Chicken and Rice (Spanish Arroz con Pollo)

A traditional meal that is common throughout Spain. Easy to prepare, this delicious dish can serve a crowd.

3 lbs chicken, cut into small pieces
6 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 onion, chopped
4 Tbsp. garlic, chopped
sea salt
black pepper, freshly cracked
6 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped
5 wood-fire roasted piquillo peppers
1 tsp. smoked paprika (pimentón de la Vera)
1 pinch saffron
3½ cups chicken broth or chicken bouillon
½ cup dry white wine
2 cups white rice

Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large deep pan (rice will be cooked here, too) heat the oil and sauté the chicken until golden on all sides.

Remove chicken to a warm platter. Add the onion, garlic, and parsley to the oil and sauté until the onion is soft. Add the pimentos, pimentón, saffron, broth, wine, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil. Add the rice and cook over medium high heat, uncovered, for about 20 minutes, stirring until the rice is semi-dry but some liquid remains.

Burry the chicken in the rice. Cover and cook over low heat for about 20 minutes.

Turn the rice and the chicken over with a fork from bottom to top; cover and simmer for another 10 minutes.

Transfer rice and chicken to a serving platter and garnish with a little parsley.

Serve with some fresh bread and a green salad.