Chicken chorizo paella is a flavorful and hearty meal that combines chicken, smokey chorizo sausage, vegetables, and saffron infused rice. It's perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to special celebrations. One bite of this flavor-packed paella will have everyone asking for the recipe!
1tablespoonfresh parsley(chopped, optional for garnish)
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Instructions
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet or paella pan over medium-high heat.
Add the cubed chicken thighs and cook for 5-7 minutes or until they are almost cooked through and little to no pink remains. Set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the chorizo, onion, and garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds.
Add the tomato paste, saffron threads dissolved in water, paprika, turmeric, and salt & pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
Add the rice and stir to coat. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes.
When the 15 minutes is up, mix in the cooked chicken thighs, then the frozen peas, if using. Cover the skillet and pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes or until heated.
Serve immediately with fresh chopped parsley for garnish, if desired.
Notes
Chicken thighs are fatty dark meat that keeps moist when cooked and has a ton of flavor, so they are perfect for making paella. You can use cubed chicken breast, too, if that's what you have on hand.
If you have saffron powder instead of threads, you will want to use ⅛ - ¼ teaspoon of powder.
If you notice some rice sticking to the bottom of the skillet, that's what you want! The crispy golden layer of rice at the bottom is one of the best parts of paella and is actually called 'socarrat.'
To store: Let leftovers cool completely, then transfer them to a shallow airtight storage container in the fridge. Enjoy within 3-4 days.
To reheat: Put the paella in a baking dish and add a splash of broth or water for moisture. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.