Paella is a classic Spanish dish combining fragrant saffron rice with chicken, chorizo, and seafood. This easy paella recipe features marinated chicken for enhanced flavor and perfectly cooked shrimp added at the last minute for that signature juicy bite. It’s perfect for family gatherings or a festive dinner party—place it in the center of the table and let everyone dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Paella Recipe
- Packed with Flavor: Saffron, paprika, and chorizo give it bold, authentic taste.
- Easy to Prepare: Minimal hands-on cooking with one pan for the rice and another for the meats.
- A Showstopper Dish: Perfect for holidays or celebrations, bringing everyone together at the table.
Ingredients for Easy Paella
Marinade:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp ground paprika
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Paella:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 4 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups short-grain white rice
- 1 pinch saffron threads
- 1 large bay leaf
- ½ bunch flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- 1 quart chicken stock
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 medium Spanish onion, chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper, coarsely chopped
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb chorizo sausage, casings removed and crumbled
How to Make Easy Paella
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces, stir to coat, and cover. Refrigerate while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Start the Rice
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet or paella pan over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant. Stir in the rice and cook for 3 minutes, ensuring every grain is coated with oil.
Add the saffron threads, bay leaf, parsley, chicken stock, and lemon zest. Stir well, bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
3. Cook the Meat and Vegetables
While the rice is cooking, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in the onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Next, add the red bell pepper and chorizo. Break the sausage apart with a spatula as it cooks, about 5 minutes. Finally, add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, around 2 minutes.
4. Assemble and Serve
Spread the cooked rice mixture onto a serving tray. Spoon the meat, vegetables, and shrimp over the top. Serve hot and enjoy this flavorful, crowd-pleasing paella.
What to Serve with Paella
- Garlic Aioli for dipping (See Recipe)
- Spanish Tapas Platter with olives, Manchego cheese, and marinated vegetables
- Fresh Garden Salad with lemon vinaigrette
Tips for the Best Paella
- Use Short-Grain Rice: Short-grain rice, such as bomba or Arborio, absorbs flavors better than long-grain varieties.
- Don’t Stir the Rice: Allowing the rice to sit undisturbed during cooking helps develop the signature crispy bottom, known as the socarrat.
- Adjust for Spice: If you prefer less heat, reduce the red pepper flakes and omit the cayenne.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 736
- Total Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Protein: 56g
- Sodium: 1204mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Vitamin C: 31mg
- Iron: 6mg
Final Thoughts
This Easy Paella brings the rich flavors of Spain to your kitchen with minimal effort. It’s the perfect dish for entertaining, and the combination of rice, chicken, chorizo, and shrimp makes it a well-balanced, satisfying meal. Try this recipe and enjoy the vibrant taste of paella with your friends and family!
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