ½ cups uncooked white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup picante sauce
How To Make Paula Deen Spanish Rice
A simple, one-pan method for perfect Spanish rice.
- Sauté the Onion: Heat the oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, until it becomes tender, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Toast the Rice: Add the uncooked rice to the skillet with the onions. Cook and stir continuously until the rice begins to turn a light golden brown color.
- Add the Liquids: Carefully stir in the chicken broth and the picante sauce, combining them with the toasted rice and onions.
- Simmer and Serve: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
Recipe Tips
For perfect, fluffy, and flavorful Spanish rice every time.
- What’s the best rice for Spanish Rice? A long-grain white rice is the traditional choice and works best. It holds its shape well and cooks up fluffy without becoming sticky.
- How do I prevent my rice from getting mushy? The most important step is toasting the rice in the oil before adding any liquid. This process gives the grains a nutty flavor and helps them stay separate and fluffy during cooking. Also, resist the urge to stir the rice once it starts simmering.
- Can I add more vegetables? Absolutely! For more flavor and texture, you can sauté finely diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or corn along with the onions at the beginning.
- How can I make it spicier? To increase the heat, choose a medium or hot picante sauce. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce along with the chicken broth.
What To Serve With Spanish Rice
The perfect companion for your favorite main courses.
This versatile side dish is a classic pairing for many meals, including:
- Beef or Chicken Tacos
- Cheese Enchiladas
- Grilled Chicken or Steak
- Fajitas
- Burrito Bowls
How To Store Spanish Rice
Enjoying your leftovers.
- Refrigerate: Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Allow the rice to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water to restore moisture.
Paula Deen Spanish Rice Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per serving.
- Calories: 286 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 6 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
The terms are often used interchangeably, but traditionally, Spanish rice gets its yellow color from saffron, while Mexican rice (which this recipe more closely resembles) gets its reddish-orange color from tomatoes, chili powder, or, in this case, picante sauce.
You can, but the flavor will be much milder. Chicken broth adds a savory depth that water alone can’t provide. For a vegetarian option, you can substitute vegetable broth.
They are very similar, but picante sauce is typically thinner and smoother in consistency than most chunky salsas. This makes it ideal for this recipe as it incorporates into the liquid more evenly to flavor the rice.
Try More Recipes:
- Paula Deen Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole Recipe
- Paula Deen Sweetened Condensed Milk Rice Pudding Recipe
- Paula Deen Mexican Rice Recipe
Paula Deen Spanish Rice Recipe
Description
A quick and easy 5-ingredient Spanish rice made in a single skillet. Toasted rice is simmered in chicken broth and zesty picante sauce for a perfectly fluffy and flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet and sauté the onion until tender.
- Add the rice and stir constantly until it turns golden brown.
- Pour in the chicken broth and picante sauce, and stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff with a fork before serving.
Notes
- Toasting the rice is a crucial step for achieving a fluffy texture and nutty flavor.
- Do not stir the rice while it is simmering, as this can make it sticky.
- Let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes off the heat before fluffing and serving.
- For extra flavor, use a low-sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness.
