Description
This homemade paella recipe brings all the vibrant flavors of Spain straight to your kitchen. Made with juicy chicken, smoky chorizo, fresh seafood, and saffron-kissed rice, it’s the ultimate one-pan dish for gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Olive oil – extra virgin for rich flavor
Chicken thighs – bone-in, skin-on for juiciness
Chorizo sausage – smoky, sliced into thin rounds
Shrimp (or prawns) – peeled and deveined
Mussels or clams – optional, for a seafood flourish
Short-grain rice – bomba or arborio preferred
Onion – diced finely
Red and yellow bell peppers – diced
Garlic – freshly minced
Tomatoes – grated or finely chopped
Chicken stock (or broth) – warmed before use
Saffron threads – for golden color and earthy aroma
Smoked paprika – for warmth and smokiness
Peas – for color and sweetness
Lemon wedges – for serving
Salt & pepper – to taste
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat.
Brown chicken thighs skin-side down until golden, then add sliced chorizo.
Stir in onion, peppers, and garlic; cook until softened.
Add grated tomatoes and simmer into a rich base.
Stir in rice to coat with tomato mixture.
Pour in warm stock, saffron, and paprika. Shake pan gently to spread rice evenly.
Nestle in chicken, shrimp, and mussels/clams.
Simmer without stirring for 20 minutes, allowing rice to absorb liquid.
Add peas in the final 5 minutes.
Remove from heat, cover with a towel, and rest 5 minutes before serving with lemon wedges.
Notes
Substitute seafood with extra chicken or vegetables for a different take.
Leftovers keep up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth.
Avoid stirring during cooking for that crispy socarrat crust.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30g
Keywords: paella recipe, homemade paella, Spanish paella, seafood paella, chicken paella