Low-Fat Paella
A flavorful, low-fat paella featuring tender chicken, fragrant spices, and vegetables, perfect for a healthy, comforting meal that suits family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 whole boneless chicken breast, cut in strips ⓘ
- 1 onion, sliced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. crushed garlic ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. safflower oil ⓘ
- 2 c. water ⓘ
- 2 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 c. uncooked brown rice
- 1 Tbsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt-free herb seasoning ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dried parsley ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz.) can chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen peas ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped pimientos ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large pot, sauté chicken, onion, and garlic until chicken is slightly brown.
- Add water, rice, broth, seasonings, and tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Stir in peas and pimientos.
- Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider using skinless chicken thighs instead of breast. You can also substitute quinoa for brown rice for a gluten-free option. If you prefer a seafood variation, feel free to add shrimp or mussels, similar to Mediterranean recipes. Adjust the spices to your taste; adding more cayenne will increase the heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this low-fat paella with a fresh green salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious flavors. A side of roasted vegetables complements the dish well. For a unique twist, pair it with a glass of chilled white wine, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover to retain moisture, heating in short intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Low-Fat Paella contains roughly 1002 calories, with 22g protein, 155g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and protein (44% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2656mg per serving (115% 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 different types of rice for this recipe?
While brown rice is recommended for its health benefits, you can use white rice or even a mix of both. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as white rice usually cooks faster, around 20-25 minutes.
Is it possible to make this paella vegetarian?
Absolutely! To create a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with an assortment of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for added flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you're looking for extra heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add sliced jalapeños during cooking. Additionally, serving the paella with a side of hot sauce can let everyone adjust the spice level to their preference.
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).