Easy Chicken, Chorizo, and Shrimp Paella
Try this Easy Chicken, Chorizo, and Shrimp Paella recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Easy Chicken, Chorizo, and Shrimp Paella recipe, or contribute your own.
- salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2-1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 shallot or 1/2 onion chopped
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- pinch of spanish saffron
- drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 boneless skinless chicken thighs chopped
- 6 oz mexican chorizo
- 2 vine-ripened tomatoes chopped
- dash of cayenne pepper (optional)
- 6 oz large shrimp peeled then deveined and chopped
- Carbohydrate 22.183440990315 g
- Cholesterol 93.271912668 mg
- Fat 2.578645124445 g
- Fiber 2.15570004653931 g
- Protein 18.635962212415 g
- Saturated Fat 0.579927153652 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (257g)
- Sodium 133.490584511167 mg
- Sugar 20.0277409437757 g
- Trans Fat 0.55162906632 g
- Calories 189 calories
Step-by-step
- Bring chicken broth and saffron to a boil in a small saucepan then turn heat to low and place a lid on top to keep hot.
- Meanwhile, heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat then add chicken, chorizo, and shallots, season with salt and pepper, and then saute until chorizo and chicken are cooked through, 5 minutes, breaking chorizo up as it cooks.
- Add garlic then saute for 1 minute.
- Add tomatoes and their juices, paprika, and cayenne pepper if using then saute until tomatoes are softened, 3 minutes.
- Add rice and hot broth to skillet then stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Place a lid on top then lower heat and simmer until rice has nearly absorbed all the broth and is just slightly al dente, 13-15 minutes.
- Stir in shrimp and peas then place lid back on top and let skillet sit off the heat for 5 minutes.
- Season with more salt and pepper to taste then serve.
My Simple Weeknight Paella: A Busy Mom's Guide to Deliciousness
As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, easy, and, most importantly, delicious enough to satisfy my family's rumbling bellies without taking up my entire evening. That's why I've become a master of quick and satisfying recipes, and this Easy Chicken, Chorizo, and Shrimp Paella is a shining example. It's surprisingly simple to make, bursting with flavor, and requires minimal cleanup—a trifecta for any busy parent. Forget spending hours in the kitchen; this paella comes together in under 30 minutes, leaving me with plenty of time to connect with my kids after a long day.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Don't have chorizo? Use Italian sausage or even just extra chicken. No peas? No problem! A handful of chopped bell peppers or spinach works just as well. The foundation of this dish – the saffron-infused broth, the perfectly cooked rice, and the delightful mix of chicken, chorizo, and shrimp – remains consistently satisfying, no matter the minor variations. It’s a recipe that grows with your culinary confidence, allowing you to experiment and create your own unique spin. It’s also incredibly versatile; serve it as a comforting weeknight dinner, or elevate it slightly for a relaxed weekend lunch with friends. The impressive flavor profile belies its simplicity, making it a perfect choice for both casual gatherings and family meals.
One of the best things about this paella is the minimal cleanup. One skillet, minimal chopping and a quick cooking time makes it an ideal mid-week meal. I often double the recipe and have leftovers for lunch the next day. This allows for an easy and stress-free approach to meal prepping. The vibrant colors and tempting aromas always make it a crowd-pleaser and the satisfying warmth of the dish is a perfect antidote to a busy day.
This isn't just a meal; it's a moment of calm in the whirlwind of motherhood. It's the smell of saffron and garlic filling my kitchen, the satisfying sizzle of the chorizo, and the happy chatter of my family around the table. It’s a reminder that even amidst the chaos of everyday life, there’s always time for a delicious and fulfilling meal. And for a busy mom like me, that's priceless.
Tips for success:
- Use high-quality ingredients. The better your ingredients, the better your paella will taste.
- Don't overcook the rice. It should be slightly al dente.
- Add the shrimp at the end so it doesn't overcook.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste. More cayenne for a spicier kick!
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
This simple paella recipe truly is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It's quick, easy, delicious, and adaptable – three essential qualities any busy woman can appreciate. So, next time you're looking for a flavorful and convenient dinner option, give this a try. You won't be disappointed!
