Rice Cooker Chicken Chorizo Paella
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever wondered how to nail those rice cooker meals without slaving over a hot stove? I know, I have! This Rice Cooker Chicken & Chorizo Paella gives you amazing flavour.
It is a ridiculously easy one-pot dish.
Brief Overview
Paella is traditionally a Spanish dish, full of vibrant color and taste. Our DIY food recipe makes it easier. This easy rice recipe will bring the flavors of Spain straight from your rice cooker.
It is an easy recipe that takes about an hour. The recipe yields four servings.
Main Benefits
The chicken and chorizo offer a good protein punch. This makes it a hearty and balanced meal. Serve it on a busy weeknight.
What makes it special? It is a fancy meal. But this one is incredibly easy using your rice cooker.
Craving Spanish Flavors?
This Spanish rice cooker recipe will be on repeat. Its complex flavor profile fools the eye. It is an amazing dish in under one hour.
All-Star Ingredients for Rice Cooker Paella
Here's what you'll need. The aromatic base starts with olive oil, onion, garlic, red bell pepper, smoked paprika, turmeric, and maybe some saffron. The saffron truly ups the flavor.
Protein Powerhouse
Then you need your protein. We're talking chicken thighs. They should be cut into pieces and sliced chorizo. It is the secret to smoky flavor.
Rice and Liquid
For the rice, it must be short grain like Bomba or Arborio. This is important. Use three cups of chicken broth.
A half cup of frozen peas and green beans round out this meal. The side dish recipes will truly be a star.
Garnish
Chop up fresh parsley. Add some lemon wedges for that final touch.
Let's Do This
This recipe makes quick rice cooker dinners possible. We are trading complexity for the convenience of a one-pot meal. You can cook this chicken and rice cooker recipes even faster.
This recipe is a great starting point for getting into one pot rice cooker meals !
Let's Talk Ingredients & Equipment!
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make some amazing rice cooker meals . I'm telling you, folks, this isn't rocket science.
It's all about getting the right stuff and keeping it simple. Ready? Rice Side Dishes , here we come.
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter
Okay, so for this Rice Cooker Chicken & Chorizo Paella, we're aiming for flavor town.
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Good quality extra virgin olive oil adds a nice touch.
- Onion: 1 medium , finely chopped. Yellow or white, whatever you prefer.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Don't skimp on the garlic!
- Red bell pepper: 1 , chopped. Adds color and a bit of sweetness.
- Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon (5 ml). This is key for that smoky paella flavor.
- Turmeric: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml). For color and a hint of earthiness.
- Saffron threads: A pinch (about 1/8 teaspoon ). This is optional. It adds authentic flavor.
- Chicken thighs: 1 pound (450g), boneless, skinless, and cut into 1 inch pieces. Thighs are more flavorful than breast.
- Chorizo: 4 ounces (115g), sliced. I prefer Spanish chorizo. Mexican works too.
- Short grain rice: 1 ½ cups (300g) like Bomba or Arborio. Do not use long grain.
- Chicken broth: 3 cups (720 ml). Low sodium is best.
- Frozen peas: ½ cup (75g). Adds a bit of sweetness and color.
- Frozen green beans: ½ cup (75g), cut. More veggies.
- Fresh parsley: Optional, for garnish.
- Lemon wedges: Optional, for serving.
Seasoning: Spice It Up!
Let's talk about easy rice recipes . Smoked paprika and turmeric are a must. Saffron elevates the flavor. Don't forget that pinch! Seriously, saffron is kind of expensive, but it makes a HUGE difference if you want that real paella vibe.
Paprika is your workhorse for that quick rice cooker dinners .
The Gear You'll Need
For all rice cooker recipes easy , you don't need much!
- Rice cooker: Obvious, right?
- Measuring cups and spoons: You can guesstimate, but precise measurements are ideal.
- Cutting board: For chopping those veggies, obviously.
- Knife: A decent chef's knife will make your life easier.
That's it! Now you're ready to make some chicken and rice cooker recipes , it really is that easy. I promise.
Side dish recipes will never be the same! Let's embrace these one pot rice cooker meals !
Rice Cooker Chicken & Chorizo Paella: A One-Pot Wonder!
Forget slaving over a hot stove. We're bringing that amazing paella flavor straight to your rice cooker . Seriously, this recipe is a game changer.
It's perfect for those nights when you want something comforting and flavourful. Rice cooker meals have never been this good.
And honestly, who has time for a fussy recipe these days? This rice cooker paella recipe is a breeze. Get ready for some super easy rice recipes and quick rice cooker dinners
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic
First things first: Chop your 1 medium onion, mince your 2 cloves of garlic, and dice your 1 red bell pepper.
Cut 1 pound of chicken thighs into bite sized pieces. Slice 4 ounces of chorizo. Now, measure out your 1 ½ cups of short grain rice and 3 cups of chicken broth.
Have ½ cup of frozen peas and green beans ready. It is what we call essential mise en place . Having everything prepped saves loads of time.
Plus, it makes the cooking process way less stressful. This way, you can relax and enjoy creating one of the best side dish recipes .
This is one of my favorite diy food recipes .
Easy Peasy Process: From Prep to Plate
- Sauté the Base: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to your rice cooker. Toss in the onion and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes , until soft.
- Spice it Up: Stir in 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon turmeric, and a pinch of saffron (if you're feeling fancy). Add the red bell pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes .
- Brown the Goodies: Add chicken and chorizo. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned. Don't worry about cooking it through just yet.
- Rice and Broth: Stir in 1 ½ cups of short grain rice and 3 cups of chicken broth. Make sure the rice is evenly distributed.
- Cook Time: Close the lid and set your rice cooker to "cook." Let it do its thing. This usually takes around 45 minutes , but keep an eye on it.
- Veggie Boost: Once the rice cooker switches to "warm," add ½ cup of frozen peas and green beans. Close the lid and let it sit for 5 minutes .
- Fluff and Feast: Fluff the paella with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges. You know you want to!
Pro Tips & Tricks: Level Up Your Paella Game
- Rice is Key: Use short grain rice. Seriously, this is super important. It gives the paella its authentic texture. Bomba or Arborio are fab choices.
- No Peeking: Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking! It messes with the temperature and steam.
- make-ahead Magic: This Spanish rice cooker recipes is even better the next day! The flavors meld together beautifully. So, you can totally make it ahead of time.
This chicken and rice cooker recipes is seriously addictive. Give it a try, and tell me what you think! You'll be amazed at how easy it is to whip up a restaurant quality paella in your own kitchen.
It is a winner from the list of rice side dishes .
Recipe Notes: Your Paella Survival Guide
Alright, so you've braved the Rice Cooker Chicken & Chorizo Paella: A One-Pot Wonder! recipe. High five! But before you dive in headfirst, let's chat about some things that'll take your rice cooker meals from "meh" to "magnificent".
I am a big fun of Easy Rice Recipes , and This paella recipe is one of those side dish recipes that'll make everyone think you're a culinary genius.
Plating Like a Pro and Other Bright Ideas for Serving
Presentation is key, innit? Don't just dump the paella in a bowl. Fluff it up nicely with a fork. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top.
Serve with lemon wedges. It is a really nice way to elevate your DIY food recipes .
On the side? A simple green salad cuts through the richness. Crusty garlic bread? A total winner for sopping up those lovely juices.
Feeling fancy? Sangria, obviously! It pairs with Spanish rice cooker recipes perfectly.
Storage Secrets: Fridge and Freezer Hacks
Leftovers are a blessing, not a curse. Pop that paella in an airtight container and it'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Fancy freezing it? Go for it! Just make sure it's completely cooled first. When reheating, add a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Nobody likes dry rice side dishes .
Remixing Your Paella: Adaptations Galore!
Want to switch things up? Go vegetarian! Load it with artichokes, asparagus, and mushrooms. Swap chicken for shrimp, mussels, and calamari for an epic seafood version.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Dietary needs? No problem! This rice cooker paella recipe is super adaptable.
Nitty Gritty: A Little Bit About Nutrition
Okay, I am not a nutritionist, but here’s the lowdown. Each serving is roughly 450 calories. You get about 35g of protein, 20g of fat, and 30g of carbs.
Chicken gives you protein. Veggies provide those vitamins. Basically, it's a balanced meal. This chicken and rice cooker recipes are the bomb!
You know, Quick rice cooker dinners are my go-to on busy weeknights. I once tried making this paella with long grain rice. Disaster! Use short grain rice.
This recipe is so easy even your nan could nail it. Now go forth, conquer your rice cooker, and enjoy some one pot rice cooker meals . You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you really make proper paella in a rice cooker? Seems a bit too good to be true!
It does sound like a bit of a cheat, doesn't it? While it's not exactly the same as a traditional paella cooked in a paellera (that big, shallow pan), using a rice cooker is a fantastic shortcut for busy weeknights.
You get all the delicious flavors of paella with a fraction of the effort, so it's definitely worth a go, especially if you're not aiming for MasterChef levels of authenticity!
What kind of rice is best for these rice cooker meals, especially for paella? I've got Uncle Ben's in the cupboard...
Oh dear, Uncle Ben's (or any long grain rice) isn't ideal for this recipe! You really need a short grain rice like Bomba or Arborio. These types of rice absorb liquid much better and create that characteristic slightly sticky texture of paella.
If you absolutely must use long grain, it won't be paella, and you'll need to drastically reduce the amount of liquid.
My rice cooker has a "keep warm" function, but no "sauté". How do I brown the chicken and chorizo?
No worries! Most rice cookers will still get hot enough to sauté using the regular "cook" setting. Just keep a close eye on it and stir frequently to prevent anything from burning.
If your rice cooker really struggles to get hot, you can quickly brown the chicken and chorizo in a frying pan on the stovetop before adding them to the rice cooker. Think of it as giving your meal a head start!
Can I adapt this rice cooker paella recipe to be vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! It's easily adaptable. Simply omit the chicken and chorizo. To compensate for the lost flavor, add more vegetables like artichoke hearts, asparagus, mushrooms, or even some roasted red peppers. Make sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian or vegan.
Maybe add some chickpeas or butter beans for protein too!
How long will leftover rice cooker meals like this paella keep, and how should I store them?
Leftover paella should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 2-3 days. Make sure to cool it down as quickly as possible before refrigerating. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out. It's a great packed lunch, or reheated for dinner.
I'm watching my calories. How can I make this rice cooker paella healthier?
Good on you! You can definitely lighten this up. Use chicken breast instead of thighs (though it might be a bit drier). Use turkey chorizo for a lower fat option, or even skip the chorizo altogether. Load up on extra vegetables to add bulk and nutrients without adding many calories.
And use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce salt intake.
Rice Cooker Chicken Chorizo Paella
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 2g |
