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Best Homemade Paella Recipe That Impresses Every Time


  • Author: Lilie Evans
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings

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