Sazon-Spiced Chicken & Rice
Craving Caribbean comfort? This Sazon-Spiced Chicken & Rice is a flavour explosion! One-pot easy and totally delicious. Get the recipe now!

Right then, let’s talk dinner, yeah? ever get that craving for something warm, comforting, and packed with flavour? well, let me introduce you to your new best mate: sazon-spiced chicken & rice .
It's simple, it's delicious, and honestly, it’s the kinda dish that just makes you feel good inside.
Recipe Introduction: Caribbean Flavors at Home
This isn’t just any old chicken and rice, love. this beauty's got a bit of a caribbean soul. it's inspired by traditional dishes, using the fantastic flavour of sazon seasoning .
Think sunshine, warmth, and a whole lotta flavour.
This sazon recipe is seriously easy peasy. we're talking under an hour from start to finish, and you only need one pot.
It makes about four servings, perfect for a family dinner or a couple of nights’ worth of leftovers. plus, it's a brilliant way to use up some leftover veggies you've got hanging about.
Sazon-Spiced Chicken & Rice Recipe Card

⚖️ Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces (450g)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped (approx. 1 cup)
- 1 packet sazon seasoning (with achiote) – (about 1.5 ounces, 42g)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 ½ cups long-grain rice (300g)
- 3 cups chicken broth (720 ml)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (410g)
- ½ cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
🥄 Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until browned on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in sazon seasoning, oregano, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add rice, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Bring to a boil.
- Return chicken to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until rice is cooked through and chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Stir in frozen peas and cook for 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Why You'll Absolutely Love This Chicken and Rice
Honestly, this recipe is a game-changer. the sazon seasoning is the star, giving the chicken a proper savoury, slightly salty, and utterly addictive taste.
This is great for a casual get-together with mates or a cosy night in. the warmth from the mexican spices blend is just so comforting.
It’s also pretty darn good for you. chicken is a great source of lean protein, and you’re getting a good dose of veggies.
We also have different versions, like sazon seasoning recipes chicken , or even sazon seasoning recipes , for any taste!.
And using homemade sazon seasoning , keeps the sodium content down. which, let's be honest, is always a bonus.
Ready to find out what you need? Let's dive into the ingredients. We're gonna whip up some magic.
Right, let's talk grub! we're diving into the heart of sazon-spiced chicken & rice , so knowing your ingredients and tools is key.
Honestly, having everything prepped before you even turn on the hob is half the battle. trust me, been there, done that, bought the "i forgot the garlic" t-shirt.
Ingredients & Equipment: The Essentials
First, let’s gather our bits and bobs. This recipe's all about flavour, and sazon seasoning is the star. We want chicken that pops, rice that tingles and spices that talk.
Main Ingredients: Flavour Town Express
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil. Any will do, innit?
- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, chopped. Chicken thighs? They stay juicy. Proper good choice.
- 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup). Go for a yellow one, they're sweeter.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced. I love a good hit of garlic. Don't be shy!
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped (around 1 cup). Adds a bit of colour, doesn't it?
- 1 packet sazon seasoning (with achiote) – about 1.5 ounces (42g) . Key player, this one. Sazon seasoning recipes chicken all need a good base!
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Gives it that lovely herby background.
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin. Bit of warmth. We like that.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional). For a kick. Or leave it if you're a bit of a wimp.
- 1 ½ cups (300g) long-grain rice. Basmati's posh, but any long-grain rice works.
- 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth. Stock cubes work wonders, you know.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) (410g) can diced tomatoes, undrained. Don't drain 'em! Flavour's in the juice.
- ½ cup frozen peas. Chuck 'em in at the end.
- Salt and pepper. To taste, obviously.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped. For garnish. Makes it look all fancy, doesn't it?
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life
Right, sazon seasoning . it's not just one spice. it's a proper blend. a mix of things like cumin, coriander, annatto – that gives it that fab red colour.
You can even make your own homemade sazon seasoning . mexican spices blend can be used if you like that sort of heat.
Honestly, though, just grabbing a packet of sazon goya ? easiest thing ever. if you are the diy sazon goya type, then go on google there are some wicked sazon recipe variations out there.
Homemade dry mixes really are the best for that fresh flavour, you know?
- Essential spice combos: sazon seasoning , oregano, cumin. Boom.
- Flavour enhancers: Garlic, onions. Obvious really.
- Quick subs: If you ain't got sazon? A mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a tiny pinch of turmeric might do the trick. But Sazon Seasoning Recipes are really on another level when using the Sazon Seasoning !
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- Large skillet or Dutch oven with a lid. Big enough for all the ingredients, yeah?
- Alternatives? A deep frying pan will work. Or even a big pot. Whatever you've got really.
And that’s it! With these bits and bobs, you’re all set to crack on with the chicken and rice. Easy peasy! Now you are ready to make your own spice blends recipes
Cooking Method: Sazon-Spiced Chicken & Rice
Oh my gosh, let's talk Sazon Seasoning Recipes Chicken ! This Sazon-Spiced Chicken & Rice recipe is proper banging. It’s like a mini-holiday on a plate, honestly.
Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place
First things first: get organised! chop your onion and green pepper. mince the garlic. measure out your sazon seasoning , rice, and broth.
Honestly, doing this saves so much time later. it's all about that essential mise en place, innit? a stitch in time saves nine, as they say!
Step-by-Step to Sazon-tastic Chicken
Right then, follow these steps, and you'll be golden.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown 1 pound of chicken thighs until golden. Set aside; don't cook through yet!
- Sauté 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 chopped green bell pepper for 5 mins.
- Stir in 1 packet of sazon seasoning , 1 teaspoon of oregano , ½ teaspoon of cumin , and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne (if you fancy some heat).
- Add 1 ½ cups of rice , 3 cups of chicken broth , and 1 can of diced tomatoes . Bring to a boil.
- Return the chicken to the pot. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes , or until the rice is cooked and the chicken reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Stir in ½ cup of frozen peas until heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with cilantro.
Pro Tips for Sazon Chicken Perfection
- Don't skimp on the searing! This adds loads of flavour.
- Watch out for salt! Sazon Seasoning can be quite salty. Add more cautiously.
- Want a shortcut? Use pre-chopped veg for even faster prep. Easy peasy!
Make It Your Own Sazon Seasoning Recipes
Want to mix things up? sub the chicken for shrimp, or add more veggies for a vegetarian version. experiment with different mexican spices blend to truly make the recipe your own.
Honestly, the possibilities are endless! you could even try and diy a homemade sazon seasoning . i’ve heard some of the homemade dry mixes are absolutely phenomenal.
This dish is an absolute winner. it's all about that caribbean flavour, thanks to the amazing sazon seasoning . give it a whirl; you won’t regret it! fancy trying out some other spice blends recipes ? let me know what you reckon in the comments.
Cheers!

Right, let's get this show on the road and talk about all those little nuggets of gold – the recipe notes! these are bits that can seriously elevate your sazon seasoning recipes chicken .
Trust me, they can make all the difference.
Recipe Notes: Ace that Sazon-Spiced Chicken & Rice!
Serving Up a Treat
Listen up! presentation matters. we're not just throwing food on a plate, are we? think vibrant. think caribbean sunshine! for the sazon chicken , a sprinkle of fresh cilantro is a must.
A lime wedge adds zing.
Maybe some crispy fried plantains on the side? oh my gosh, that's a winner. for drinks, a classic like ginger beer cuts through the richness nicely.
You know? a cold beer works too!
Storing Your Masterpiece
So, you've made a huge batch? no worries! leftovers are your friend. pop the sazon recipe into an airtight container.
Into the fridge it goes! it'll keep happily for up to 3 days. honestly, that's about it.
Freezing? yeah, you can . but the rice might get a bit mushy. still edible, just not as pretty. to reheat, microwave it.
Add a splash of water to keep it moist. important note: ensure it's piping hot all the way through!
Twist it Up – Variations on the Theme
Fancy a change? Course you do! For a lighter version, ditch the rice. Serve the Sazon Seasoning Recipes chicken with a big green salad. Easy peasy.
Or what about a veggie fiesta? swap the chicken for some black beans and sweetcorn. boom! a totally delish vegetarian dish.
A little pinch of extra mexican spices blend goes a long way. seasonal swaps? butternut squash in the autumn is lush!
Nutrition Lowdown
Okay, let's keep it real. this dish is tasty, but keep an eye on those calories and sodium. especially if you're using store-bought sazon seasoning - some brands can be sneaky salty devils.
It's packed with protein and has some good carbs too. This is great for energy but portion control is key. Remember, balance is everything!
So there you have it. a few extra tips to take your homemade sazon seasoning spiced chicken and rice to the next level.
Don't be scared to experiment and make it your own! and remember, homemade dry mixes , especially spice blends recipes , can be so much healthier than shop-bought.
Honestly, give it a go! you got this! creating a diy sazon goya will allow you to have more control.
Now, off you pop and get cooking with sazon seasoning !

Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is sazon seasoning and what does it taste like?
Sazon seasoning is a blend of spices, often including annatto (achiote), cumin, coriander, garlic, and salt. The taste is savoury and earthy, with a hint of sweetness and a vibrant colour thanks to the annatto. Using sazon seasoning in this Chicken & Rice dish gives it that signature Caribbean flavour - a right treat for the taste buds!
My Sazon-Spiced Chicken & Rice is a bit bland. What can I do?
First, make sure you used a proper amount of sazon seasoning! Different brands can vary in strength, so you might need to add a touch more. A squeeze of lime juice at the end can also brighten the flavours up. For a bit of extra "oomph," a tiny pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce will do the trick - but go easy, mind!
Can I make this Sazon-Spiced Chicken & Rice ahead of time? What's the best way to store leftovers?
Absolutely! This dish is actually often even better the next day, as the flavours have time to meld. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave it or warm it up in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Proper tasty!
I'm watching my sodium intake. How can I reduce the salt in this Sazon-Spiced Chicken & Rice recipe, since sazon seasoning is often salty?
Good on you for being mindful of the salt! The sodium content can be tricky with pre-made sazon seasoning. Look for low-sodium chicken broth, and only add salt after you've tasted the finished dish. You can also make your own sazon seasoning blend (there are loads of recipes online!) so you can control the amount of salt added.
Can I use different cuts of chicken, or even other meats, with the sazon seasoning in this recipe?
Of course! While the recipe calls for chicken thighs, you can easily use chicken breasts (just be careful not to overcook them, or they'll get dry). You could also try using pork shoulder, cut into chunks, or even large prawns (add them in the last 5-7 minutes of cooking). As long as you're using the sazon seasoning, you're halfway to flavour town!
Is it possible to make a vegetarian version of this dish using sazon seasoning?
Definitely! Just skip the chicken and bulk up the veggies. Sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, and zucchini all work brilliantly. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and maybe add a tin of chickpeas for extra protein. You'll still get that wonderful sazon flavour, but in a completely veggie-friendly way. Bob's your uncle!
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