Paella with seafood and chicken breast

Seafood and Chicken Paella

I invite you to discover the recipe for a seafood and chicken paella, a dish that harmoniously blends the flavors of the sea with the juiciness of chicken. This recipe is not only delicious but also full of color, perfect for impressing guests or transforming an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast. Let’s embark together on the preparation of this savory dish!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 2 chicken breast fillets (approximately 300 g)
- 300 g seafood mix (mussels, shrimp, cuttlefish, squid)
- 50 g green beans
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red for extra color)
- 1 large onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 large tomato (preferably ripe)
- 100 g rice (Bomba or Arborio rice is ideal)
- 40 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 50 g peas (can be fresh or frozen)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- A pinch of saffron (optional, but recommended for a special flavor)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
- Start by cleaning the green beans, breaking them into pieces of about 2-3 cm. Boil them in salted water for 5 minutes. Then, add the peas and continue boiling for another 10-15 minutes. Once done, drain the vegetables and set them aside.
- Cut the chicken breast into cubes of about 2 cm for even cooking.

2. Sauté the vegetables:
- In a large frying pan or paella pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and crushed garlic, letting them sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step will add a flavorful base to the dish.

3. Cook the chicken and seafood:
- Add the chicken breast cubes to the pan and cook until golden and well cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the seafood mix. Cook everything together, stirring constantly, for another 3-5 minutes, until the seafood is cooked and its flavor mingles with that of the chicken.

4. Add the vegetables and rice:
- Dice the bell pepper and peel and dice the tomato. Add them to the pan, mixing well. These vegetables will not only provide flavor but also a touch of freshness. After 2-3 minutes, add the rice, stirring well to absorb the flavors.

5. Cook the paella:
- Pour in water (about 400 ml) to cover everything and season with salt, pepper, and saffron. Cover the pan and let everything simmer on low heat for 20 minutes. It is important to stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan. The rice is done when it has absorbed all the water and is soft but slightly firm.

6. Serving:
- Once the paella is ready, remove the pan from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes, covered, to allow the flavors to settle. Serve the paella hot, directly from the pan, for a rustic and friendly appearance. You can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top to enhance the flavors.

Practical tip:
To achieve a perfect paella, make sure to use quality rice that absorbs liquids well and maintains its texture. Also, don’t hesitate to experiment with other vegetables or spices, such as chili pepper or local spices, to give a personal touch to this recipe.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This seafood and chicken paella is a complete meal, rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. A 250 g serving contains approximately 450 calories, providing a healthy source of energy due to the proteins from chicken and seafood, as well as the fiber from vegetables.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of meat? Yes, you can replace the chicken breast with pork or turkey, or even omit the meat for a vegetarian version.
- What other side dishes go well with it? A simple green salad with cherry tomatoes and a lemon dressing is an excellent choice.
- Can I prepare the paella in advance? You can prepare all the ingredients beforehand and assemble them on the day of serving to save time.

Possible variations:
Try adding black olives for a Mediterranean taste or using a combination of fresh herbs, such as parsley and cilantro, for an extra touch of freshness. You can also experiment with different types of rice or even add a splash of white wine to intensify the flavors.

Now that you have all the information, all that’s left is for you to get cooking! Seafood and chicken paella is more than just a dish; it’s a culinary experience that blends tradition with innovation, bringing a touch of celebration to every meal. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Ingredients: 2 chicken breast fillets, 300 g seafood mix (mussels, shrimp, cuttlefish, squid...), 50 g green beans, 1 bell pepper, 1 onion, 3 cloves of garlic, 1 tomato, 100 g rice, 40 ml olive oil, 50 g peas, salt, pepper, a pinch of saffron.