SPANISH RICE

This easy Spanish Rice is fluffy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned with rich tomato flavor and savory spices. Made in one pan with simple pantry ingredients, it’s the perfect side dish for tacos, enchiladas, burritos, or any Mexican-inspired meal.

Jump to Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan recipe for easy cleanup.
• Budget-friendly ingredients you probably already have.
• Ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish.
• Light, fluffy rice with bold Mexican-inspired flavor.
• Pairs well with almost any Tex-Mex or Mexican meal.

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Ingredients

• 1 tbsp oil
• 3/4 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Pinch of oregano
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1 tbsp chicken bouillon
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup tomato sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth

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How to Make Spanish Style Rice

1) Toast the rice: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the uncooked rice and stir frequently for 5–7 minutes, until the rice turns a light golden brown. Be careful not to let it burn, as this can create a bitter flavor.

2) Season the rice: Carefully pour in the tomato sauce (it will steam and may splatter). Immediately add the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cumin, chicken bouillon, and salt. Stir well until every grain of rice is evenly coated with the tomato sauce and seasonings.

3) Add the broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth and stir one final time to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

4) Cook the rice: Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice simmer undisturbed for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid or stir the rice while it cooks, as this allows the steam to cook the rice properly.

5) Rest and fluff: Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.

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Pro Tips

• Browning the rice first gives it a deeper, nuttier flavor and helps create fluffy grains.
• Don’t stir the rice once the broth has been added. Stirring releases starch and can make the rice sticky.
• Keep the lid on while cooking to trap steam and cook the rice evenly.
• Let the rice rest for 5 minutes before fluffing for the best texture.

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Storage and Reheating

Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.

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Final Thoughts

This Spanish Rice is a simple, dependable side dish that belongs in every home cook’s recipe collection. With just a handful of pantry staples and one skillet, you’ll have fluffy, flavorful rice that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, taco nights, or meal prep. Once you try it, it’ll quickly become your go-to Spanish rice recipe.