Chicken And Shrimp Paella
A vibrant and savory Spanish-inspired dish featuring tender chicken and succulent shrimp cooked with saffron rice, peas, and aromatic seasonings, perfect for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 to 1 1/2 lb. chicken pieces or 2 boneless breasts ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 small onion ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- dash of cayenne red pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 pkg. (6 oz.) saffron rice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 4 1/2 oz. medium shrimp ⓘ
- 1/2 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen peas ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat; brown the chicken pieces or breasts.
- Remove the chicken and set aside; drain excess fat from the Dutch oven.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Add chopped onion, stewed tomatoes, salt, paprika, pepper, and cayenne red pepper to the Dutch oven; cook and stir until the onion is tender, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in saffron rice and chicken broth; bring to a boil.
- Return the browned chicken to the Dutch oven.
- Cover the Dutch oven and bake for 35 minutes.
- Add medium shrimp and frozen peas to the dish.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the shrimp are cooked through.
- Garnish with pimento and chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken pieces in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for a few hours before cooking. You can substitute shrimp with other seafood like mussels or scallops if preferred. If saffron rice isn't available, any long-grain rice can work, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving brightens the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the paella garnished with pimento and chopped parsley for a vibrant presentation. Pair it with a fresh green salad or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices. A glass of white wine or a light sangria complements the dish beautifully. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside roasted vegetables for a balanced plate.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out. Cover and stir occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered dish for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Shrimp Paella contains roughly 456 calories, with 13g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (68% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2078mg per serving (90% 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 use brown rice instead of saffron rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for saffron rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook, so add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time and ensure you have enough liquid in the dish.
What can I use instead of medium shrimp?
If you don’t have medium shrimp, you can use smaller shrimp or even chopped chicken if you prefer a more chicken-centric dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so that all proteins are cooked through and safe to eat.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the paella ahead of time. Assemble the ingredients up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature, then follow the baking instructions. This can enhance the flavors as they meld together.
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).