Delicious Paella Recipe to Impress Your Guests!

Jump to Recipe

Paella is a vibrant, one-pan dish that captures the essence of Spanish cuisine. This recipe brings together perfectly cooked rice, tender chicken, fresh seafood, and colorful veggies, all simmered in a rich, saffron-infused broth. Every bite is bursting with flavor, from the smokiness of paprika to the briny goodness of shrimp and mussels. It’s a dish meant to be shared, making it perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.

Despite its impressive presentation, making paella is simpler than you think. With just a few key ingredients and the right timing, you can create this authentic Spanish classic right in your own kitchen. The best part? The crispy layer of rice at the bottom, called the socarrat, is a must-try delight that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• 1/4 cup Extra virgin olive Oil (Spanish EVOO if you have it)
• 1 Onion , diced
• 1 bell pepper , diced (I like to use ½ red and ½ green)
• 4 cloves Garlic
• 3 roma tomatoes , very finely diced (or 8 oz. tomato sauce)
• Bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon paprika , sweet or smoked
• 1 pinch saffron threads*
• Salt and pepper
• ¼ cup white wine
• 4 boneless , skinless chicken thighs , cut into pieces*
• ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley chopped, divided
• 2 cups Spanish Rice*
• 5 cups Chicken Broth*
• 8 oz calamari rings
• 1/2 lb Mussels (about 10-12), cleaned properly (beards off)
• Lemons , for garnish

How to Make Delicious Paella Recipe to Impress Your Guests!:

• Add olive oil to a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, bell peppers and garlic and cook until onion is translucent. Add chopped tomato, bay leaf, paprika, saffron salt and pepper. Stir and cook for 5 minutes. Add white wine and cook for 10 minutes. Taste and add salt if needed.
• Add chicken pieces, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley and rice to the pot. Cook for 1 minute.
• Pour the broth slowly all around the pan and jiggle the pan to get the rice into an even layer. (Do not stir the mixture going forward!)
• Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low. Give the pan a gentle shake back and forth just once or twice during cooking. (We don’t ever stir the rice, so that a crispy crust forms at the bottom, called a socarrat).
• Cook for about 15-18 minutes (uncovered), then nestle the shrimp, mussels and calamari into the mixture, sprinkle peas on top and continue to cook (without stirring) for about 5 more minutes. Watch for most of the liquid to be absorbed and the rice at the top nearly tender. (If for some reason your rice is still not cooked, add ¼ cup more water or broth and continue cooking).
• Remove pan from heat and cover pan with a lid or tinfoil. Place a kitchen towel over the lid and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve.