Spanish chicken recipe | A taste of spain at home
⏲️Cook time: 45 minutes
👨🍳Prep time: 15 minutes
⌛Total time: 1 hour
📊Difficulty level: Easy
🍽️Servings: 4
As a Spanish chef who has called London home for many years, there's nothing that brings me more joy than sharing authentic Spanish chicken recipe with food lovers across the UK. This beloved dish holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of Sunday afternoons in Madrid when my entire family would gather around the table, sharing not just a meal, but creating memories that would last a lifetime.
Today, I'm excited to share with you my treasured spanish chicken recipe, a dish that has crossed borders and generations, bringing the warmth of Spanish hospitality to British homes. It's a recipe that proves that sometimes the simplest ingredients, when combined with love and tradition, create the most extraordinary flavors.
What is spanish chicken?
Spanish chicken recipe is a beautiful marriage of Mediterranean flavors, where tender chicken meets the bold characters of Spanish paprika, garlic, and olive oil. Unlike other European preparations, our spanish chicken recipe uk style has been slightly adapted to incorporate ingredients readily available in British supermarkets while maintaining its authentic essence.
Ingredients
To make this delightful spanish chicken recipe, gather the following ingredients:
4 chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 can (400g) of chopped tomatoes
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup chicken broth
A handful of fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
What to Serve spanish chicken With
When it comes to serving this delightful Spanish chicken recipe, the options are endless. Here are a few delicious pairings to consider:
Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the rich tomato sauce. It's a simple yet satisfying choice that complements the dish beautifully.
Spanish Rice: Serve the chicken over a bed of Spanish rice for a complete meal. The rice absorbs the flavors of the sauce, creating a harmonious combination.
Simple Salad: A fresh salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken.
Preparation: How to prepare spanish chicken
Let's dive into the preparation of this exquisite Spanish chicken recipe:
Sizzle and Brown: Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Infuse Flavors: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent. Add the red and yellow bell peppers and continue to cook until they soften.
Build the Sauce: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes until the flavors meld together.
Bring it Together: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Simmer to Perfection: Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The sauce should thicken and coat the chicken beautifully.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish before serving. Enjoy this Spanish chicken recipe with your choice of sides, such as crusty bread or a simple salad.
Professional tips for preparing chicken a la española
To elevate your Spanish chicken recipe to new heights, consider these professional tips:
Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality chicken and fresh produce to enhance the flavors of the dish. The sweetness of ripe bell peppers and the richness of good olive oil make a noticeable difference.
Patience Pays Off: Allow the chicken to brown properly before simmering. This step is crucial for developing deep flavors and a pleasing texture.
Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder dish, feel free to omit it altogether.