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