Spanish Paella Recipe with Chicken and Seafood 🥘
Introduction:
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Spain with this delightful Spanish Paella recipe. Bursting with succulent chicken, tender seafood, and aromatic spices, this dish promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or craving a hearty meal, this one-dish wonder is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Get ready to transport your kitchen to the sun-soaked shores of Spain with every savory bite!
Quick Overview:
- Preparation Time: 12 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Cuisine: Spanish, European
- Dietary: Nutrient-rich, One Dish Meal
- Keywords: Chicken, Seafood, Rice, Spanish, Brunch, Stove Top
Ingredients:
Gather these fresh and flavorful ingredients to create your Spanish masterpiece:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Olive oil | 1/4 cup |
Chicken breasts | 3 |
Salt | 1/2 tsp |
Pepper | 1/4 tsp |
Spanish onion | 1 |
Green pepper | 1 |
Garlic | 4 cloves |
Paprika | 2 tsp |
Fresh thyme | 1 tbsp |
Dried thyme | 1 tsp |
Shrimp | 2 cups |
Arborio rice | 1 cup |
Tomatoes | 2 |
Chicken broth | 5 cups |
Saffron thread | 1/2 tsp |
Lima beans | 1 cup |
Parsley | For garnish |
Clams in shell | 12 |
Lemon wedge | For garnish |
Green onion | For garnish |
Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to prepare your delicious Spanish Paella:
-
Prepare Ingredients:
- Start by heating 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
-
Sauté Chicken:
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and fry for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
-
Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add diced Spanish onion and green pepper. Sauté for about 2 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic, paprika, and both fresh and dried thyme. Sauté for an additional minute to release the aromas.
-
Cook Shrimp:
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and sauté until they turn pink and opaque.
-
Prepare Rice Mixture:
- If needed, add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
- Sprinkle the Arborio rice evenly over the ingredients in the skillet. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is coated with oil.
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Incorporate Tomatoes and Stock:
- Stir in diced tomatoes and season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- In a separate bowl, combine the chicken broth with saffron threads. Pour this mixture into the skillet, ensuring it evenly coats the rice.
-
Simmer Paella:
- Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and push it down into the rice mixture.
- Allow the paella to cook uncovered for approximately 15 minutes, or until the stock is bubbling and the rice is nearly tender.
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Add Seafood and Vegetables:
- Stir the rice mixture gently, then add the cooked shrimp, lima beans, sliced red peppers, and clams to the skillet.
- Continue to cook the paella for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the seafood to cook through.
-
Rest and Serve:
- Remove the skillet from the heat and cover it with a lid or aluminum foil. Let the paella rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to intensify.
- Before serving, garnish the paella with freshly chopped parsley and arrange lemon wedges and sliced green onions on the side for a vibrant presentation.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your Spanish Paella hot, straight from the skillet, for a stunning centerpiece at your dining table. Pair it with a crisp green salad, crusty bread, and a glass of chilled white wine to complete the Mediterranean experience. Bon appétit!
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 607.5 per serving
- Total Fat: 18.4g
- Saturated Fat: 3.9g
- Cholesterol: 193.6mg
- Sodium: 1314.3mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 65.5g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 42g
Tips and Tricks:
- For an authentic touch, use a traditional paella pan instead of a skillet.
- Customize your paella by adding your favorite seafood or vegetables, such as mussels, squid, or artichoke hearts.
- To enhance the flavor, toast the saffron threads in a dry skillet before steeping them in the chicken broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Conclusion:
With its bold flavors, vibrant colors, and hearty ingredients, this Spanish Paella with Chicken and Seafood is a celebration of Mediterranean cuisine. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply treating yourself to a special meal, this recipe is sure to impress. So, grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and embark on a culinary journey to Spain from the comfort of your own kitchen!