You’ll love this amazing Spanish Chicken and Chorizo Paella! It’s an easy, flavor-packed rice dish that is loved all around the world.
It’s packed with tender chicken, spiced Spanish chorizo, veggies, and tender rice. The entire dish is so well-balanced and the flavors are seriously out of this world!
It comes together in just 45 minutes. Whether you’re making it for dinner or to entertain guests at home, this chicken and chorizo paella will surely impress everyone!
Paella is one of those dishes that have a special place in my heart. I’ve tried many variations of it, and while seafood paella will always be my number one, this Chicken and Chorizo Paella comes very, very close.
The flavors in this chicken and chorizo paella are marvelous! Incredibly fragrant, and a bit smokey with a hint of spice from the Spanish chorizo. The rice absorbs all that wonderful flavor from the sofrito, chorizo, and the spices.
The traditional way to cook paella is over open flame outdoors, but I adapted this chicken chorizo paella recipe so you can make it indoors on a gas or electric stove.
Why we love this paella recipe:
- Easy to make! Don’t be intimidated by this iconic Spanish dish. It’s actually very easy to make and I provide a step-by-step tutorial below.
- Incredibly flavorful: Each ingredient adds layers of flavor upon flavor. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice makes it even better!
- Ready in 45 minutes: Make it on weekdays or weekends.
- Great for hosting: If you love to entertain, this paella is a MUST. Serve with a spread of Spanish tapas and you’ll be the most popular host in town!
I love to serve chicken and chorizo paella with this gorgeous Grilled Peach Salad and this elegant Fresh Spring Salad. These fried Coconut Shrimp appetizer also pairs really well.
If you’re a fan of one-pan rice recipes, you also need to try my One Pot Mexican Rice, One Pot Jambalaya, and Curry Fried Rice!
Jump to:
What is Paella?
Paella is one of the most well-known dishes from Spain, most commonly from the region of Valencia, although there are variations from other regions too. This iconic rice dish is made with a variety of proteins and vegetables, and spices, one of the most popular ones being saffron. It is traditionally cooked in a shallow paella pan over open flame.
A good paella has a good socarrat, which is that glorious crust of toasted rice that forms in the bottom of the pan. It can be hard to achieve sometimes, but hey, practice makes perfect!
What Type of Rice to Use
The best rice to make this chicken and chorizo paella (or any other variations) is Arborio or Bomba rice. Other types of rice commonly used in Spain are Calasparra, Senia, and Bahia, but those can be harder to find depending on where you live.
These types of rice do a great job absorbing all the liquid and flavor without getting clumpy, so the grains remain beautifully separated.
If you can’t find it, regular short-grain rice will do. I would NOT recommend using brown rice though since it does not absorb liquid and flavor as well.
Saffron
Saffron is a fragrant spice from a flower called crocus sativus. They look like threads and are deep orange in color. In cooking, saffron releases flavors that infuse the entire dish with delicate and subtle floral aroma, and also adds a beautiful light golden hue.
The flavors are so subtle you can barely taste it on its own, but without it, you’ll feel like something is missing. It’s the kind of aroma that permeates through the entire dish and elevates it.
Yes, saffron can be expensive but it’s so worth it, in my opinion. It will take your chicken and chorizo paella from amazing to super amazing! A little bit goes a long way. I usually get mine at my local Whole Foods, but you can also find it at Trader Joe’s or online.
Ingredient Notes
Below are a few helpful ingredient notes from recipe testing. As always the full ingredient list with quantities can be found in the recipe card down below.
- Chicken thighs: I prefer to use boneless thighs because they cook faster, but bone-in thighs will work too. Cubed chicken breast works too.
- Yellow onion, red bell pepper, and garlic: These three ingredients make the sofrito, which is the flavor base or foundation.
- Canned diced tomatoes: For flavor, color, and texture.
- Smoked paprika: Provides amazing smokey flavors and adds color. Paprika is a very common spice used in Spanish cuisine.
- Spanish chorizo: Spanish chorizo is dry cured and smoked. Do NOT use Mexican chorizo, which is raw and crumbly.
- Arborio rice: This is my favorite type of rice for paella, and it’s the same one I use to make risotto. Bomba rice is also great. It absorbs liquid really well without getting mushy or clumpy. If you can’t find these, regular white short grain rice will do.
- Saffron threads: You need a large pinch, about 1 to 2 teaspoons.
- Chicken broth or stock: The liquid component to cook the rice.
- Frozen green peas: If you’re not a fan of peas, omit them.
- Salt, pepper, olive oil
- Lemon wedges: For serving. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds so much brightness and amplifies flavors. I’d HIGHLY recommend it!
- Chopped Italian parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making paella is actually very easy! No need to buy a special paella burner or pan, and no special skills required. I adapted the traditional recipe so you can make it right at home, whether it’s on a gas or electric stove.
Step 1 | Soak saffron in broth
In a small bowl, infuse the saffron threads with some chicken broth. This will bring out the floral aroma of the saffron. Set aside.
Step 2 | Season and cook chicken
Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large 12-inch skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown. It doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point.
Step 3 | Sauté sofrito and chorizo
In the same skillet (do not wipe clean), add a few more drizzles of olive oil and saute the diced onions, bell peppers, garlic, and smoked paprika until softened and fragrant. Then, add the sliced chorizo and cook for another 3 minutes, until the flavors come together.
Step 4 | Add tomatoes, rice, broth and saffron
Add the canned diced tomatoes, Arborio rice, broth, and the saffron threads (broth included). Stir to combine evenly.
Step 5 | Return chicken to skillet with peas
Return the seared chicken into the skillet, nesting it under the broth. Add the peas.
Step 6 | Simmer until cooked through
Once the broth starts to come to a simmer, cover with the lid and let it cook over low heat, undisturbed. Do not stir it, as this would cause the rice to get too sticky, sort of like risotto. Plus, you want the bottom to cook undisturbed so you can get that desired socarrat.
Cooking Paella Indoors vs. Outdoors
Paella tends to cook better and more consistently over gas flame. Traditionally, it’s cooked over an open fire, uncovered, on a special burner designed just for paellas. As you can imagine, that can be hard to replicate indoors. The biggest problem is that most regular house stoves are not large or strong enough to cook the rice evenly.
With that said, if you’re cooking indoors on a gas or electric stovetop, using a large skillet with a lid would be best. The lid will allow the rice to cook thoroughly. It can be cast iron, stainless steel, or nonstick.
If you’re looking to go the traditional route, get a paella pan burner (this one is a 20-inch, so double the recipe). It’s basically an outdoor gas burner with two burner rings, one that heats the pan around the outer edge and another one that cooks the center. You could also cook it on your grill, but be careful not to burn the handles.
Pairing and Serving Ideas
This is a beautiful dish that makes you feel right at home. And the great thing is that it’s meant to be enjoyed with lots of “tapas,” which are appetizers or snacks in Spanish cuisine meant to make a meal or accompany a main dish. Yes, bring all the tapas please!
You can also serve this chicken and chorizo paella with Grilled Vegetables with Chimichurri, Grilled Peach Salad, or a Fresh Spring Salad.
If you like rice recipes, definitely give these a try:
- Mexican Chicken and Rice (an awesome one pot meal!)
- One Pot Jambalaya
- Wild Rice Pilaf and Mushrooms
- Butternut Squash Risotto
- Curry Fried Rice
Recipe FAQs
Use dry-cured Spanish chorizo, which is typically semi-hard in texture. Do not use Mexican chorizo, which is raw and crumbly.
I like to use Arborio or Bomba rice, but any type of white short grain rice should work. Do not use brown rice.
Not necessary, if you’re cooking it indoors, I’d recommend using a large 12-inch skillet with a lid, which helps to cook the rice evenly and thoroughly. If you’re cooking outdoors, you can buy a traditional paella gas burner.
Yes! You can use a traditional paella pan or a cast iron skillet.
You could, but it may lack that unique floral aroma. However, if you can’t find saffron, the recipe will still work without it.
This recipe was published in 2019 and updated in January 2023 to include new photos and information, plus a few recipe modifications.
Tips for Success
- Use Spanish chorizo, which is dry-cured and smoked. Do not use Mexican chorizo.
- Saffron can be difficult to find and a bit expensive, but it’s such a wonderful spice that adds so much aroma throughout the entire dish. If you can, definitely use it!
- Use Arborio or Bomba rice: These absorb flavor like no other and don’t stick together. If you can’t find these, use other types of short grain rice. Don’t use brown rice.
- Don’t stir the rice once the broth starts simmering. Let it cook undisturbed. Stirring constantly creates consistency like risotto. The rice is supposed to be loose. This will also help the socarrat develop (the crust of toasted rice that forms in the bottom of the pan).
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Chicken and Chorizo Paella
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 large pinch saffron threads - about 2 teaspoons
- 6 chicken boneless thighs - or bone-in
- 1 medium yellow onion, small-diced
- 1 red bell pepper, small-diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 8 ounces dry-cured smoked Spanish chorizo, sliced - see notes below
- 1 ½ cups Arborio rice - see notes below
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 3 cups chicken broth plus 1 tablespoon, divided
- 1 cup frozen green peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
- Chopped Italian parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Combine a large pinch of saffron threads with 1 tablespoon of chicken broth to let it infuse. Set aside.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet (one with a lid) over medium heat. Cook the chicken about 6 to 8 minutes per side, until browned. Remove from the skillet and transfer to a plate. It doesn't need to be completely cooked through at this point.
- To the same pan (do not wipe), add a few more drizzles of oil. Then add the onions, bell peppers, garlic, and smoked paprika. Sauté until fragrant and soft, about 5 to 6 minutes. Add sliced Spanish chorizo and cook for about 3 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and slightly browned.
- Add the rice and canned diced tomatoes. Stir to combine for about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the 3 cups of chicken broth and saffron threads along with the broth it was infused in. Add salt and pepper to taste, and stir to combine. Bring to a light boil and then reduce to a simmer.
- Return the chicken to the pan, nesting it under the broth. Add the frozen peas on top. Cook, covered, for about 25 minutes on low heat, until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through. Tip: Once it comes to a simmer, let the rice cook undisturbed, do not stir constantly. Stirring will cause it to have the consistency of risotto.
- Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving, with the lid covered. During this time, the rice will absorb the remaining liquid and flavors. Serve with parsley and lemon wedges. I'd highly recommend a squeeze of lemon juice to amplify flavors. Enjoy!
Notes
- Spanish chorizo: It’s dry-cured and smoked. Do not use Mexican chorizo – it’s raw and crumbly, so it won’t work.
- Rice: I use Arborio or Bomba rice. If you can’t find it, use other types of short grain rice, but don’t use brown rice.
- Saffron: This spice looks almost like flower strings or threads. It’s derived from a flower called crocus sativus. I get it at Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s, and it’s also available online.
- For indoors cooking, I find that using a large 12-inch skillet with a lid works best. If cooking outdoors, cook on a grill or get a paella gas burner.
- Paella tastes best when it’s freshly made, so I would not recommend making it ahead.
- I’d highly recommend a squeeze of fresh lemon juice when serving. It amplifies flavors and it’s amazing!
- Leftovers: Store in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.
- Chicken thighs: Use boneless or bone-in thighs. Cubed chicken breast will work too.
- Arborio rice: Bomba rice, Calasparra, Senia, and Bahia rice. Or regular white short grain rice. Do not use brown rice.
- Saffron: If you can’t find it, omit.
Cathy says
Outstanding dish for a dinner with a couple of friends. We made the recipe pretty much as written (used boneless skinless chicken thighs, no onion). We found a nice Spanish chorizo at Whole Foods and took the casing off. The flavor was great and everyone enjoyed it. We did it on a 16” paella pan over a grill without changing the proportions in this recipe and it worked really well. There were just enough leftovers for a single lunch. Thank you!
Sarah Cunningham says
Amazing!!!! I stayed close to exact. One faux pas. Couldn’t find the right chorizo so I did exactly what she said not to and tried Mexican chorizo (confession – I never cooked with this before in my life. Crumbly is an understatement…it basically melted.) thankfully I experimented with the wrong chorizo in a separate pan. I salvaged what I could from the melted down mess and added it to the veggies when I added in the rice. Honestly it just added nice flavour in the end. I could only find skin on, bone in thighs. My pack came with seven of these…I couldn’t just leave one man behind so I added all seven. It just barely fit in the pan. I am pleased with how it turned out although it was close to overflowing. I was disciplined enough not to open the top while the rice was cooking and instead just mopped up some overflow with a paper towel. I didn’t need to add much salt overall as the broth, chicken (from salting at the beginning), and chorizo had plenty.
For a Spanish themed night I paired with this salad and sangria. I probably would have added a crusty bread next time to stretch the meal a little more. Would go nice with the salad.
David Bauman says
I made this recipe a few months ago just for a change of pace. It’s now become a weekly tradition in this house. One the the best dinner dishes I’ve ever prepared. I absolutely enjoy fixing this, especially since I only need one large skillet.
Most of the time I prepare it without the chorizo due to the sodium content but I use extra garlic, saffron and smoked paprika to compensate for that.
All I need to do now is get a much larger paella pan.
Tim says
Cooked this recipe tonight and it was really nice. Everyone said how tasty it was.
I used chicken thighs but de-boned them and cut them into bit sized pieces. I also used a couple of handfuls of black olive to mix up the colours a bit. The meal came out very nicely. I will drop the peas when I cook this again, they didn’t fit in compared to everything else.
Irene says
Regarding the smoked or semi-smoked Spanish chorizo. Is it soft so it will crumble after cooking or harder where it would be sliced?
Tania says
It won’t crumble. It’s harder where it would be sliced.
Tiffany M says
Holy moley! A good friend of mine made this recipe for me when I was newly post partum and it was the PERFECT go-to dinner because it’s so delicious and so reheatable! It doesn’t dry out and it’s good home-cooked comfort food. We will be making this again!
Jess G says
Made this today and it was fantastic! I didn’t follow any cooking times as it is all pretty much common sense. We also the recipe as we were entertaining for a group and it was definitely the crowd favourite. Will be making again, thank you! 😊
Tania says
Hi Jess, this is so great to hear! Thanks so much fo trying it!!
Matt says
Have made this several times! Rich, complex flavors and wonderful textures – love it!
Cristina says
We family loved it! The flavors were out of this world and so delicious. Will definitely make again.
Allie says
I want to love this, but the prep/cook time was much longer in reality. When I had finished with the cook time per the recipe, I had undercooked, hard rice. Taste was good, but too much adjusting had to be done on my end to make it a personal favorite.
Sharon says
Loved it! Cooked the chorizo with the chicken at the start to give it flavour and to put flavour into the pan for the sofrito to cook in. It was divine and great flavour – thank you. Used 1 litre stock. A huge hit.
Jay Kirby says
If I want to make for 8 do I double every ingredient?
Tania says
Hi Jay! Yup, but you may need to make it in 2 separate pans so that nothing spills over while cooking.
Kris says
Please do not use Arborio rice for Paella, yes when you google it, it says you can substitute it but it also says Jasmine rice is great substitute but they aren’t
Bomba is the rice you want, Amazon has it. Make sure you also allow the rice to caramelized on the bottom, the socarrat is very important in paella
Kim hopkins says
I’ve made this recipe a handful of times because my family loves it. I had to watch videos of how to make paella and purchase a paella pan as well. I did use a version of chorizo that is ground, but not the type in the tube. We love it! I’ve made this for several family members, and it’s quite the treat!!
Judy D Mercadal says
I didn’t like the chorizo sauage, It was too soft and greasey. I also added DD hot smoke sauage. Instead of white rice, I used par excellance saffron rice from Sams.. The paella was good, but could have been bettef without the chorizo.
Kristin Cadengo says
Can you use mexican chorizo
Tania says
Hi Kristin, I wouldn’t recommend using Mexican chorizo in this recipe. Use smoked or semi-smoked Spanish chorizo for best results.
Elyse says
I always thought paella had seafood in it? Not just chicken and chorizo.
Gail says
A paella is about using what is local, in season and there is an glut of. It will be different for every region. Play about with the ingredients and make it your own. Most of all enjoy.
David Huston says
OK…so where do you buy semi smoked Spanish chorizo?
Tania says
I usually find semi-smoked Spanish chorizo near the cured meats section at the grocery store. Not sure if every grocery store carries semi-smoked Spanish chorizo, so I’d check out specialty stores or buy online too. Hope it helps! 🙂
David Bauman says
Sprouts Farmers Market usually carries Boar’s Head Spanish style chorizo in an 8 ounce package.