Authentic Chicken Paella Recipe: A Flavorful One-Pan Spanish Dish

Chicken PaellaPhoto byFood Fusion Frenzy

Chicken Paella is a vibrant and flavorful Spanish dish that combines tender chicken, aromatic spices, and a variety of vegetables, all cooked together with rice in a single pan.

>>>Get the Recipe in Details: Chicken Paella Recipe

This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, offering a taste of Spain that is both authentic and accessible. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon saffron threads (optional)
• 1 ½ cups short-grain rice (such as Arborio or Bomba)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
2. • Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
   • Finely chop the onion and dice the bell peppers.
   • Mince the garlic.
3. Cook the Chicken:
4. • Heat the olive oil in a large paella pan or a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
5. Sauté the Vegetables:
6. • In the same pan, add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
7. Add the Spices and Rice:
8. • Stir in the smoked paprika, ground turmeric, ground cumin, and saffron threads (if using). Cook for about 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
   • Add the rice to the pan and stir to coat it with the spices and oil.
9. Combine Ingredients:
10. • Return the browned chicken to the pan.
    • Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir to combine.
    • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
11. Simmer:
12. • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
    • Cover and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
    • Add the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
13. Serve:
14. • Remove the pan from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
    • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Conclusion:

Chicken Paella is a delightful and hearty dish that brings the rich flavors of Spain to your table. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic spices, and colorful vegetables, all cooked together with rice, creates a meal that is both satisfying and visually appealing. This one-pan dish is perfect for any occasion, offering a taste of Spanish cuisine that is both authentic and easy to prepare.

Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or experimenting with different proteins like shrimp or chorizo. Enjoy your Chicken Paella with a side of fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Happy cooking! 🍲

Would you like to explore more Spanish recipes or perhaps something else?