Chicken and Chorizo Paella

Cheat’s Paella
Chicken and Chorizo Paella

Although this is far from an authentic Spanish paella, it is a delicious weeknight alternative that’s quicker and easier to make. My Chicken and Chorizo Paella recipe combines chicken, chorizo and creamy arborio rice to make this colourful signature dish packed with flavour. I used peas and capsicum (bell pepper) here, but feel free to customise your paella with whatever veggies you have lying around. One pot is all you need for this dish, and the method is just so simple!

Cheat’s Paella

Can you make Chicken and Chorizo Paella ahead of time?

Yes, this Chicken and Chorizo Paella can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the fridge overnight before reheating (otherwise the rice can turn mushy during reheating).

Watch how to make Chicken and Chorizo Paella

Is Chicken and Chorizo Paella suitable for leftovers?

Yes, Chicken and Chorizo Paella can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Cheat’s Paella

Chicken and Chorizo Paella

Author: Nicole
4.8 from 9 votes
“What a great hack for making paella! The kids loved it (the 5yo said it was 100 out of 5 stars) and so much easier than other recipes.”
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A twist on the classic, but way easier and faster to make, this Chicken and Chorizo Paella recipe is ideal for busy weeknights. Filled with chicken, chorizo and rice in a garlicky tomato sauce, you can enjoy the flavours of Spain anytime you feel like it with this one-pot wonder.  
Prep 5 minutes
Cook 30 minutes
Total 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 200 g (7 oz) Spanish chorizo (2 chorizos)
  • 300 g (10½ oz) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp sweet paprika
  • 1 capsicum (bell pepper), cut into strips
  • 80 g ( cup) canned crushed tomatoes or passata
  • 440 g (2 cups) arborio rice
  • 1 litre (4 cups) chicken stock
  • 75 g (½ cup) frozen peas
  • ½ tsp sea salt flakes
  • ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • ½ bunch flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped, to serve
  • Lemon wedges, to serve

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-based pan over high heat. Add the onion, garlic, chorizo, chicken and paprika. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the capsicum and cook for a further 5 minutes.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes (or passata), arborio rice and chicken stock. Bring to a simmer, then turn the heat to low, place the lid on and cook for 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
  • Add the frozen peas, place the lid back on and cook for a further 5 minutes.
  • Stir and leave to rest for 5 minutes to absorb any residual liquid. Season to taste (add salt and pepper only if required, as the chorizo and stock may make the dish salty enough).
  • Top with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Nutrition information

Nutrition Facts
Chicken and Chorizo Paella
Amount per Serving
Calories
815
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
24
g
37
%
Saturated Fat
 
7
g
44
%
Trans Fat
 
0.01
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
6
g
Cholesterol
 
110
mg
37
%
Sodium
 
758
mg
33
%
Potassium
 
833
mg
24
%
Carbohydrates
 
108
g
36
%
Fiber
 
7
g
29
%
Sugar
 
9
g
10
%
Protein
 
39
g
78
%
Vitamin A
 
2505
IU
50
%
Vitamin C
 
60
mg
73
%
Calcium
 
53
mg
5
%
Iron
 
8
mg
44
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Disclaimer re gluten-free and dairy-free recipes

Watch how to make it

Recipe notes

MAKE AHEAD

Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the fridge overnight before reheating (otherwise the rice can turn mushy during reheating).

LEFTOVERS

Refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!
Course chicken, entrée, Main Course, paella
Cuisine Spanish
  1. 4 stars
    This was yummy! It took longer than 15 mins to cook though and I think it needs to be on medium heat

    • Thanks for the feedback, Nat! Nic x

  2. 4 stars
    This was so yummy however, the rice was still raw after 20 mins on a low heat. It took about 40 mins to cook. I’ll probably cook it on med next time. Also random question do I need to take the skin off the chorizo?

    • Hi Nat, thanks for your question. It sounds to me like it needed to be on a higher heat … bubbles should be appearing on the surface as you cook. Also, dry/cured chorizo usually doesn’t need to be peeled (unless it’s tough, plastic or paper, in which case it’s usually specified on the packaging). The fresh (raw) chorizo casing is edible, but can be removed if it’s being crumbled/broken up into a dish. I hope this helps! Nic x

  3. Love this recipe… I’m a huge fan from Malaysia… I hope and pray to get your cookbook 🙏🙏🙏 thank you for cooking such amazingly delicious food

    • Hi Maanprit, thank you for the lovely feedback! The book is available to buy here on amazon.com.au. Are you able to buy from there? Nic x

  4. What a great hack for making paella! The kids loved it (the 5yo said it was 100 out of 5 stars) and so much easier than other recipes.

    • “100 out of 5 stars” has got to be the best compliment I’ve ever had! How wonderful! I’m so glad you all enjoyed it. Nic x

  5. 5 stars
    This recipe was so flavoursome. Definitely a family meal plan keeper.

  6. 5 stars
    All your recipes have been hits in our family. However, my picky toddler particularly enjoys this one! We use whatever vegetables we have in our fridge and the children regularly request this “red rice”

  7. Another delicious recipe. Easy and quick to make. Love it being in one pot and not needing to stand and stir it all the time. A regular here

  8. 5 stars
    Delicious meal. Chorizo gives it a bit of kick but still nice. Took about 40 mins for mine to combine and cook properly but no complaints when it tastes this good.

  9. 5 stars
    So quick and love the one pan! Cooked beautifully. I also seared the chorizo first for that crispiness!

  10. 5 stars
    This looks great! I’m not able to have chorizo due to pregnancy, but could you swap in something else like bacon maybe? Or just keep out?

  11. 5 stars
    Sooo delicious and easy! No standing at the stove stirring constantly is a winner for me!

  12. 5 stars
    We make this Paella all the time and love it. We like our chorizo crispy, so I cook that first until crispy then follow the rest of the instructions. Delish!

    • Love, love the idea of really crisping up that chorizo, I am so glad this recipe has been a favourite at your place! Thank you for taking the time to comment on and rate the recipe, means so much to me! x

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Disclaimer re gluten-free and dairy-free recipes 

For recipes labelled ‘gluten-free’ or ‘dairy-free’, the ingredients included in the recipe are typically gluten- or dairy-free. However, it is the user’s responsibility to carefully check the ingredient panels on the specific brands of products purchased and used. Simple Home Edit cannot be held responsible for any adverse reactions.