Skillet Chicken and Chorizo Paella

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This paella recipe with chicken and chorizo is a satisfying array of colors, textures, and flavors, making it a one-pan meal you're sure to return to again and again.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
  • 3 1/4 cups lower-sodium chicken broth, divided
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 6 ounces dry-cured spanish chorizo, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • 3/4 cup chopped yellow onion (from 1 small onion)
  • 1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 4 small garlic cloves, minced (1 tablespoon)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 1/2 cups uncooked short-grain white rice (such as spanish bomba or italian arborio)
  • 1 cup thawed frozen sweet peas
  • chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish
  • lemon wedges, for garnish

Directions

  1. Gather the ingredients.
  2. Stir together saffron and 1/4 cup of the broth in a small bowl. Let stand at room temperature at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour.
  3. Meanwhile, heat oil in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high. Add chorizo; cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer chorizo to a plate lined with paper towels; reserve drippings in skillet.
  4. Add chicken, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of the salt to skillet; cook over medium-high, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned but not fully cooked, about 7 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer chicken to plate with chorizo. Do not wipe skillet clean.
  5. Add onion and bell pepper to skillet; cook over medium-high, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes.
  6. Stir in garlic and smoked paprika; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes and rice; cook, stirring constantly, until liquid is almost fully absorbed, about 2 minutes.
  7. Carefully stir in saffron mixture and remaining 3 cups broth and 1/2 teaspoon salt; bring to a simmer over medium-high.
  8. Return chorizo and chicken to skillet, stirring lightly to partially cover with rice; sprinkle mixture with peas (do not stir peas in).
  9. Cook, uncovered and undisturbed, over medium-low, rotating skillet occasionally to evenly distribute heat, until chicken and rice are tender and liquid is almost fully absorbed, about 20 minutes.
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