Name: Spanish Chicken and Rice Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: Serves 6-8
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil, preferably Spanish extra virgin; 1 large onion, finely diced (about 1 cup); 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 medium carrots, diced (about 1 cup); 2 celery stalks, diced (about 3/4 cup); 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced; 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (pimentón); 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, crushed and soaked in 2 tablespoons warm water; 8 cups chicken broth, preferably homemade; 3/4 cup Spanish Bomba rice or Arborio rice; 1 bay leaf; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Sauté the aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add vegetables

Add the diced carrots, celery, and bell pepper to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Brown the chicken

Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides. Season with salt and pepper.
Add spices and broth

Stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, and saffron with its soaking liquid. Add the bay leaf and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
Cook the rice

Add the rice to the simmering soup. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Finish the soup

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the fresh parsley just before serving.
Serve

Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Spanish Chicken and Rice Soup

Ingredients

Instructions

Nutritional Information