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30-Minute Chicken and Chorizo Paella

By Lauren Keating On 12/05 9 Comments

This healthy paella recipe is ready in just 30 minutes! Chorizo and fire roasted tomatoes give it tons of flavor, and everything cooks together in one pan for easy cleanup. healthy paella with chicken and chorizo

I always thought that I didn’t like paella, but that was only because I never had a good one. The versions I’d tasted were always dried out and flavorless. Then, a few years ago, I attended an event called the Big Summer Potluck where Pam from Three Many Cooks made the most delicious paella I’ve ever tasted. And I fell in love.

Despite being simpler than most paellas (no seafood!) it was full of flavor. The bottom layer of rice was crisp, but it wasn’t dried out at all. Weeks later, I found myself craving it and I knew that I would have to learn to make it in my own kitchen.

Since I loved Pam’s version so much, I used the recipe from her book Perfect One Dish Dinners as a starting off point for my own healthy paella recipe. The result was exactly what I was looking for, and it couldn’t have been easier to make. Since this summer, paella has become a weeknight staple in my house and, for once, we’re both happy with it.

How to make healthy paella

Traditionally, paella is made with calasparra or bomba rice because of their ability to absorb lots of liquid but arborio rice, which is easier to find, does the job just as well. Short grain brown rice can also be used to add more fiber and a nuttier flavor, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time.

I add chorizo to the pot while the rice cooks to infuse tons of flavor into every last bite. Chorizo is full of flavor, so a little bit goes a long way! A pinch of smoked paprika and some saffron round out the traditional flavor profile. Saffron can be pricey, so I seek out at Trader Joe’s. Badia also sells a more affordable version that can be found in more traditional grocery stores.

I used fire roasted tomatoes to add another dimension of smokey flavor to this healthy paella recipe. Finishing it off with lemon juice brightens the dish up and prevents the flavors from feeling heavy or muddy.

I kept this paella recipe simple with red bell peppers and peas, but you can bulk it up with all sorts of vegetables. I love adding a can of quartered artichoke hearts and chopped fresh green beans, but you can use whatever vegetables you have on hand. This is a great recipe to help clean out the fridge!

If you love paella, you should also try this Catalan rice with cuttlefish, mushrooms, and artichokes or this saffron risotto with roast salmon.

30 minute chicken and chorizo paella

30 Minute Chicken and Chorizo Paella

30 Minute Chicken and Chorizo Paella

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 4 ounces dried chorizo, cut into 1/4-inch slices
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1-1/2 cups arborio rice, or other short grain rice
  • 3 cups chicken stock or seafood stock
  • 1 can (15.5 ounces) fire roasted tomatoes, drained
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 generous pinch saffron
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Set a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken with the olive oil, paprika, and oregano. When the pan is hot, add the chicken. Cook, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through - about 5 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
  2. Add the sausage, onion, pepper, and garlic to the pan. Cook until sausage has browned and vegetables have softened - about 5 minutes. Add the rice, stock, tomatoes, crushed red pepper and saffron.
  3. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until most of the liquid has absorbed and the rice is soft. Stir in the cooked chicken and peas. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, to bring to warm the peas. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Let stand for another minute or two before serving.
Nutrition Information

Amount Per Serving Calories 630 Total Fat 19g Saturated Fat 6g Cholesterol 72mg Sodium 1310mg Fiber 6g Sugar 10g Protein 33g
© Lauren Keating
30-Minute Chicken and Chorizo Paella 1

 

Tagged with: Chicken and Poultry// chorizo// rice// spanish9 Comments

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Comments

  1. Kim says

    11/25 at 2:37 pm

    Any suggestions for a saffron substitute? This is the only recipe I’ve seen that calls for it (that my family would eat!) and I don’t want to invest in it.

    Reply
    • Meera says

      11/13 at 8:46 am

      Tumeric is the most recommended substitute for saffron.

      Reply
      • Lauren Keating says

        11/15 at 7:37 pm

        yes, turmeric could work here. It has a slightly different flavor, but would still go well.

        Reply
  2. Colleen says

    03/30 at 3:15 am

    LOVE paella! Lived in Mallorca, Spain for many years… and every “mama”, hunter or villager as a different version! ALL DELICIOUS!!!! Cubed belly pork or leftovers, chicken, rabbit, seafood, OR even VEGETARIAN!!!! It’s and excellent, tasty and nourishing cheap dish!!!!! Oh, I like green beans as well as peas.

    Reply
  3. Emily says

    12/11 at 7:54 pm

    I just made this tonight for dinner and it was delicious – thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
  4. Simply Tia says

    12/07 at 5:41 am

    I am definitely bookmarking this. I have been looking for an awesome paella recipe and yours look wonderful!

    Reply
  5. Jesica @ Pencil Kitchen says

    12/06 at 8:46 pm

    I always love paellas… It’s just something about it that tells me it would be good anytime any season of the year!

    Reply
  6. Emily @ Relishments says

    12/06 at 5:33 am

    This looks delicious! I’m not sure I’ve ever had paella and whenever I think about making it I don’t want to put in all the effort it seems to require. This recipe looks totally do-able though. Thanks!

    Reply
  7. joanne says

    12/05 at 9:34 pm

    Isn’t compromise excellent? Especially when it doesn’t taste like compromise. This looks so warm and inviting!

    Reply

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Lauren Keating is a recipe developer and food photographer who shares easy weeknight recipes and fun weekend projects featuring fresh ingredients.

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