Chicken And Seafood Rice(Paella A La Valenciana)
A vibrant Spanish seafood and chicken paella featuring saffron-infused rice, chorizo, shrimp, lobster, and a medley of fresh herbs, perfect for festive gatherings and seafood lovers.
Ingredients
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 small chickens ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1/4 pound Spanish chorizo sausage, sliced ⓘ
- 1 large pork chop, diced
- 1/4 pound cured ham, diced ⓘ
- 4 scallions, chopped ⓘ
- 4 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 red pimientos, diced ⓘ
- 1 pound small or medium shrimp, shelled ⓘ
- 4 lobster tails, split or 8 king crab claws
- 3 cups short grain rice ⓘ
- 5 tablespoons chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dry white wine ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 pound fresh or frozen peas ⓘ
- 18 clams ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat the broth with the saffron and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Cut the chicken into small serving pieces, with the whole breast in 4 parts, and sprinkle with salt.
- In a 15-inch paella pan, heat the olive oil over high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and fry until golden, then remove to a warm platter.
- Add the chorizo, pork, and ham to the pan and stir-fry for about 10 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion, scallions, garlic, and pimientos; sauté until the onion is wilted.
- Add the shrimp and lobster; sauté for about 3 minutes until they just turn pink.
- Remove the shrimp and lobster to the platter with the chicken.
- Add the rice to the pan and stir to coat with the oil.
- Sprinkle in the chopped parsley and add the bay leaf.
- Stir in the chicken broth, boiling the white wine, lemon juice, and peas.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the dish. You can substitute the seafood with other options, such as mussels or squid, if preferred. Ensure that the rice is short-grain for the best texture, as it absorbs the broth beautifully. If saffron is unavailable, a dash of turmeric can provide color but will change the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the paella directly from the pan for a rustic presentation, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for squeezing. A side of crusty bread complements the dish well. This flavorful meal pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of dry white wine, enhancing the overall dining experience. Consider serving a light salad, like Broccoli Noodle Salad, for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers should be cooled to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water in a skillet over medium heat, covering it to create steam, ensuring the rice doesn't dry out. Stir occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Seafood Rice(Paella A La Valenciana) contains roughly 2086 calories, with 62g protein, 351g carbohydrates, and 80g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (318% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (194% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1844mg per serving (80% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the paella up to the point of adding the broth. Store the cooked ingredients in the refrigerator and add the broth and rice just before serving to ensure optimal texture and flavor.
What type of rice is best for paella?
Short-grain rice, such as Bomba or Arborio, is ideal for paella as it absorbs liquid well while maintaining a slightly firm texture. Avoid long-grain rice, as it won't provide the same authentic results.
Can I use different proteins in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can customize the proteins according to your preferences. Options like diced fish, mussels, or even vegetarian alternatives like artichokes can be incorporated, though cooking times may vary slightly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).