Serious Chicken Paella

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant Spanish rice dish with saffron-infused broth, tender chicken, and a medley of seafood, finished with a sprinkle of paprika. This spanish-inspired chicken ready in about 80 minutes pairs chicken thighs, short-grain rice, saffron threads for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 35 min Cook: 45 min Serves 6 Spanish cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large paella pan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Sauté 2 chopped onions and 4 minced garlic cloves until golden, 5 minutes. Add 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 cups short-grain rice and 1 tsp saffron threads (soaked in 1/4 cup water). Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  3. Step 3: Add 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces, and 2 cups chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 lb shrimp and 1 lb mussels, cooking for 8-10 minutes until the mussels open. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp smoked paprika and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Serious Chicken Paella take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (35 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Serious Chicken Paella?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Serious Chicken Paella?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Serious Chicken Paella for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Serious Chicken Paella?

Spanish chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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