Quick Chicken Paella

Bring the vibrant flavors of Spain to your table in just 40 minutes with this Quick Chicken Paella! Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan wonder combines tender, golden-seared chicken thighs with aromatic garlic, onion, and smoked paprika. Short-grain rice is simmered in a savory medley of chicken broth and tomatoes, soaking up every rich, smoky flavor as it cooks to perfection. Topped with sweet bursts of peas and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this dish delivers authentic paella charm without the fuss. Serve with zesty lemon wedges for a refreshing twist, and savor a simple yet stunning meal that's sure to impress. Discover why this quick and easy chicken paella recipe is ideal for family dinners or casual entertaining!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup red bell pepper, sliced
• 1.5 cups short-grain rice (like arborio or bomba)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
• 0.5 cup frozen peas
• 1 whole lemon wedges
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or paella pan over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Season the chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika, then sear them on both sides in the hot oil until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pan, add the minced garlic, diced onion, and red bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Step 4

Stir in the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted.

Step 5

Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes. Stir to combine, ensuring the rice is evenly spread across the pan.

Step 6

Return the chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the rice mixture. Do not stir after this point to allow the rice to develop a crispy bottom layer.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan with a lid or foil, and let the paella simmer for 15-20 minutes. Check occasionally to ensure the liquid hasn’t fully evaporated. Add a splash of water if needed.

Step 8

With 5 minutes remaining, sprinkle the frozen peas over the top and recover the pan.

Step 9

Once the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, remove the pan from the heat. Let it rest for 5 minutes.

Step 10

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2247.5 grams (2247.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1861

Total Fat 81.60g	105%
Saturated Fat 18.50g	93%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.70g
Cholesterol 505mg	168%
Sodium 4715mg	205%
Total Carbohydrate 144.30g	52%
Dietary Fiber 20.00g	71%
Total Sugars 29.90g
Protein 131.90g	264%

Vitamin D 28IU	140%
Calcium 338mg	26%
Iron 11mg	63%
Potassium 3161mg	67%

*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: 39.9%

Protein: 28.7%

Carbs: 31.4%