The Perfect Chicken And Chorizo Paella Recipe for Sunny Weekends

Paella has long captured my passion for hearty chicken and chorizo combinations that sing with Spanish culinary spirit.

Vibrant spices and rich ingredients dance across traditional cookware, creating remarkable flavor profiles.

Mediterranean influences weave through every fragrant grain of rice and tender meat morsel.

Coastal regions inspire this spectacular dish that connects generations through shared meal experiences.

Authentic techniques blend seamlessly with contemporary cooking approaches, making each preparation a delightful adventure.

Regions surrounding valencia have perfected this remarkable culinary tradition over centuries of passionate cooking.

Come explore a recipe that promises to transport you directly to sun-drenched Spanish kitchens with every delicious bite.

How to Store Nigella Chicken And Chorizo Paella

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled paella to freezer-safe containers. Will maintain quality for up to 2 months. Ensure flat storage to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm in a pan with splash of water or stock. Stir gently to prevent rice from sticking. Heat on medium-low until thoroughly hot, about 5-7 minutes.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add small amount of water or stock. Cover and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.

Questions on Nigella Chicken And Chorizo Paella

• Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can substitute with medium-grain or short-grain rice like Arborio or Valencia rice. Avoid long-grain rice as it won’t absorb flavors as well.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The chorizo adds a mild spiciness, but it’s not overly hot. If you want more heat, add red pepper flakes or extra paprika.

• Can I make this dish without seafood?

Absolutely! Simply omit the prawns or replace them with more chicken or vegetables. The dish will still be flavorful and delicious.

• Do I need a special pan to make paella?

While a traditional paella pan is ideal, you can use a large, shallow skillet or wide saucepan with a tight-fitting lid that can go from stovetop to oven.

Why Nigella Chicken And Chorizo Paella Is Worth It

• Blast Flavor Combinations: Combines spicy chorizo, tender chicken, and succulent prawns for a mouthwatering Spanish-inspired dish that bursts with exciting taste profiles.
• Master One-Pan Cooking: Requires minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single shallow pan, making preparation and washing up incredibly simple for busy home cooks.
• Create Restaurant-Quality Meal: Delivers professional-level results with straightforward techniques that even novice home chefs can successfully execute, impressing family and guests with minimal culinary skills.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows swapping ingredients or adding personal touches like extra vegetables or different proteins to suit individual preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients List for Nigella Chicken And Chorizo Paella

• Chicken: Tender meat that provides substantial protein for the paella.
• Chorizo: Spicy Spanish sausage that adds rich, smoky flavor to the dish.
• Prawns: Succulent seafood that brings a delicate maritime essence to the recipe.

• Garlic, Onion, Carrot: Classic aromatic base that builds deep flavor foundations.
• Red Pepper: Adds sweet and vibrant color to the paella.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides bright, green garnish and subtle herbal note.

• Rice: Classic paella grain that absorbs all the delicious cooking liquids.
• Tomato Puree: Concentrated tomato product that enhances overall sauce depth.
• Stock Cube: Provides concentrated savory base and additional seasoning.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning that balances and enhances other ingredients.
• Olive Oil: Cooking medium that helps sauté ingredients and prevent sticking.

• Peas: Sweet green vegetable that adds color and subtle freshness.
• Lemon Wedges: Citrus garnish that provides optional bright, tangy accent.

Step-by-Step for Nigella Chicken And Chorizo Paella

Step 1: Prep All Ingredients

Slice the garlic into thin pieces. Chop the onion, carrot, and parsley leaves, keeping the stems separate. Cut the chorizo and chicken into small cubes. These prep steps will make cooking smooth and quick.

Step 2: Build Flavor Base

• Sliced garlic
• Chopped onion
• Diced carrot
• Cubed chorizo
• Cubed chicken
• Paprika
• Parsley stems

Fry everything together for about 5 minutes until the meats start to brown and release their delicious oils.

Step 3: Add Colorful Pepper

Introduce chopped red pepper to the pan. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, allowing the pepper to soften and blend with the other ingredients.

Step 4: Create Sauce Foundation

Stir in tomato puree and stock cube. This will develop a rich, deep flavor profile for the paella.

Step 5: Incorporate Rice

Add rice to the pan and stir thoroughly, ensuring every grain gets coated with the flavorful mixture. Let it toast slightly.

Step 6: Simmer And Cook

Pour in boiling water, then season with salt and pepper. Stir once, cover the pan, and let it simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes.

Step 7: Final Touches

Add peas and prawns to the paella. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 8: Rest And Garnish

Remove from heat and let the paella rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle fresh parsley leaves over the top.

Step 9: Serve With Zest

Plate the paella and serve with fresh lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of brightness.

Tips for Cooking Nigella Chicken And Chorizo Paella

• Spice Up Flavor: Use smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor that enhances the chorizo's richness.
• Prevent Sticking: Choose a wide, shallow pan to ensure rice cooks evenly and doesn't clump together.
• Control Liquid Absorption: Let rice rest after cooking to help it absorb remaining moisture and become perfectly fluffy.
• Boost Protein Variety: Swap prawns with mussels or calamari for a different seafood twist without changing cooking technique.
• Veggie Swap Option: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken for a vegetarian-friendly version of this classic Spanish dish.

Creative Takes on Nigella Chicken And Chorizo Paella

• Vegetarian Paella: Replace chicken and chorizo with firm tofu, tempeh, or plant-based sausage, maintaining similar spice profile for rich flavor.
• Seafood Paella: Swap chicken for additional seafood like mussels, calamari, or scallops, creating a coastal Mediterranean-style dish.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free stock cube and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free, ensuring safe consumption for sensitive individuals.
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice, reducing carbohydrate content while preserving the original recipe's vibrant spices and protein elements.

What to Pair with Nigella Chicken And Chorizo Paella

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Albariño from Spain perfectly complements the rich, spicy flavors of chicken and chorizo paella, cutting through the dish's intensity with its bright, citrusy notes.
• Serve with Zesty Sangria: A classic Spanish red sangria loaded with fresh fruits like oranges and lemons will enhance the paella's vibrant taste profile and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty meal.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a light green salad with mixed herbs, cucumber, and a simple vinaigrette to balance the paella's robust and spicy character, adding a cool, crisp element to the plate.
• Match with Spanish Cava: A sparkling Spanish white wine will add effervescence and cut through the richness of the chorizo and chicken, providing a celebratory and refreshing drinking experience.

Chicken And Chorizo Paella Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 63 mins
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spanish kitchens come alive with Chicken and Chorizo Paella, a sizzling masterpiece of rice, tender meat, and smoky spices. Crisp edges, rich flavors, and colorful ingredients promise a memorable meal that transports you straight to Mediterranean shores.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 chicken thighs (skinless, boneless)
• 70 grams quality chorizo
• 200 grams frozen peeled cooked prawns

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion
• 1 carrot
• 1 red pepper
• 2 cloves garlic
• 12 bunch flat-leaf parsley (15 grams)

Pantry and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 300 grams paella rice
• 100 grams frozen peas
• 1 tablespoon tomato puree
• 1 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
• 1 chicken stock cube
• Olive oil
• 1 lemon

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare aromatics and proteins by slicing garlic, dicing onion and carrot, separating parsley stems and leaves, and cubing chorizo and chicken.
2. Heat olive oil in a wide, shallow pan over medium-high heat. Sauté garlic, onion, carrot, chorizo, and chicken with paprika and parsley stems for 5 minutes until ingredients begin to caramelize.
3. Incorporate chopped red pepper and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, allowing vegetables to soften and release their flavors.
4. Mix in tomato puree and stock cube, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly throughout the pan.
5. Add rice and gently toss to coat each grain with the flavorful mixture, ensuring even distribution for about 2-3 minutes.
6. Pour in boiling water, season with salt and pepper, stir once, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes without disturbing the rice.
7. Gently fold in peas and prawns, maintaining the lid and cooking for an additional 5 minutes until seafood is just cooked through.
8. Remove from heat and let the paella rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and rice to settle.
9. Garnish with reserved fresh parsley leaves and serve alongside lemon wedges for a bright, citrusy accent.

Notes

• Prep ingredients in advance to streamline cooking process and reduce stress in the kitchen.
• Choose high-quality Spanish chorizo for authentic flavor and better overall taste of the paella.
• Avoid stirring rice too much during cooking to achieve perfect paella texture with crispy bottom layer called “socarrat”.
• For gluten-free version, replace stock cube with gluten-free alternative and verify chorizo ingredient list.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 53 mins
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Spanish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg