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
- Gather the ingredients.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add onion and bell pepper to skillet; cook over medium-high, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes.
- 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.
- Carefully stir in saffron mixture and remaining 3 cups broth and 1/2 teaspoon salt; bring to a simmer over medium-high.
- Return chorizo and chicken to skillet, stirring lightly to partially cover with rice; sprinkle mixture with peas (do not stir peas in).
- 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.