Easy Chicken and Chorizo Paella

Easy Chicken and Chorizo Paella

Imagine sitting down to a vibrant plate of Chicken and Chorizo Paella, filled with tantalizing flavors, hearty chicken, and the irresistible taste of chorizo that dances on your palate. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of Spanish cuisine, bursting with warmth and richness. Paella evokes thoughts of sunny afternoons in Spain, where families gather around a large pan, laughing and sharing stories over this delicious feast. Did you know that paella originated in Valencia? It’s believed to have been a farmer’s dish, making it wonderfully simple yet incredibly satisfying.

The beauty of this Chicken and Chorizo Paella is its quick preparation time, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings with friends. With just a few ingredients, you can create a vibrant dish that brings everyone to the table, much like its cousin, the classic Risotto, but with a unique twist that sets it apart. So gather around, and let this recipe be the centerpiece of your next family meal—your loved ones are sure to thank you!

What is Easy Chicken and Chorizo Paella?
Okay, let’s talk about the name! “Paella” translates to “frying pan” in Old French, but saying it’s just a simple frying pan dish would be an understatement. Have you ever eaten something so good that it made you forget your name? Well, that’s paella for you! With juicy pieces of chicken and the distinctive taste of chorizo, it’s as savory as it sounds. Legend has it that paella was once a humble meal made by farmers with whatever they had on hand. So, why not whip up a batch and experience this culinary delight? After all, "the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach," right? We dare you to try this recipe and spread the joy!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken and Chorizo Paella
You’ll love making Chicken and Chorizo Paella because it’s an all-in-one dish that’s bursting with flavors. First, the irresistible combination of tender chicken pieces and spicy chorizo creates a symphony of tastes, making every bite an adventure. Second, making this dish at home is super cost-effective; you can serve a crowd without breaking the bank! Third, it’s topped with fresh herbs and optionally, some peas, which add that extra splash of color and freshness to the dish. Plus, for those who enjoy experimenting, you can easily adapt it to fit your tastes—much like a comforting casserole but with a Spanish flair. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into this culinary delight and impress your family and friends!

How to Make Easy Chicken and Chorizo Paella

Quick Overview

This Chicken and Chorizo Paella is not only a feast for the eyes, but it is also incredibly easy to make and satisfyingly delicious. From start to finish, it takes just about 45 minutes to prepare, making it a perfect option for a weeknight dinner. With its colorful ingredients and mouthwatering aroma, this dish will be begging to be served at your kitchen table.

Key Ingredients for Easy Chicken and Chorizo Paella

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup chorizo, sliced
• 2 cups boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon saffron threads (optional)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice (or any short-grain rice)
• 1 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or paella pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
3. Cook the Chorizo and Chicken: Stir in the sliced chorizo and chicken pieces. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
4. Add Seasoning: Sprinkle paprika, saffron (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.
5. Stir in the Rice: Add the Arborio rice to the pan, spreading it evenly throughout the mixture.
6. Pour the Broth: Carefully pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
7. Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
8. Add Peas: In the last five minutes, add the peas, stirring them into the dish.
9. Serve: Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

What to Serve Easy Chicken and Chorizo Paella With
To elevate this delightful Chicken and Chorizo Paella, consider pairing it with some light side dishes or drinks. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the paella perfectly. For a refreshing addition, serve it with a citrusy sangria or a glass of chilled white wine. Don’t forget some warm crusty bread on the side—it’s perfect for soaking up the delicious juices.

Top Tips for Perfecting Easy Chicken and Chorizo Paella

• Ingredient Substitutions: Don’t have Arborio rice? Use jasmine or basmati rice instead. Feel free to swap chicken with shrimp or even add a handful of mussels for a seafood twist.
• Cook with Precision: Avoid lifting the lid while the paella simmers; the steam is crucial for cooking the rice perfectly.
• Flavor Boosting: Consider toasting the rice in the oil for a minute before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor.

Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (though we doubt it!), proper storage is key. Allow the paella to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir occasionally until heated through, and enjoy your delectable dish again! For longer storage, consider freezing it, where it can last up to 3 months.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and whip up this Easy Chicken and Chorizo Paella for a meal that’s sure to impress everyone at your dinner table!

Easy Chicken and Chorizo Paella

A vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken and spicy chorizo, perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Spanish

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking
• 1 cup chorizo, sliced
• 2 cups boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon saffron threads (optional)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1.5 cups Arborio rice (or any short-grain rice)
• 1 cup peas (frozen or fresh) Optional
• to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning
• for garnish Fresh parsley

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large skillet or paella pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
3. Stir in the sliced chorizo and chicken pieces. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
4. Sprinkle paprika, saffron (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.
5. Add the Arborio rice to the pan, spreading it evenly throughout the mixture.
6. Carefully pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
7. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
8. In the last five minutes, add the peas, stirring them into the dish.
9. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For ingredient substitutions, consider using jasmine or basmati rice instead of Arborio rice. You can also replace chicken with shrimp or add a handful of mussels for a seafood twist. Avoid lifting the lid while the paella simmers; the steam is crucial for cooking the rice perfectly.