Authentic Spanish Chicken Paella Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
  • Salt and pepper for seasoning
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cups paella rice or short grain rice
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges, for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pan or paella pan over medium heat.
  3. Add the chicken thighs to the pan, skin side down, and cook until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side until browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  4. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the same pan and sauté until the onion is translucent.
  5. Stir in the rice and cook for about 2 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.
  6. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, paprika, and saffron threads. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
  7. Return the chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the rice is almost cooked through.
  8. Stir in the frozen peas and cooked shrimp. Cover the pan again and cook for another 5-10 minutes until the peas are heated through and the shrimp is fully cooked.
  9. Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  10. Just before serving, sprinkle the paella with the chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Tools for making

  • Large pan or paella pan - A large pan with a wide surface area, ideally designed specifically for making paella.
  • Cutting board - Used for chopping vegetables and other ingredients.
  • Chef's knife - A sharp knife for cutting and slicing ingredients.
  • Spatula - Used for stirring and flipping ingredients in the pan.
  • Measuring cups - Needed to accurately measure the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and other liquids.
  • Measuring spoons - Used to measure and add the right amount of spices, such as paprika and saffron threads.
  • Wooden spoon - Used for stirring the rice and other ingredients in the pan.
  • Paella paddle - A specialized utensil with a long handle and a wide, flat edge, used for spreading and leveling the rice in the pan.
  • Lemon squeezer - Optional, but helpful for squeezing lemon juice over the finished paella.
  • Paella cover or aluminum foil - Used to cover the pan while the paella simmers and cooks.

Recipe variations

  • Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs.
  • Add chorizo or other types of sausage for added flavor.
  • Replace the chicken with seafood such as mussels, clams, or squid.
  • Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding more vegetables like artichokes, asparagus, or mushrooms.
  • Experiment with different seasonings such as smoked paprika, cumin, or turmeric.
  • Add a splash of white wine or sherry for extra depth of flavor.
  • Try using different types of rice like arborio, jasmine, or basmati for a unique twist.
  • Incorporate different herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary to enhance the aroma.
  • Add a touch of heat by including sliced jalapenos or crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Create a vegan version by substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth and omitting any animal products.

Recipe overview

Embark on a culinary journey to Spain with this classic Chicken Paella recipe right in the comfort of your own kitchen. This one-pan wonder is a hearty, comforting dish brimming with Spanish flavors. It's a symphony of saffron-infused rice, juicy chicken thighs, vibrant bell peppers, sweet peas, and tender shrimp, all cooked together to create a meal that's not just incredibly tasty, but also a feast for the eyes. Creating this dish is a labor of love, but don't be daunted. With careful preparation and attention to detail, you'll be able to create a beautiful, authentic dish that's sure to impress. Expect to spend some time at the stove, as you'll be building layers of flavor by cooking each ingredient in stages, ultimately combining them all for the final, glorious result. Each mouthful promises a delightful blend of textures and flavors that echo the heart and soul of Spanish cuisine. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to cook up an exciting, delicious adventure. This Chicken Paella recipe will make your dinner feel like a festive occasion. Enjoy the process, the enticing aromas, and of course, the end result – a mouth-watering, satisfying meal.

Common questions

  1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead? Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer. However, keep in mind that the skin adds extra flavor and texture to the dish.
  2. Can I substitute the paella rice with another type of rice? Yes, you can use short grain rice as a substitute for paella rice. The texture and cooking time may vary slightly, but it will still work well in the recipe.
  3. What can I use instead of saffron threads? If you don't have saffron threads, you can use turmeric as a substitute. However, keep in mind that the flavor and color will be slightly different.
  4. Can I add other vegetables to the paella? Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as diced carrots, green beans, or artichoke hearts to customize the recipe to your liking.
  5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While paella is best served fresh, you can prepare the dish in advance and reheat it when needed. Keep in mind that the texture of the rice may change slightly upon reheating.
  6. Is it possible to make a vegetarian version of this recipe? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and shrimp. Instead, you can add more vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or asparagus.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pan or paella pan - A large, wide pan or specifically designed paella pan is ideal for cooking and serving the chicken paella.
  • Spatula - A spatula can be used to flip the chicken thighs and stir the rice and other ingredients in the pan.
  • Chef's knife - A sharp chef's knife is essential for chopping the onion, garlic, and bell pepper.
  • Cutting board - A sturdy cutting board provides a surface for chopping vegetables and other ingredients.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - Measuring cups and spoons are helpful for accurately measuring the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and other ingredients.
  • Lemon squeezer - A lemon squeezer can be used to extract the juice from the lemon wedges for serving.
  • Serve ware - Plates or bowls for serving the chicken paella.
  • Garnish dish for parsley - A small dish or plate to hold the chopped parsley for garnishing the paella.
  • Tongs - Tongs can be used to handle the chicken thighs and shrimp while cooking and serving the paella.

Origin stories

Originating from the Eastern coast of Spain, specifically, the region of Valencia, paella has come to represent not just a dish but a symbol of Spanish culture and culinary prowess. The name "paella" comes from the Old French word "paelle" for pan, which is a derivative of the Latin word "patella". This is not a random choice of name, as an essential aspect of the dish is the pan in which it is cooked. Paella pans are wide, shallow, and typically made of polished steel with two handles. Traditionally, paella was a communal dish, cooked over an open fire in the fields and eaten directly from the pan, with each person using their own wooden spoon. The ingredients that went into the paella were what was available locally and seasonally, which is why there are so many variations of the dish today. However, the true Valencian paella consists of white rice, green vegetables, meat (rabbit, chicken, duck), land snails, beans, and seasoning such as saffron and rosemary. Other paella variations include seafood paella and mixed paella (a combination of meat and seafood).

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.