Paella is one of those crowd-pleasing dishes that brings friends and family together, celebrating Spain’s rich culinary traditions in every bite. Inspired by Jamie Oliver’s approach, this chicken and chorizo version captures the smoky flavor of paprika-kissed sausage, tender chicken morsels, and saffron-stained rice.
Even if you’re new to making paella, this recipe demystifies the process with clear steps and handy tips.
By layering fresh vegetables, a robust sofrito, and the right balance of spices, you create a hearty one-pan meal that looks impressive and tastes even better.
The key is to allow the rice to soak up the aromatic broth without constant stirring, resulting in that signature toasty layer at the bottom of the pan.
Serve it straight from the stove to keep everything piping hot and gather loved ones around for a comforting feast.
With its bright colors, savory aromas, and easy cooking technique, this dish is a guaranteed dinner winner.
Chicken & chorizo paella Recipe by Jamie Oliver
Ingredients
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 onion
- 1 carrot
- ½ a bunch of fresh flat-leaf parsley (15g)
- 70g quality chorizo
- 2 free-range chicken thighs, skin off, bone out
- olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
- 1 red pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato purée
- 1 organic chicken stock cube
- 300g paella rice
- 100g frozen peas
- 200g frozen peeled cooked prawns, from sustainable sources
- 1 lemon
Instructions
- Begin by prepping your flavorful base: peel and finely slice the garlic, peel and roughly chop the onion and carrot, and finely chop those fresh parsley stalks. Then, cut the chorizo and chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces—this way, every forkful has a mix of savory goodness.
- Warm a splash of oil in a large, lidded shallow casserole dish or paella pan over medium heat. Add the garlic, onion, carrot, parsley stalks, chorizo, chicken, and paprika. Let everything cook for about five minutes, stirring regularly to ensure the flavors meld.
- Next, remove the seeds from the pepper, chop it up, and toss it into the pan for another five minutes. Stir in the tomato purée and crumble in the stock cube, then sprinkle in the rice. Give it all a couple of minutes to soak up the tasty oils and seasonings.
- Carefully pour in around 750ml of boiling water, adding a little salt and pepper to your liking. Put the lid on, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, giving it a stir now and then from both the edges and the center. If the rice looks thirsty, add a splash more water.
- Stir in the peas and prawns, replace the lid, and let the paella cook for around five more minutes, or until everything is heated through. Once done, season to your personal taste. Chop those reserved parsley leaves and scatter them on top, then serve the paella with fresh lemon wedges on the side. A quick squeeze of lemon juice right before you dig in brings out the best of all those savory Spanish flavors. Enjoy!
The Key Ingredients for a Spanish-Style Feast
A great Jamie Oliver Chicken & chorizo paella Recipe begins with fresh, high-quality ingredients that embody the vibrant spirit of Spanish cooking. You’ll need classic staples like bomba or paella rice for its ability to absorb flavors, smoky chorizo for that signature kick, and juicy chicken thighs for succulent protein. Don’t forget aromatic vegetables, fragrant spices, and bright garnishes like parsley or lemon to truly bring this feast to life.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Paella Texture
Achieving the perfect texture in your Jamie Oliver Chicken & chorizo paella Recipe calls for patience and a few simple techniques.
Gently sauté your veggies and proteins first, then stir in the rice so it soaks up the pan juices. Adding hot stock or water maintains an even simmer, while occasionally stirring from the edges prevents scorching.
This careful attention ensures each grain is tender without becoming mushy.
Simple Variations to Make This Dish Your Own
One of the joys of cooking a Jamie Oliver Chicken & chorizo paella Recipe is how easy it is to customize.
Swap out chicken thighs for leaner cuts if you prefer, or add calamari and mussels for a full-on seafood twist.
Vegetarians can replace the meats with hearty veggies like bell peppers and zucchini. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, or garnishes—each variation brings a unique personality to your paella masterpiece.