Classic Spanish Paella: A One-Skillet Seafood and Chicken Feast

Easy Paella: Spanish Skillet Rice Feast

Paella is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dinner dish that brings vibrant flavors of seafood, chicken, and chorizo right to your table.

Ingredients for Authentic Paella

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs, cut into chunks
• 150g Spanish chorizo, sliced
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 medium tomatoes, grated or finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Pinch of saffron threads
• 2 cups paella (Bomba) rice
• 4 cups warm chicken broth
• 8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ pound mussels, cleaned
• ½ pound clams, cleaned
• ½ cup frozen peas
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Step-by-Step Paella Preparation

1. In a small bowl, steep the saffron threads in ½ cup of warm chicken broth and set aside to bloom.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large, flat paella skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken pieces and chorizo; sauté until golden brown, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pan. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 4 minutes.
5. Stir in the grated tomatoes, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 2 more minutes, melding those bold flavors.
6. Sprinkle in the rice, stirring to coat each grain with the sofrito mixture.
7. Pour in the remaining broth and the saffron-infused liquid. Arrange chicken and chorizo back atop the rice. Do not stir—this helps form the socarrat (crispy bottom).
8. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes.
9. Nestle shrimp, mussels, and clams into the rice. Scatter peas over the top. Continue to cook for another 10 minutes, until seafood is cooked through and liquid is absorbed.
10. Remove from heat, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rest for 5 minutes.

Serving Suggestions and Flavor Tips

• Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a bright finish.
• Socarrat Seekers: Increase heat for the last 2 minutes to caramelize the bottom—just listen for the gentle crackle!
• Make it Your Own: Substitute chicken with rabbit or add squid and scallops for a true Valencian twist.

Pro Tip: Use a wide, shallow pan to ensure even cooking and that signature paella rice crust.

Pull out your skillet, gather your friends, and savor every spoonful of this unforgettable paella.