Paella(Low-Fat)
This flavorful low-fat paella combines tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and vibrant peppers with aromatic saffron and spices. Perfect for a balanced, satisfying meal, it showcases the classic Spanish rice dish with a light twist, suitable for family dinners or entertaining guests seeking a healthier option.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. chicken breast cubes ⓘ
- 1 c. uncooked long-grain white rice ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can stewed tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- reserve liquid from tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- 1/8 to 1/4 tsp. ground red pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground saffron ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. medium shrimp, peeled and deveined ⓘ
- 1 small red pepper, cut into strips ⓘ
- 1 small green pepper, cut into strips ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add chicken breast cubes and cook until browned.
- Add rice, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring, until onion is tender and rice is lightly browned.
- Add chicken broth, chopped stewed tomatoes, tomato liquid, paprika, ground red pepper, and saffron.
- Bring to a boil over high heat; stir to combine.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add shrimp, red pepper strips, green pepper strips, and green peas.
- Cover and simmer for another 10 minutes or until rice is tender, liquid is absorbed, and shrimp are opaque.
Tips & Substitutions
To keep the paella low-fat, use skinless chicken breast and choose fresh shrimp instead of frozen. You can substitute brown rice for a nuttier flavor but adjust the cooking time. If you’re looking for extra vegetables, consider adding peas or green beans. For a boost of flavor, try incorporating spices like turmeric or cumin, which can enhance the dish without adding fat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the paella with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness and a side salad for freshness. A crisp green salad or garlic bread pairs beautifully with this dish. Consider serving with a light white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the paella in a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of chicken broth to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the rice mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Paella(Low-Fat) contains roughly 700 calories, with 20g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (134% of the Daily Value), protein (39% of the Daily Value), and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 503mg per serving (22% 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 paella ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the paella a day in advance. Cook it as instructed, then cool it completely before refrigerating. When ready to serve, reheat gently in a pan, adding a bit of broth to moisten if necessary.
What can I substitute for shrimp?
If you prefer not to use shrimp, you can substitute with scallops or even cooked chicken if you want to keep it a chicken paella. Tofu is also a great vegetarian option that will absorb the flavors well.
Is it necessary to use saffron?
Saffron adds a unique flavor and color to the paella, but if you don’t have it, you can use a pinch of turmeric for color and a bit of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. It won't be the same but can still be delicious.
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).