Paella with seafood and chicken

Seafood and Chicken Paella Recipe

Paella is an iconic dish, bursting with color and flavor, that has captured hearts and taste buds over time. Although its origins are shrouded in mystery, this dish has become a symbol of togetherness and the joy of cooking together. In this adapted recipe, I will show you how to prepare a delicious paella with seafood and chicken, using accessible ingredients and simple techniques to achieve a result that meets your expectations.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

- 3 garlic cloves
- 4 chicken thighs or 300 g chicken breast
- 1 large red onion
- 2 colorful bell peppers (preferably red and yellow)
- 1 large tomato
- 1 bag of seafood (approximately 500 g)
- 200 g shrimp (unpeeled but well washed)
- 150 g peas (frozen)
- 150 g green beans (frozen)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 500 g rice (preferably bomba rice)
- 100 g cooked corn kernels (optional)
- 1 teaspoon saffron
- Sweet or hot paprika powder, to taste
- 1 liter fish stock or concentrate
- 150 g white wine (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation Technique

1. Prepare the ingredients

Start by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes and halving the thighs. This will help the meat cook evenly. Chop the red onion into scales and crush the garlic with the flat side of a knife. Cut the bell peppers into strips and dice the tomato.

2. Cook the meat

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken pieces and brown them well on all sides until golden. Then, add the garlic and red onion, cooking until they become translucent. This step is essential as it will add flavor to your dish.

3. Transfer to the paella pan

Once the meat is browned, transfer the mixture to the paella pan. This should be a wide, shallow pan to allow for even cooking of the rice.

4. Sauté the vegetables

In the same skillet, add the bell peppers and diced tomato. Sauté for a few minutes until softened, then add them to the paella pan.

5. Cook the seafood

Next, quickly brown the shrimp in the still-hot skillet. They will add a burst of flavor to the dish. Make sure to wash them well before adding. Once ready, transfer them to the paella pan as well.

6. Add the remaining ingredients

In the pan with the meat and vegetables, add the thawed seafood, peas, green beans, corn, and washed rice. Gently stir with a wooden spatula to combine the flavors. Then, add the fish stock, bay leaf, salt, pepper, paprika, and saffron. These ingredients will transform the paella into a true feast!

7. Bake in the oven

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Once you have mixed all the ingredients, place the pan in the oven. It is important not to stir the pan during cooking to allow the rice to absorb the liquid evenly. Let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the liquid has completely evaporated and the rice is cooked.

8. Serving

Paella is served hot, directly from the pan. It is a dish that invites sharing, so feel free to bring it to the table and enjoy moments spent with loved ones. You can garnish the plate with lemon slices for an extra touch of freshness.

Practical Tips

- Choosing the rice: Use bomba rice, which absorbs liquid well and becomes fluffy.
- Seafood: If you don’t have frozen seafood, you can substitute with fresh fish, such as sole or sea bream.
- White wine: The wine adds a note of acidity to the dish. If you prefer not to use it, you can omit it, but the dish will be less aromatic.
- Serving: Paella pairs perfectly with a dry white wine or a fruit cocktail, providing a pleasant contrast to the rich flavors.

Nutritional Benefits

This paella recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. It offers protein from the meat and seafood, fiber from the vegetables, and carbohydrates from the rice, making it a balanced meal. Additionally, seafood is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for heart health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can experiment with pork, turkey, or even soy for a vegetarian version.

2. How can I store paella for the next day?
Paella stores well in the refrigerator, covered in an airtight container. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven, adding a little liquid to prevent it from drying out.

3. What other recipes can I try with seafood?
If you enjoy seafood, you might try a shrimp salad with avocado or a seafood risotto, which are just as tasty and easy to prepare.

Personal Note

Every recipe has its story, and paella is one that brings people together. I remember how, during my childhood, my grandmother would prepare paella on festive days, and the family would gather around the table, savoring every bite. It is a dish that nourishes not just the body but the soul, and I hope this recipe becomes part of your culinary traditions! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 3 cloves of garlic; 4 chicken thighs or 300g chicken breast; 1 large red onion; 2 colored bell peppers; 1 large tomato; 1 bag of seafood; 200g shrimp; 150g peas (frozen); 150g green beans (frozen); 1 bay leaf; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 500g rice; 100g cooked corn kernels (optional); 1 teaspoon saffron; sweet or hot red pepper powder to taste; 1 liter fish broth or concentrate; 150g white wine (optional), salt, pepper.