Heart-Healthy Chicken Paella

Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful Heart-Healthy Chicken Paella, a lighter take on the classic Spanish dish that's perfect for the health-conscious foodie. Packed with lean, tender chicken breast, vibrant bell peppers, sweet peas, and hearty short-grain brown rice, this recipe is rich in fiber and nutrient-dense ingredients. Infused with the warm, earthy flavors of saffron and sweet paprika, every bite is a delight for the senses. The use of low-sodium chicken broth and a drizzle of fresh lemon juice keeps this dish light while still delivering bold, satisfying taste. Ready in just an hour and perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week, this wholesome paella is a delicious way to enjoy a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 2 cups short-grain brown rice
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 0.5 teaspoons saffron threads
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and black pepper.

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or paella pan over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly browned on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 4

Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet, followed by the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes, until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

Step 5

Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers to the skillet and cook for another 4 minutes, until they begin to soften.

Step 6

Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 7

Add the brown rice, stirring well to coat the rice grains with the vegetable mixture.

Step 8

Pour in the chicken broth, saffron threads, and paprika, stirring gently to combine all ingredients.

Step 9

Return the chicken to the skillet, distributing it evenly throughout the rice mixture.

Step 10

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed nearly all the liquid.

Step 11

About 5 minutes before the rice is done, sprinkle the frozen peas over the top and replace the lid.

Step 12

Once the paella is cooked through, remove from heat and allow it to rest, covered, for 5 minutes.

Step 13

Before serving, drizzle with lemon juice and zest, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Step 14

Serve hot and enjoy your heart-healthy chicken paella.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2778.8 grams (2778.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1853

Total Fat 51.60g	66%
Saturated Fat 9.40g	47%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 386mg	129%
Sodium 1889mg	82%
Total Carbohydrate 172.40g	63%
Dietary Fiber 30.50g	109%
Total Sugars 39.90g
Protein 177.50g	355%

Vitamin D 5IU	23%
Calcium 355mg	27%
Iron 15mg	84%
Potassium 3957mg	84%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 24.9%

Protein: 38.1%

Carbs: 37.0%