Paella(Rice With Veggies And Meat)
A flavorful Spanish-inspired rice dish with tender chicken, shrimp, vegetables, and aromatic spices, perfect for family dinners and gatherings that enjoy bold, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Use an ovenproof dish or saucepan.
- Cook chicken in vegetable oil until browned and cooked through.
- Boil chicken broth in a saucepan.
- In the pan used for chicken, brown chopped onion and pimientos; add rice and toss to coat.
- Add oregano, garlic, and hot broth to the rice mixture.
- Place cooked chicken, peas, sliced carrots, and shrimp on top of the rice.
- Do not stir.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until rice is tender and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the broth before baking. You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or sausage for variation. If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with more vegetables and use vegetable broth instead. Be cautious not to stir the rice once you add the broth, as this helps to achieve a perfect texture. For more ideas, browse more chicken recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the paella directly from the baking dish for a rustic presentation. It pairs beautifully with a light salad or crusty bread. For added flavor, consider serving with a wedge of lemon on the side. A glass of white wine or sangria complements the dish well, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the rice to prevent it from drying out. Microwave on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through, or reheat in a skillet over low heat for better texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Paella(Rice With Veggies And Meat) contains roughly 1795 calories, with 62g protein, 176g carbohydrates, and 98g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (145% of the Daily Value), iron (125% of the Daily Value), and protein (123% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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?
While you can use brown rice, it requires longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the cooking time to about 40-50 minutes, and ensure the broth is sufficient to fully cook the brown rice, as it absorbs more liquid than white rice.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking step and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven. This helps ensure even cooking.
What can I add to make it spicier?
To add heat, consider including diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the rice mixture. Alternatively, serve with a spicy hot sauce on the side for those who prefer to customize their spice level.
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).