Authentic Spanish Paella Recipe – Saffron Rice with Chicken & Seafood

Authentic Spanish Paella Recipe – Saffron Rice with Chicken & Seafood

🥘 Spanish Paella Recipe – Easy, Authentic, Flavorful

Experience the bold, savory flavors of Spain with this classic saffron rice dish. Loaded with chicken, shrimp, vegetables, and seasoned to perfection—this paella is a Mediterranean masterpiece you can make at home.


🛒 Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (we recommend our Greek Kalamata Olive Oil)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup Arborio or Bomba rice
  • 2 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • ½ tsp saffron threads
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 200g boneless chicken thigh, chopped
  • 150g shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 100g mussels or clams (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, avocado and lemon wedges for garnish

👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔪 Step 1: Prep Everything

Chop your vegetables, slice the pepper, mince garlic, cut chicken, and clean your seafood. Warm the broth in a small pot and steep the saffron threads for 5 minutes.

🔥 Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a paella pan or wide skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened (about 4 minutes). Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

🌾 Step 3: Toast the Rice

Add rice to the pan. Stir gently for 2–3 minutes to coat the grains in oil and toast lightly. This builds flavor and prevents sticking.

💛 Step 4: Add Broth & Spices

Pour in warm broth and saffron. Add smoked paprika. Stir once to distribute, then do not stir again. Season with salt and pepper.

🍗 Step 5: Add Chicken

Place chicken pieces evenly in the pan. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes as rice absorbs the broth and begins to cook.

🦐 Step 6: Add Seafood

Add shrimp and mussels. Cover loosely with a lid or foil. Let cook for another 8–10 minutes until seafood is done and rice is tender.

⏱️ Step 7: Rest

Remove from heat and let paella sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This helps set the flavors and gives the rice a final steam.

🍋 Step 8: Garnish & Serve

Top with fresh parsley, sliced avocado and lemon wedges. Drizzle with our Meyer Lemon Olive Oil for a refreshing finish.


💡 Pro Tips

  • Don’t over-stir. Stir only once after adding broth. This allows a crispy bottom layer—called socarrat—to form.
  • Use quality saffron. It’s the heart of paella’s flavor and color.
  • Wide pans work best. Avoid deep pans so the rice cooks evenly.

🛍️ Featured Oils for This Recipe


Looking for more Mediterranean recipes? Explore our full recipe blog to bring bold, natural flavors to your kitchen.

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