Name: Spanish Rice (Easy, Delicious, The BEST!) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 cup long grain white rice; 1 cup chicken broth or stock (approximate, see notes); 1 cup tomato sauce or puree (approximate, see notes); 1½ teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; ½ teaspoon garlic salt; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ cup diced fresh tomatoes, seeded and drained (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 75 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful side dish that’s easy to whip up and always delights the palate, this Spanish Rice (Easy, Delicious, The BEST!) Recipe is exactly what you need. It boasts a perfect balance of toasted rice goodness, savory chicken broth, vibrant tomato sauce, and just the right hint of spices like chili powder and cumin, bringing a colorful, fragrant, and satisfying element to any meal. Whether you’re serving it alongside tacos, grilled meats, or enjoying it as a base for your favorite rice bowl, this recipe has never failed to impress with its simple ingredients and rich, genuine flavors that truly make it the best around.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A stainless steel pot filled with a thick layer of orange-red cooked rice mixed with small red tomato pieces, showing a moist and slightly chunky texture. The rice grains are separate and glisten with light oil or sauce. A silver fork is partially inserted into the rice at the bottom right area, resting inside the pot. The pot is placed on a dark blue cloth with a white geometric pattern, and the entire scene rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for this Spanish Rice (Easy, Delicious, The BEST!) Recipe is simpler than you might think. Each component is perfect in its purpose—bringing richness, texture, or a burst of flavor that elevates the dish without complicating the process.

Extra-virgin olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a fruity, smooth base that helps toast the rice beautifully.

Butter (1 tablespoon): Provides a creamy richness that rounds out the flavors and keeps the rice tender.
Long grain white rice (1 cup): The ideal texture carrier that toasts nicely and soaks up all the delicious liquid.
Chicken broth or stock (1 cup approx.): Infuses the rice with savory depth and a subtle meaty essence.

Tomato sauce or puree (1 cup approx.): Offers vibrant color and tangy sweetness that balances the spice.
Chili powder (1 ½ teaspoons): Adds a warm, smoky kick that defines the traditional Spanish flavor profile.
Cumin (1 teaspoon): Introduces earthiness and a touch of nutty warmth.

Garlic salt (½ teaspoon): Boosts the overall seasoning and enhances every bite.
Dried oregano (½ teaspoon): Lends an herbaceous note that brightens the dish.
Diced fresh tomatoes, seeded and drained (¼ cup, optional): Give a fresh, slightly juicy texture that complements the softness of the rice.

How to Make Spanish Rice (Easy, Delicious, The BEST!) Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Rice

Start by melting the extra-virgin olive oil and butter together in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, add the long grain white rice, stirring continuously so each grain is coated in that luscious fat. Keep stirring for about 2 to 3 minutes until the rice takes on a light golden color and releases a comforting toasted aroma. This step is essential as it brings out the nutty undertones that make this Spanish Rice (Easy, Delicious, The BEST!) Recipe truly shine.

Step 2: Add the Flavorful Liquids and Spices

Next, stir in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic salt, oregano, and the optional diced tomatoes if you’re using them. This glorious mixture will immediately start to steam and bubble with promise. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally to incorporate all the flavors evenly.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

As soon as it boils, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Let the rice simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or follow the cooking time on your rice packaging for best results. This slow simmering lets the rice absorb all that rich, tomato-infused broth and the aromatic spices, resulting in a tender yet fluffy texture that’s pure comfort in every spoonful. If after 20 minutes the rice isn’t quite tender or there’s still liquid remaining, simply cover it up again and cook for another 2 to 4 minutes—you want just the right softness without sogginess.

Step 4: Rest and Fluff

Once cooking is complete, remove the saucepan from the heat but keep it covered, allowing the rice to rest for a few minutes. This final pause helps distribute moisture evenly and lets flavors marry beautifully. Then, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains before serving your masterpiece of Spanish Rice (Easy, Delicious, The BEST!) Recipe. The result is a warm, fragrant dish that makes your kitchen smell like a vibrant fiesta.

How to Serve Spanish Rice (Easy, Delicious, The BEST!) Recipe

A shiny silver pot is filled with layers of ingredients, starting with a base of golden oil at the bottom, above which there is a thick, bright red tomato sauce layer covering part of the oil. Next to the sauce, there are small chunks of fresh, bright red tomatoes. On top of the oil near the edges, there are three groups of different spices: a light brown powder, a green leafy herb, and a yellowish-brown powder, each placed in separate small piles. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface, with two wooden spoons holding green dried herbs and a bowl full of white rice visible in the top left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your serving experience, consider garnishing your Spanish Rice with fresh cilantro leaves or a dollop of zesty salsa. These fresh, bright touches add color, texture, and a flavorful contrast to the warm, spiced rice, making each bite exciting and well-rounded.

Side Dishes

This Spanish Rice (Easy, Delicious, The BEST!) Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, or fish. It also complements Mexican favorites like tacos, enchiladas, or fajitas perfectly, acting as a vibrant, tasty sidekick that completes the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, use the rice as a base in a rice bowl, topped with avocado slices, black beans, and roasted veggies. Or mold the rice into little dome shapes on a plate for a visually pleasing presentation that will impress guests at any dinner party or family meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow your Spanish Rice to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored this way in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, keeping its delicious flavors for quick meals later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to stash away some for longer, Spanish Rice freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. It will maintain its quality for up to 2 months—perfect for those busy days when you need a fast, flavorful side.

Reheating

To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice to add moisture, cover it loosely, and microwave in short bursts, fluffing in between, or warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat. This will help revive its texture and keep it from drying out, ensuring your Spanish Rice (Easy, Delicious, The BEST!) Recipe tastes just as fantastic the second time around.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and omit the butter or use a vegan-friendly alternative to keep it plant-based and just as flavorful.

What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Long grain white rice is ideal because it toasts nicely and maintains a fluffy texture. However, you can experiment with brown rice—just be sure to adjust liquid amounts and cooking times accordingly.

Can I add vegetables to this Spanish rice?

Yes! Feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, corn, or peas along with the tomatoes for extra color, nutrition, and texture that complement the classic flavors perfectly.

Is this recipe spicy?

This Spanish Rice has a gentle warmth from the chili powder, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can control the heat by adjusting or omitting the chili powder and adding mild or hot diced chilies if you like some kick.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, canned diced tomatoes work great if fresh ones aren’t available—just drain any excess liquid to avoid making the rice too wet.

Final Thoughts

This Spanish Rice (Easy, Delicious, The BEST!) Recipe is a true kitchen gem—simple to make, vibrant in flavor, and utterly comforting each time you serve it. I’m confident once you try it, it will become a staple side in your home as it has in mine. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a warm, flavorful bowl of joy that feels like a delicious hug from the inside out!

Spanish Rice (Easy, Delicious, The BEST!) Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need