Our Spanish-Style Chicken & Rice was a much-loved limited edition recipe on the Pots for Tots menu - a colourful, paella-inspired dish that’s packed with vegetables and mild, smoky spices. From our kitchen to yours, Lizzy, our amazing Head of Product, shares this toddler-friendly recipe so you can continue to enjoy this nutritious, fuss-free family meal at home.
This dairy free dinner is perfect for introducing little ones to new flavours and textures. Plus, it include six different types of vegetables (you know how much we love getting in variety!), plenty of protein, and gentle spices - it’s an ideal balanced meal for toddlers and grown-ups alike.
Ingredients you'll need to make this family-friendly rice dish...
(serves 2 adults and 2 children, plus seconds)
- Chicken thighs, skinless & boneless - 6
- Olive oil - 1 tbsp
- White onion - 1 large, peeled and diced into 1cm pieces
- Courgette - 1 small, diced into 1cm pieces
- Red pepper - 1 small, diced into 1cm pieces
- Yellow pepper - 1 small, diced into 1cm pieces
- Garlic - 2 cloves, peeled and finely chopped
- Paprika - 1 tsp
- Turmeric - ½ tsp
- Tomato purée - 2 tbsp
- Water or stock - 800ml
- Basmati rice - 400g
- Frozen peas - 200g
- Lemon juice - to taste
Here's how to make it (serves 2 adults and 2 children, plus seconds)
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C / 180°C fan.
2. In a large oven-proof pan or casserole dish, heat the oil. Add the chicken thighs and fry for a couple of minutes until golden on both sides, then remove to a plate and set aside. (They won’t be fully cooked yet!)
3. In the same pan, add the onion, courgette, red pepper and yellow pepper. Fry until soft and golden, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the garlic, paprika and turmeric, cooking for 1 minute while stirring. Then stir in the tomato purée and cook for another minute.
5. Bring the water or stock to the boil in a separate pan (or kettle).
6. Stir the rice into the pan with the vegetables, then pour in the boiling water or stock.
7. Return the chicken to the pan, then cover with a lid or tight-fitting foil and place in the oven for 30–40 minutes, until the liquid has been absorbed and the chicken is cooked through.
8. Remove the chicken from the rice and chop into 1cm pieces. Stir the chopped chicken, peas and lemon juice (to taste) through the rice. Return to the oven for a final 5 minutes to cook the peas.
To serve...
Serve this Spanish-Style Chicken & Rice on its own for a complete toddler-friendly meal, alongside toasted baguette for scooping and dipping, or top off this meal with a side of chopped or roasted vegetables for a dose of extra fibre and vitamin C!
Why we love this recipe...
Family-friendly and toddler-approved: Gentle smoky spices and soft vegetables make it perfect for little palates.
Packed with vegetables: Includes six different types, helping your tot work towards their 5-a-day.
Nutritionally balanced: One serving provides around ¼ of your toddler’s daily fibre and over 85% of their daily protein requirements.
Quick weeknight favourite: A fuss-free meal perfect for busy evenings when you don't have time to cook anything with too many steps!
Dairy-free and easy to adapt: Suitable for toddlers and families with dietary needs.
Tried this easy chicken, veggies and rice recipe? We’d love to see! Tag us on Instagram @pots_for_tots.
And if you're looking for more made without dairy meals, you can find our menu here - or order yourself a pre-made bundle with a mix of our made without dairy favourites!
