Welcome to my recipe for chicken and chorizo paella! This classic Spanish dish is easy to make and full of flavour. You can make a delicious paella with chicken, seafood, or both. In this recipe, we focus on chicken and chorizo for a rich taste. I’ll show you how to make a tasty chicken paella, perfect for any event!
According to Jamie Oliver, paella is a Spanish rice dish that can be made with many ingredients. My chicken and chorizo paella serves 4 and takes about 50 minutes to prepare. It has 12 main ingredients, excluding oil, salt, and pepper, for a flavourful feast. The cooking time is around 20 minutes, with 5 minutes of frying and 15 minutes of simmering. You’ll need 300 grams of paella rice, 70 grams of chorizo, and 2 free-range chicken thighs for this dish.
Let’s start with my recipe! With a preparation time of 50 minutes and a cooking time of 20 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious chicken paella quickly. This rice dish is perfect for busy home cooks looking for quick and reliable recipes. You can serve it with various sides, making it ideal for any occasion.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Chicken and Chorizo Paella
Let’s explore paella, a traditional Spanish dish with a long history. You can make a tasty paella at home easily. Paella is a Spanish rice dish that uses chicken and chorizo. Its name comes from the Latin word “patella,” meaning “frying pan.”
A great chicken and chorizo paella recipe needs top ingredients. Use Spanish chorizo and short-grain rice. You can add veggies, seafood, or beans for extra flavor. If you’re after a chicken piaya recipe, similar ingredients and methods work well.
What is Paella?
Paella is a savory rice dish from Valencia, Spain. It’s cooked in a large pan over an open fire. This method creates a crispy crust at the bottom, called socarrat. You can make a tasty paella at home in a skillet or paella pan.
The History Behind This Dish
Paella’s history goes back to the 15th century. Farmers in Valencia cooked rice, veggies, and sometimes meat in a large pan. The dish evolved and spread across Spain, with each region adding its twist. Now, you can find paella recipes worldwide, including chicken and chorizo, and chicken piaya.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a tasty chorizo paella, you’ll need some key ingredients. Start with chicken, chorizo, rice, and spices like saffron and smoked paprika. Don’t forget olive oil, garlic, and onions for extra flavor.
Here’s what you’ll need for chicken paella:
- 300g chicken breast or 4 chicken thighs
- 50g chorizo
- 250g paella rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Saffron threads, soaked in 2 tablespoons hot water
You can add seafood like prawns and mussels, or veggies like bell peppers and tomatoes. Green beans, peas, or artichokes can also enhance the flavor. To master the paella recipe, try different ingredients and spices to find your favorite mix.
Creating a fantastic chorizo paella requires quality ingredients and care. With these items and a bit of practice, you’ll impress everyone with your chicken paella!
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast or thighs | 300g or 4 thighs |
| Chorizo | 50g |
| Paella rice | 250g |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
Choosing the Right Rice
Choosing the right rice is key to a delicious chicken a n d chorizo paella. I always say, “you can’t have a great paella without great rice!” For an easy paella, pick a short-grain rice that soaks up liquid well without getting mushy. In the UK, Bomba or Calasparra rice is best for a traditional chicken paella recipe.
These rice types soak up liquid well without losing texture. You can also use Arborio rice, but make sure it’s high-quality. Here’s what makes the best rice for paella:
- Short-grain rice
- High absorption rate
- Firm texture
Popular rice brands in the UK include Waitrose’s Bomba rice and SOS brand. You can find them at Sainsbury’s and Tesco. The right rice makes a big difference in your chicken a n d chorizo paella. So, choose wisely and enjoy your easy paella!
Preparing Chicken and Chorizo
To make a tasty easy chicken paella recipe, start by preparing the chicken and chorizo. Jamie Oliver suggests using boneless thighs or legs for the best taste. These cuts are rich and tender. You can also use breast or wings, but thighs and legs are more traditional and flavorful.
For chorizo, pick between mild and spicy, based on what you like. For a meat paella, 100g of chorizo is perfect. For an easy chicken and chorizo paella, use 400g of chicken thigh fillets. They’ll cook with the chorizo and other ingredients.
Here are some tips for preparing the chicken and chorizo:
- Use boneless chicken thighs or legs for the best flavor.
- Choose between mild and spicy chorizo, depending on your preference.
- Cook the chicken and chorizo in a large pan with some oil until they are browned and cooked through.
By following these tips, you can create a delicious easy chicken paella recipe. It’s great for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The meat paella will be full of flavor, and the easy chicken and chorizo paella will impress your family and friends.
Cooking Techniques for Paella
Cooking a tasty chicken paella recipe is all about the technique. You can make a simple chicken paella by following a few steps. Traditionally, paella is cooked over an open fire in a large, shallow pan. This method creates a crispy crust at the bottom.
For outdoor cooking, this method is perfect. It adds a smoky flavor to your paella.
You can also cook chicken paella in a skillet or oven. These methods are more convenient and easier to control. But, they require skill and attention to detail. The key is to use a large, shallow pan for even cooking and a crispy crust.
Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Use a large, shallow pan to cook your paella, as this will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the rice from becoming soggy.
- Cook the paella over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the rice is lightly toasted and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
By following these tips and using a simple chicken paella recipe, you can create a delicious dish. Paella is perfect for any occasion. It’s great for cooking for a crowd or just for yourself. So, why not try cooking chicken paella and see how easy it is?
| Cooking Method | Cooking Time | Heat Level |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional | 40 minutes | Medium-High |
| Modern | 30 minutes | Low-Medium |
Chicken and Chorizo Paella
Equipment
- Large paella pan or skillet
- Large bowl
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- Chicken & Chorizo:
- 300 g boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 70 g Spanish chorizo sliced
- Rice & Broth:
- 300 g paella rice Bomba or Calasparra
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 tsp saffron threads soaked in 2 tbsp hot water
- Vegetables & Aromatics:
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 red bell peppers sliced
- Seasonings & Liquids:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Soak saffron threads in hot water. Dice the onion, slice the peppers, and mince the garlic.
- Cook Chorizo & Chicken: Heat olive oil in a paella pan over medium heat. Cook the chorizo until crispy, then remove. Add chicken and brown on all sides, then set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, cook onion, garlic, and bell peppers until soft.
- Add Rice & Spices: Stir in paella rice and smoked paprika, coating well in the oil.
- Simmer Paella: Pour in saffron water and chicken broth. Return chicken and chorizo to the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. Do not stir.
- Achieve Socarrat: Increase heat for the last 2 minutes to create a crispy base.
- Serve & Enjoy: Remove from heat, cover with a clean towel, and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
Now you’ve learned to make a tasty chicken and chorizo paella, it’s time to think about serving it. You can pair your chorizo paella with a fresh salad or crusty bread. This adds texture and flavor to your dish.
For drinks, a glass of wine or a cold beer is perfect with your paella. Here are some ideas for serving and pairing your paella:
- Pair your paella with garlic bread or roasted vegetables for a filling meal
- Try serving your paella with a simple green salad or sautéed spinach for a lighter option
- For a special occasion, pair your paella with wine or champagne for a celebratory touch
Remember, the key to serving great paella is to have fun and be creative! You can customize your dish to suit your tastes. Don’t be afraid to try different ingredients and pairings. With this chicken and chorizo paella recipe, you’ll create a delicious and memorable meal. It’s sure to impress your friends and family.
Enjoying Your Paella
Now you know how to make tasty chicken and chorizo paella. It’s time to share it with your loved ones! Paella is perfect for bringing people together. Its rich flavors and aromas are sure to impress.
When you serve your paella, feel free to try new things. You can add different meats, seafood, or veggies to make it your own. For more ideas, check out chicken and chorizo paella recipes online. Or, talk to food experts for tips.
The secret to a great chicken paella is to have fun. Enjoy cooking and sharing a meal with others. So, get cooking and happy sharing!
Frequently Asked Questions :
Do I cook chicken or chorizo first?
Cook the chorizo first! As it cooks, it releases flavorful oils that you can use to brown the chicken. This adds extra depth to the dish and prevents the chicken from sticking to the pan.
What is the secret to a good paella?
The key to a great paella is not stirring the rice once the liquid is added. This helps create the signature crispy layer at the bottom, called socarrat. Also, use high-quality saffron and authentic short-grain rice like Bomba or Calasparra for the best texture.
Can you cook chicken and chorizo together?
Yes! Cooking them together allows the chicken to absorb the smoky, slightly spicy flavors of the chorizo. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked before serving.
What is the secret ingredient in paella?
Saffron is the magic ingredient—it gives paella its signature golden color and subtle floral flavor. Some also swear by a touch of smoked paprika or a splash of sherry for extra depth.
Do you cook chorizo with the skin on or off?
If the chorizo has a natural casing, you can leave it on. But if it’s tough or plastic-like, peel it off before cooking. For softer chorizo (like Mexican chorizo), remove the casing since it crumbles as it cooks.
What spices go well with chicken and chorizo?
Smoked paprika is a must! Other great options include cumin, oregano, thyme, and bay leaves. A little garlic powder or a pinch of red pepper flakes can also add extra warmth.