Born in Barcelona, Catalonia, Chica was a product of RCD Espanyol's youth system. He made his first-team debut on 15 October 2006 in a 0–0 away draw against Villarreal CF, and played 27 La Liga games in his first year, adding ten appearances as the team went all the way to the UEFA Cup final, losing it to fellow league side Sevilla FC (he did not play in the decisive match itself).