Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Paella Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Chorizo Paella is a flavorful and vibrant dish that brings together tender chicken, smoky chorizo, and saffron-infused rice in a one-pan wonder. This Spanish-inspired dish is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, offering a delicious and satisfying meal that’s packed with bold flavors.

What is Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Paella?

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Chorizo Paella is a Spanish-style rice dish that combines the rich flavors of chicken, spicy chorizo, and saffron-infused rice, cooked together in a single pan. Unlike traditional paella, which often includes seafood, this version focuses on the hearty combination of chicken and chorizo, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer meat-based dishes. The result is a vibrant, colorful dish that’s bursting with flavor.

Other Popular Recipes

• Hairy Bikers Meat And Potato Pie
• James Martin Steak And Kidney Pudding
• Jamie Oliver Chicken And Chorizo Risotto

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of smoky chorizo, tender chicken, and saffron-infused rice creates a deliciously rich and aromatic dish.
• One-Pan Meal: Everything is cooked in one pan, making cleanup easy and convenient.
• Perfect for Entertaining: This colorful and flavorful dish is ideal for serving at dinner parties or family gatherings.
• Hearty and Satisfying: With its generous portions of meat and rice, this paella is a filling and satisfying meal.
• Jamie Oliver’s Twist: This recipe brings a unique spin on traditional paella, focusing on bold, meaty flavors.

Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Paella

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 200g (7 oz) chorizo, sliced
• 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 300g (10.5 oz) paella rice (or Arborio rice)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric (or a pinch of saffron threads)
• 1 liter (34 fl oz) hot chicken stock
• 1 can (400g/14 oz) diced tomatoes
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Equipment

• Large frying pan or paella pan
• Wooden spoon
• Ladle
• Chopping board and knife

Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Paella

Step 1: Cook the Chorizo and Chicken

• Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan or paella pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Cook the Chorizo: Add the sliced chorizo to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until it releases its oils and becomes slightly crispy. Remove the chorizo from the pan and set aside, leaving the oil in the pan.
• Brown the Chicken: In the same pan, add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside with the chorizo.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

• Cook the Onion and Garlic: In the same pan, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
• Add the Bell Peppers: Stir in the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 3: Cook the Paella

• Add the Rice: Stir in the paella rice and cook for 1-2 minutes until the rice is well-coated with the oil and begins to turn translucent.
• Add Spices: Stir in the smoked paprika and ground turmeric (or saffron threads) until evenly distributed.
• Add Stock and Tomatoes: Pour in the hot chicken stock and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Simmer the Paella: Return the cooked chicken and chorizo to the pan, arranging them evenly on top of the rice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Avoid stirring the rice too much to allow a crispy crust (socarrat) to form on the bottom.

Step 4: Serve the Paella

• Garnish with Parsley: Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the paella for a burst of freshness.
• Serve with Lemon: Serve the paella hot, with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Paella

This flavorful paella pairs well with a variety of side dishes:

• Simple Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the paella.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
• Grilled Vegetables: Grilled zucchini, eggplant, or asparagus make great side dishes.
• Garlic Aioli: A dollop of garlic aioli on the side adds a creamy, garlicky element to the dish.
• Olives and Tapas: Serve with a selection of Spanish-style tapas, like olives, marinated artichokes, or patatas bravas.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Paella

To ensure your chicken and chorizo paella turns out perfectly, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Use Paella Rice: Paella rice, such as Bomba or Calasparra, is ideal for this dish because it absorbs liquid well and retains a firm texture. If unavailable, Arborio rice can be used as a substitute.
• Get the Socarrat: The crispy crust at the bottom of the paella, known as socarrat, is a prized element of the dish. To achieve this, avoid stirring the rice during the final stages of cooking and increase the heat slightly towards the end.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Add the chicken back into the pan during the final cooking stage to ensure it stays tender and juicy.
• Use Fresh Spices: Fresh paprika and saffron (or turmeric) will give your paella a more vibrant flavor and color.
• Let It Rest: After cooking, let the paella rest for a few minutes off the heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Paella

Here are a few ways to customize your chicken and chorizo paella:

• Seafood Addition: Add prawns, mussels, or squid during the last few minutes of cooking for a seafood twist.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and chorizo, and add a variety of vegetables like artichokes, green beans, or peas.
• Spicy Chorizo: Use spicy chorizo for an extra kick of heat.
• Add Saffron: If available, use saffron threads instead of turmeric for a more authentic flavor.
• Herbed Paella: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.

Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Paella

Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality of your paella:

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store leftover paella in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat Gently: Reheat the paella in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water if needed to prevent it from drying out.
• Avoid Freezing: Paella is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing can alter the texture of the rice.

Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Paella

Reheating paella while maintaining its flavor and texture is easy:

• Stovetop Reheating: Reheat the paella in a large pan over low heat, adding a little chicken stock or water to keep it moist. Stir gently to heat through.
• Avoid Microwaving: Reheating in the microwave can make the rice dry and chewy, so it’s best to use the stovetop.

How Can I Make Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Paella Healthier?

For a healthier version of chicken and chorizo paella, consider these adjustments:

• Use Lean Chicken Breast: Opt for chicken breast instead of thighs for a lower fat content.
• Reduce Chorizo: Use less chorizo or choose a lower-fat version to reduce the dish’s overall fat content.
• Increase Vegetables: Add more vegetables like peas, zucchini, or spinach to bulk up the dish with fewer calories.
• Use Brown Rice: Substitute paella rice with brown rice for added fiber, though this will change the texture and cooking time.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 580
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 22g
• Sodium: 700mg

FAQs

Can I Use Arborio Rice Instead of Paella Rice?

Yes, you can use Arborio rice instead of paella rice in this recipe. While traditional paella rice, like Bomba or Calasparra, is preferred for its ability to absorb liquid while remaining firm, Arborio rice can also be used. Arborio will create a creamier texture similar to risotto, but it will still work well in this dish.

What Can I Use Instead of Saffron in Paella?

If saffron is unavailable or too expensive, ground turmeric is a good alternative. While turmeric doesn’t replicate the exact flavor of saffron, it does provide a similar yellow color and a mild, earthy taste. Use about 1 teaspoon of turmeric in place of a pinch of saffron threads.

How Do I Achieve the Crispy Bottom in Paella?

To achieve the crispy bottom layer, known as socarrat, avoid stirring the paella during the last few minutes of cooking. Once the liquid is mostly absorbed, increase the heat slightly and let the rice cook undisturbed for a few minutes. Listen for a crackling sound, which indicates the rice is forming a crust.

Can I Add Seafood to Chicken and Chorizo Paella?

Yes, you can add seafood to chicken and chorizo paella to create a mixed paella. Prawns, mussels, or squid can be added during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Arrange the seafood on top of the rice and cover with a lid or foil to ensure it cooks through. This combination adds a variety of textures and flavors to the dish.

Final Words

The Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Paella is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the bold, smoky flavors of chorizo together with tender chicken and saffron-infused rice. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this paella is sure to impress with its rich flavors and beautiful presentation.

More By British Baking Recipes

• Delia Chicken And Leek Pie
• James Martin Meat And Potato Pie
• Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Stew
• Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Pasta Bake

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