Chicken Paella

Chicken Paella is a flavorful and vibrant Spanish dish that brings together tender chicken, fragrant saffron rice, and a variety of vegetables, all simmered in a savory broth. Paella, a traditional Spanish dish originating from the region of Valencia, is known for its rich flavors and colorful presentation. While seafood paella is popular, chicken paella offers a delicious, hearty alternative that’s perfect for family meals or special occasions.

What makes chicken paella so appealing is the depth of flavor it achieves through the combination of ingredients. The chicken is browned to perfection, creating a golden, crispy exterior, while the rice absorbs all the aromatic flavors of saffron, garlic, onions, and bell peppers. Saffron, the star spice of paella, infuses the rice with its distinctive floral, earthy flavor and vibrant yellow color, giving the dish its signature look and taste.

The dish is traditionally cooked in a wide, shallow pan called a paellera, which allows the rice to cook evenly and develop a slight crispy crust on the bottom, known as “socarrat.” This golden, crispy layer adds a delightful texture contrast to the tender chicken and soft rice. While chicken is often the main protein in this version of paella, you can easily incorporate other proteins like chorizo, pork, or even vegetables for a vegetarian option.

Paella is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. The recipe allows for modifications based on your preferences or what you have on hand. You can add peas, tomatoes, artichokes, or even a few olives for extra flavor and color. The use of a rich broth, either chicken or vegetable, helps the rice absorb all the flavors, making each bite satisfying and full of depth.

This dish is perfect for sharing with family and friends. Paella is traditionally served straight from the pan, and the communal nature of the meal adds to the experience. Whether enjoyed at a festive gathering or a cozy dinner at home, Chicken Paella is a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that offers both warmth and sophistication in every bite.

Chicken Paella

3.59 from 58 votes

A delicious and hearty Spanish dish made with chicken, rice, and a variety of flavorful spices and vegetables.

Servings 4 people

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 minute min

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Ingredients

  

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• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound chicken thighs boneless, skinless
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 1 bell pepper red chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 cups short grain rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon saffron
• 1 cup frozen peas

Instructions

 

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper, then add to the skillet and brown on both sides. Remove from skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add chopped onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
• Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat the grains with the vegetable mixture.
• Pour in the chicken broth, smoked paprika, and saffron. Stir to combine.
• Nestle the chicken thighs into the rice mixture, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
• Add the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until heated through.
• Serve hot and enjoy your Chicken Paella.

Notes

Tips for the Best Chicken Paella

🔥 Brown the Chicken Well:
Start by browning the chicken pieces in the pan to develop rich, savory flavor. This adds depth to the dish and creates a nice texture for the chicken.

🔥 Use Homemade Chicken Stock:
If possible, use homemade chicken stock instead of water for more flavor. The stock will infuse the rice with a deeper, richer taste.

🔥 Add Saffron for Authentic Flavor:
Saffron is a must in traditional paella. Soak it in warm water before adding it to the pan to release its full flavor and vibrant color.

🔥 Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:
Use a wide, shallow pan to allow the rice to cook evenly and absorb all the flavors. Overcrowding the pan will lead to uneven cooking.

🔥 Let the Paella Rest:
Once the paella is done, let it rest for about 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the rice set and lets the flavors develop even more.

🔥 Ensure a Crispy Bottom Layer (Socarrat):
To get the signature crispy layer of rice (socarrat), cook the paella at the end on medium-high heat for a few minutes. Don’t stir the rice to allow it to form.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 22gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 320mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1800IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 3mg

Calories: 450kcal

Meal Type: Dinner

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keyword: Chicken Dish, comfort food, Spanish cuisine

Cooking Method: Baked

Time: 30-45 Min

Level: Easy

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