Sunny Day Chicken Paella
Recipe Introduction: Sun's Out, Paella's Out!
Ever had those days where you just crave sunshine on a plate? That's exactly what this Delicious Chicken Paella Recipe is all about.
It's like a mini holiday to Spain, right in your kitchen. Honestly, who needs a plane ticket?
A Little Bit of Spain, A Lot of Yum
Paella's a classic Paella Rice Dish hailing from Valencia, Spain. It's traditionally cooked in a special pan over an open fire.
This version is a bit simpler, perfect for a weeknight. It's a medium difficulty recipe that takes around 1 hour 10 minutes from start to finish and feeds about 6-8 people.
Why This Easy Chicken Paella Recipe Rocks
This Simple Paella Recipe is packed with flavour, thanks to saffron and smoked paprika. It's also got a good dose of protein from the chicken and veggies, making it a relatively Healthy Paella Recipe .
It's the perfect dish for a sunny afternoon gathering or a cozy family dinner. What makes this One-pan chicken paella so special is the crispy bottom layer called socarrat.
Trust me, it's addictive!
Ready to get cooking? Let's gather our ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon saffron threads, lightly toasted
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 ½ cups Bomba rice
- 4 cups chicken broth, warmed
- ½ cup frozen peas
- ½ cup frozen green beans, cut into 1 inch pieces
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Ingredients & Equipment for Sunny Day Chicken Paella
Let's get real about what you need to make this Delicious Chicken Paella Recipe shine. No fancy chef skills required.
I've kept it straightforward. Honestly, the ingredients for this Simple Paella Recipe is not the hardest to find in your local store.
Main Ingredients
Alright, here's the lowdown on the key bits.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Don't skimp here. Good olive oil makes a difference.
- Onion: 1 large , finely chopped (about 1 cup, 150g ). Use yellow or white. The one you have at home!
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (approx. 1 teaspoon, 5g ). Fresh garlic is a must.
- Red Bell Pepper: 1 , seeded and chopped (approx. 1 cup, 150g ). Adds a little sweetness and a nice color.
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can, undrained (approx. 400g ). Adds a great flavor.
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . This is essential for that smoky Authentic chicken paella flavor!
- Saffron Threads: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) , lightly toasted. Saffron gives the Paella Rice Dish its color and distinct flavor. A pinch goes a long way. Make sure they smell amazing. It's what gives it that real deal Spanish vibe.
- Chicken Thighs: 2 pounds , boneless, skinless, cut into 1 inch pieces (approx. 900g ). I prefer thighs because they stay moist.
- Bomba Rice: 1 ½ cups (or other short grain rice, approx. 300g ). Bomba rice is the traditional choice.
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups , warmed (approx. 950ml ). Don't use cold broth! Warming it helps the Homemade paella recipe cook evenly.
- Frozen Peas: ½ cup (approx. 75g ). Adds a pop of color and sweetness.
- Frozen Green Beans: ½ cup , cut into 1 inch pieces (approx. 75g ). Veggie power!
Seasoning Notes
Get your spices in order, people. A good spice rack is key to any Healthy Paella Recipe , or frankly to any recipe!
- Essential combo: Smoked paprika + saffron = flavor bomb!
- Aromatics: Garlic and onion set the stage, baby!
- No smoked paprika? Regular paprika + a tiny, tiny splash of liquid smoke.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple. Easy chicken paella recipe does not need a whole lot of gear.
- Paella pan: 14-15 inch (or large, wide skillet). This is essential for even cooking.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Obvs.
- Chef's knife. For chopping.
- Cutting board. Keep it clean!
Honestly, you probably have most of this stuff already. So, let's get cooking!
Sunny Day Chicken Paella: A Taste of Spain at Home
Honestly, who doesn't love a good paella rice dish ? This Delicious Chicken Paella Recipe is my go-to when I want a bit of sunshine on my plate, even if it's raining cats and dogs outside.
I'm talking proper comfort food here, folks. This recipe captures the taste of Valencia. Chicken, saffron infused rice, and veggies. A show stopping one-pan chicken paella , great for family meals or impressing your mates.
Did you know that paella originated in Valencia, Spain, and was traditionally cooked over an open fire? This easy chicken paella recipe brings that rustic flavour right to your kitchen.
Get Your Prep On: Mise en Place Essentials
First things first, let's get organised. Chop 1 cup onion finely, mince 1 teaspoon garlic, and chop 1 cup red bell pepper.
Dice those 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs into 1 inch bits. Warm up 4 cups chicken broth in a pan or microwave, this helps the paella with chicken cook evenly.
Having everything ready saves time and makes cooking smoother. Remember to keep your cutting board steady and watch those fingers!
step-by-step: Paella Perfection
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in your paella pan (or a large, wide skillet) over medium heat. Sauté the onion until it softens, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and bell pepper; cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes more.
- Stir in 400g diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon toasted saffron, salt, and pepper. This is where the magic happens!
- Add the chicken and brown it on all sides. Don't worry about cooking it all the way through, just get some colour on it.
- Stir in 300g Bomba rice (or short grain rice) to coat with the tomato mixture. Now, pour in the warm chicken broth. Make sure the rice is evenly spread. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered, without stirring, for 20- 25 minutes , until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid. Listen for a slight crackling sound, it's the socarrat forming. Rotate the pan occasionally.
- Stir in 75g frozen peas and 75g green beans during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Remove from heat. Cover with foil. Let it rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley. Time to tuck in!
Pro Tips: Authentic Chicken Paella Secrets
Want to take your homemade paella recipe to the next level? Don't stir the rice! I know, it's tempting, but stirring releases starch and prevents that amazing crispy bottom.
Bomba rice is great because it absorbs liquid without getting mushy. If you can't find it, any short grain rice will do.
Also, low and slow is the way to go. Cooking it over low heat prevents scorching. Looking for a healthy paella recipe ? Load up on the vegetables!
This Spanish rice recipe chicken tastes amazing when it is fresh from the pan!
Recipe Notes for Your Delicious Chicken Paella Recipe
Hey, so you're about to make this amazing Delicious Chicken Paella Recipe , huh? Honestly, this simple paella recipe is one of my go-to crowd pleasers! Here are a few extra bits and bobs, based on things I’ve learned along the way.
It's almost a Spanish rice recipe chicken .
Presentation is Key: Serving Suggestions
Okay, first things first: presentation! For a Healthy Paella Recipe , I like to plate this up family style in the paella pan.
Garnish it generously with lemon wedges and fresh parsley. It looks so impressive! For sides, a simple green salad cuts through the richness perfectly.
Honestly, you can't go wrong with some crusty bread for soaking up all those yummy juices from this Paella With Chicken .
A chilled glass of Albariño is always a winner too or even a homemade sangria.
Keep It Fresh: Storage Tips
Right, let's talk storage. If you have leftovers of this Authentic Chicken Paella , cool it completely before popping it in an airtight container.
It'll keep in the fridge for up to three days. I don’t recommend freezing this Paella Rice Dish , as the rice can get a bit mushy.
Reheating is easy: just microwave it or gently warm it in a pan with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Make sure it is piping hot throughout!
Spice Things Up: Variations
Fancy a change? This easy chicken paella recipe is super versatile. For a lighter version, use brown rice instead of Bomba rice and load it up with extra veggies.
If you are vegetarian, you can make a chicken and vegetable paella , it will be amazing . To make this dish gluten-free, ensure all your ingredients, especially the broth, are gluten-free.
Boom! Sorted!
Getting Nerdy: Nutrition Basics
Okay, let's talk numbers. Each serving of this Homemade Paella Recipe clocks in around 450 calories. It’s packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the veggies.
Plus, saffron is a great source of antioxidants! Just remember, this is an estimate, and it depends on your exact ingredients and portion sizes.
This One-pan chicken paella is more than just a meal; it's an experience. It really gives you that sunny feeling! Now go forth, conquer that socarrat, and enjoy every single bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is paella, and is this Delicious Chicken Paella Recipe authentic?
Paella is a classic Spanish rice dish originating from Valencia. It's traditionally cooked in a wide, shallow pan (also called a paella pan) and features saffron infused rice, meat (often chicken or seafood), and vegetables.
While this Delicious Chicken Paella Recipe is inspired by traditional paella, it's simplified for home cooks, making it a tasty and accessible version of this iconic dish. Think of it as your "Great British Bake Off" version delicious, but maybe not quite Paul Hollywood's!
I don't have a paella pan! Can I still make this Delicious Chicken Paella Recipe?
Absolutely! While a paella pan is ideal for even cooking and developing the socarrat (the crispy bottom layer), a large, wide skillet (at least 12 inches) will work just fine. The key is to ensure the rice is spread in a thin, even layer.
If you're using a smaller pan, you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
How do I get that amazing socarrat (crispy rice bottom) that everyone raves about?
Ah, the socarrat the holy grail of paella! The secret is patience and low heat. Avoid stirring the paella after adding the broth. As the liquid absorbs, listen carefully for a slight crackling sound, which indicates the socarrat is forming. If the paella is cooking too quickly, reduce the heat even further.
Rotating the pan can also promote even browning.
Can I make paella ahead of time, or is it best served immediately?
Paella is best enjoyed fresh, right after it's rested. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to prevent the rice from drying out. A quick microwave is fine, or you can gently reheat it in a skillet over low heat.
I'm allergic to shellfish. Can I adapt the Delicious Chicken Paella Recipe?
Yes, absolutely! This Delicious Chicken Paella Recipe is already shellfish free, focusing on chicken. To ensure there's no cross contamination, double check all ingredients (especially chicken broth) to confirm they are shellfish free.
You can add more vegetables or other proteins, like chorizo, if desired, to enhance the flavor and texture.
Is paella healthy? What's the nutritional breakdown of this Delicious Chicken Paella Recipe?
Paella can be part of a balanced diet. It's a good source of protein from the chicken and carbohydrates from the rice, and it includes vegetables for vitamins and fiber. However, it's also relatively high in sodium.
Our estimated nutritional information per serving is about 450 calories, 35g protein, 20g fat, 30g carbohydrates, 3g fiber, and 600mg sodium. Remember that this is just an estimate and can vary.
Sunny Day Chicken Paella
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 3g |
