High Protein Paella

Chicken and chorizo paella is a classic Spanish dish that has become increasingly popular around the world. It is a one-pot meal (like a Jambalaya) that is easy to make, it tastes like a summer holiday and it is perfect for feeding a crowd. This recipe was created by my buddy Graeme aka The Fitness Chef and it consists rice, chicken, chorizo, and a variety of vegetables and spices. The combination of flavours and textures is simply irresistible. It is a dish that has a rich history and cultural significance in Spain. Paella originated in the Valencia region in the 18th century. It was originally made by farmers and workers who used whatever ingredients they had on hand to make a filling and nutritious meal. The dish was traditionally cooked over an open fire, using a large flat pan called a paellera. Over time, the dish became more popular, and different regions of Spain developed their own variations. Nowadays, paella is considered the epitome of Spanish cooking and is enjoyed all over the world. Chicken & Chorixo & Rice Key Ingredients Chicken Breast. Lean, easy to source and versatile it's the main source of protein for this dish. You could use thighs but it would increase the calories. Alternatively, you could use pork too. Chorizo. Adds a delicious smoky flavour to the dish. However, it comes at a price, the moment chorizo is added it's no longer a paella. See below for more. Turmeric. Gives the dish a bit of an early flavour and some beautiful, vibrant colouring. Turmeric has also been found to have antioxidant properties that can help protect the body against damage from free radicals. Paella Rice.Very simmilar to arborio (risotto) rice. If you don't have any then arborio rice is a fine swap. Spinach. A greatvegetable for wilting away to nothing and good for folks who aren't big veggie eaters. Also adds some nice colour and it's a great plant-based source of iron too. King Prawns.A good paella always has some prawns but I get it, not everyone is keen for shellfish so you can easily leave them out if you prefer. Lemon.Use plenty of this. I use a whole half for juicing and then slices for garnish. Stock.Chicken stock is the obvious choice but vegetable works too. It doesn't need to be too strong as there is a lot of flavour in the dish already so I only use one stock cube to make the 750 ml required. Smoked Paprika.This, like the chorizo, gives it a deliciously smoky, rich flavour and also enhances the colour. Is Chorizo Used In Traditional Paella? While chorizo is not traditionally used in paella, it can certainly be added to the dish to add a delicious smoky, slightly spicy flavour to the dish. When cooked, the chorizo releases its fat, which can help to flavour the rice and other ingredients in the paella. However, the purists would argue that the moment you add chorizo to paella it stops being 'paella' and instead becomes 'arroz con cosas' or 'rice with things'. So it's up to you. If you want to go super traditional, leave it out. But if you're like me, I think it enhances the dish so I cook my paella with it left in. Print clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon Chicken and Chorizo Paella ★ 5 Stars ☆ ★ 4 Stars ☆ ★ 3 Stars ☆ ★ 2 Stars ☆ ★ 1 Star ☆ No reviews Print Recipe Pin Recipe Chicken and chorizo paella is a classic Spanish dish that features a flavorful combination of delicious paella rice, juicy chicken, and spicy chorizo. This savoury and aromatic one-pan meal is perfect for a cosy night in or a festive gathering with friends and family. Try it out and transport yourself to the sunny streets of Valencia! Total Time: 35 mins Yield: 4 1 x Ingredients Units MUS Scale 1x2x3x 1 tsp olive oil 75 g chorizo, diced 1 onion, finely chopped 500 g chicken breast, chopped 20g garlic, finely chopped 1 tsp turmeric 1 tsp smoked paprika 200 g paella rice (uncooked weight) 750 ml chicken stock (just use one stock cube) 100 g cooked king prawns Juice of 1/2 a lemon 100 g spinach Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark Instructions Heat the oil in large pan on a medium to high heat. Add the chorizo and onion and cook for about 5 minutes until the onion is turning brown and the chorizo is releasing delicious oil. Add the chicken breast and fry for a few more minutes to add some colour to the chicken. It doesn't need to be fully cooked through at this stage. Add the turmeric, smoked paprika and garlic and fry for a further 30 seconds. Tip in the uncooked paella rice and stir through so it's coated in the oil and flavours. Add the stock and simmer for 15 minutes, uncovered, and stir often so the rice doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan. Add the prawns, a squeeze of lemon, the spinach and simmer for 5 minutes more. Serve and enjoy! Author: Scott Baptie Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 25 mins Category: Meat Method: Hob Cuisine: Spanish Nutrition Serving Size: 1 Calories: 448 Fat: 12g Carbohydrates: 45g Protein: 40g Keywords: Chicken chorizo paella, chorizo paella, chicken paella recipe, paella recipe Did you make this recipe? Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made! Storage Tips To Store:As soon as the rice has reached room temperature, get it into the fridge! This will keep in the fridge for about a day before drying out. To Reheat:There is a misconception about reheating rice. It's fine. Just make sure you microwave it so it's piping hot. The issue with rice is that when it's left at room temperature a bacteria found in rice produces a toxin which can cause stomach pain and sickness. To Freeze:Not recommended. Reheating frozen rice often makes it go stodgy and unpleasant to eat. Eating it fresh keeps it light, fluffy and tasty, FAQs What makes this dish special? The combination of chicken and chorizo gives the paella a rich and savoury flavour, while the turmeric adds a distinctive aroma and vibrant colour. Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken? Yes, you can substitute chicken with other meats such as pork, beef, or seafood to make different variations of the dish. Is paella difficult to make? Paella can be a bit tricky to make, especially if you are cooking it for the first time. However, with the right ingredients and technique, it can be a delicious and satisfying dish to make at home.

Scott is the owner and founder of Food For Fitness. He is a fat loss coach, speaker and fitness writer with a masters (MSc) degree in Applied Sports Nutrition.

I bought the high protein handbook 6 and it has been a great slow cooker recipe book that the whole family has enjoyed. The recipes always come out well with a good consistency for the sauce and taste delicious. I have now purchased the remaining books and can’t wait to try new recipes! Thanks

Chorizo Paella With Shrimp And Chicken

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At Food For Fitness we’ll show you how you can lose weight without the suffering, punishing fitness regimes or extreme diets! Discover healthy recipes, weight loss advice, exercise tips, nutrition guides and more.

Get in touch with us via our contact form or via email info@ for more information about Food For Fitness and how to get started with a nutrition plan designed for your lifestyle.

At Food For Fitness we’ll show you how you can lose weight without the suffering, punishing fitness regimes or extreme diets! Discover healthy recipes, weight loss advice, exercise tips, nutrition guides and more.

Get in touch with us via our contact form or via email info@ for more information about Food For Fitness and how to get started with a nutrition plan designed for your lifestyle.