One-Pot Chicken & Chorizo Paella

You're about to discover how to make a restaurant-worthy paella that won't keep you chained to the stove all evening. This one-pot chicken and chorizo version simplifies the traditional Spanish dish while maintaining its authentic charm and that coveted crispy bottom layer called socarrat. If you've been intimidated by paella before, don't worry - this approachable recipe lets you create an impressive meal that'll have your guests thinking you've spent years mastering Spanish cuisine.

This one-pot paella combines tender chicken and spicy Spanish chorizo with saffron-infused rice for an authentic flavour that comes together in just one pan. Perfect for casual entertaining or family dinners, this simplified version delivers restaurant-quality results without requiring multiple cooking vessels or complicated techniques.

For the best results, avoid stirring the rice once the liquid is added - this allows the signature crispy bottom layer (socarrat) to form naturally.

One-Pot Chicken & Chorizo Paella - Ingredients Laid out ready for cooking

Prep Time 25 mins

Cook Time 45 mins

Total Time 1 hr 10 mins

Cooking Method: Sauteing

Cuisine: Spanish

Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner

Servings: 6

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

This vibrant and flavourful paella combines tender chicken pieces with spicy chorizo, creating a perfect harmony of Mediterranean flavours. The dish gets its characteristic golden colour from saffron threads and develops a coveted socarrat - the crispy rice layer at the bottom of the pan.

Traditional paella originated in Valencia, Spain, but this simplified version maintains authentic flavours while being accessible to home cooks. The one-pot approach makes it both practical and perfect for entertaining.

Ingredients

500 g Chicken Thighs (Boneless and cut into chunks)
200 g Chorizo (Sliced)
400 g Paella Rice
2 Onions (Finely chopped)
4 Garlic Cloves (Minced)
2 Red Peppers (Sliced)
400 g Chopped Tomatoes
1 l Chicken Stock (Hot)
0.5 g Saffron Threads
15 ml Olive Oil
200 g Frozen Peas
1 Lemon (Cut into wedges)
5 g Smoked Paprika
Salt and Black Pepper (To taste)

Instructions

1
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
2
Brown chicken pieces until golden, remove and set aside.
3
Add chorizo to the pan and cook until oils release.
4
Sauté onions and garlic until softened.
5
Add bell peppers and cook for 5 minutes.
6
Stir in paprika and saffron-infused stock.
7
Return chicken to pan and add rice, distributing evenly.
8
Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer without stirring.
9
Add peas in the last 5 minutes.
10
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving with lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 682.33kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 27.54g43%
Saturated Fat 7.72g39%
Trans Fat 0.11g
Cholesterol 107.73mg36%
Sodium 1289.69mg54%
Potassium 931.05mg27%
Total Carbohydrate 77.24g26%
Dietary Fiber 4.98g20%
Sugars 9.99g
Protein 30.7g62%

Vitamin A 166.57 IU
Vitamin C 77.44 mg
Calcium 66.64 mg
Iron 3.35 mg
Vitamin D 0.58 IU
Vitamin E 1.91 IU
Vitamin K 23.56 mcg
Thiamin 0.4 mg
Riboflavin 0.5 mg
Niacin 10.94 mg
Vitamin B6 0.89 mg
Folate 73.15 mcg
Vitamin B12 1.18 mcg
Phosphorus 374.62 mg
Magnesium 82.86 mg
Zinc 3.29 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Resist the urge to stir the rice once it's simmering, as this develops the socarrat. Use medium-grain rice for authentic texture. If saffron is too expensive, substitute with turmeric for colour, though the flavour will differ.

Perfect Weeknight Comfort Meal

Making a comforting paella doesn't have to mean spending hours in the kitchen or sacrificing your evening to complex cooking techniques. This one-pot wonder is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but don't have the energy for elaborate meal prep.

You'll love how this dish combines the convenience of a 30-minute meal with the soul-warming comfort of traditional Spanish cuisine. It's the kind of dinner that'll make your kitchen smell amazing while you're helping kids with homework or catching up on emails. Plus, since everything cooks in one pan, you won't face a sink full of dishes afterwards.

When you're craving something that feels special but fits into your hectic schedule, this chicken and chorizo paella delivers both comfort and convenience.

Conclusion

You'll love how this one-pot paella brings Spanish flair to your dinner table without the fuss. It's a crowd-pleasing dish that's both impressive and achievable, perfect for when you're craving something special but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. With its golden saffron rice, tender chicken, and spicy chorizo, this simplified version delivers authentic flavours that'll transport you straight to Valencia.

Read it online: https://easyrecipes.pro/recipe/one-pot-chicken-chorizo-paella/

Nick Jolliffe

Home Cook, Foodie, and Recipe Tinkerer

Nick Jolliffe is a self-proclaimed food enthusiast who loves nothing more than experimenting with new flavours and ingredients at home. With a passion for cooking that borders on obsession, Nick is always on the lookout for inspiration to create delicious, mouth-watering dishes to share with friends and family. When he's not busy scouring cookbooks or browsing food blogs, you can find him whipping up a storm in his kitchen, always eager to try out new recipes and techniques.