Skillet Chicken and Chorizo Paella

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This paella recipe with chicken and chorizo is a satisfying array of colors, textures, and flavors, making it a one-pan meal you're sure to return to again and again.

Chicken and Chorizo Skillet Paella
Photo: Photo by Greg DuPree / Food Styling by Torie Cox / Prop Styling by Missie Crawford
Active Time:
55 mins
Total Time:
1 hr
Servings:
6

While Spanish paella is traditionally made in its namesake pan, this cast-iron variation is a great alternative — and it can go straight from the stove to the table. The recipe builds layers of flavors as you sauté aromatics in the same pan you've used to sear the chorizo and chicken. From delicately floral saffron to smoky paprika and a bright lemony finish, this chicken and chorizo paella is a one-pan meal that has it all.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads

  • 3 1/4 cups lower-sodium chicken broth, divided

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 6 ounces dry-cured Spanish chorizo, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

  • 3/4 cup chopped yellow onion (from 1 small onion)

  • 1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped

  • 4 small garlic cloves, minced (1 tablespoon)

  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained

  • 1 1/2 cups uncooked short-grain white rice (such as Spanish bomba or Italian arborio)

  • 1 cup thawed frozen sweet peas

  • Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

  • Lemon wedges, for garnish

Directions

  1. Skillet Chicken and Chorizo Paella

    Diana Chistruga

    Gather the ingredients.

  2. Skillet Chicken and Chorizo Paella

    Diana Chistruga

    Stir together saffron and 1/4 cup of the broth in a small bowl. Let stand at room temperature at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour.

  3. Skillet Chicken and Chorizo Paella

    Diana Chistruga

    Meanwhile, heat oil in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high. Add chorizo; cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer chorizo to a plate lined with paper towels; reserve drippings in skillet.

  4. Skillet Chicken and Chorizo Paella

    Diana Chistruga

    Add chicken, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of the salt to skillet; cook over medium-high, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned but not fully cooked, about 7 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer chicken to plate with chorizo. Do not wipe skillet clean.

  5. Skillet Chicken and Chorizo Paella

    Diana Chistruga

    Add onion and bell pepper to skillet; cook over medium-high, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes.

  6. Skillet Chicken and Chorizo Paella

    Diana Chistruga

    Stir in garlic and smoked paprika; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes and rice; cook, stirring constantly, until liquid is almost fully absorbed, about 2 minutes.

  7. Skillet Chicken and Chorizo Paella

    Diana Chistruga

    Carefully stir in saffron mixture and remaining 3 cups broth and 1/2 teaspoon salt; bring to a simmer over medium-high.

  8. Skillet Chicken and Chorizo Paella

    Diana Chistruga

    Return chorizo and chicken to skillet, stirring lightly to partially cover with rice; sprinkle mixture with peas (do not stir peas in).

  9. Skillet Chicken and Chorizo Paella

    Diana Chistruga

    Cook, uncovered and undisturbed, over medium-low, rotating skillet occasionally to evenly distribute heat, until chicken and rice are tender and liquid is almost fully absorbed, about 20 minutes.

  10. Skillet Chicken and Chorizo Paella

    Diana Chistruga

    Remove from heat; cover and let stand at room temperature until liquid is fully absorbed, about 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges.

Originally appeared: April 2021

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