Chicken Paella
A flavorful Spanish-inspired rice dish with tender chicken, saffron, vegetables, and aromatic spices, perfect for gatherings or family dinners craving bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 1/4 c. chicken broth
- 1 c. uncooked rice ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 3/4 c. frozen peas ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. saffron and/or turmeric ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 medium red sweet pepper, cut into strips ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook chicken strips until no longer pink. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Add onion and garlic to the pan and cook until tender.
- Add broth, uncooked rice, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and saffron to the pan. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add undrained stewed tomatoes, red pepper strips, and frozen peas to the skillet.
- Cover and simmer for about 5 minutes more until rice is tender.
- Stir in cooked chicken and cook and stir for 1 minute or more until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a Sesame-Lime Marinade before cooking. If you don't have saffron, turmeric can be a good substitute for color, though the flavor will differ slightly. Feel free to add other vegetables like green beans or artichokes for more variety. Make sure to use a wide, shallow pan to promote even cooking of the rice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Paella garnished with fresh parsley or lemon wedges for added brightness. It pairs beautifully with a light salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Cold Dutch Indonesian Chicken Appetizers as a delightful starter.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out and microwave until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Paella contains roughly 913 calories, with 23g protein, 146g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (281% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2045mg per serving (89% 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 white rice for this recipe?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Typically, brown rice takes about 40-45 minutes to cook, so adjust the chicken broth accordingly and ensure the rice is tender before adding the chicken back in.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For protein, consider adding chickpeas or tofu for a hearty vegetarian paella.
What can I serve with Chicken Paella?
Chicken Paella is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance your dining experience with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. A light, crisp white wine also pairs wonderfully with this dish, balancing the savory flavors beautifully.
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).