Savory Low-Carb Chicken & Chorizo Cauliflower Paella
Transport yourself to the sun-drenched streets of Spain with this delightful Low-Carb Chicken & Chorizo Cauliflower Paella. Inspired by my culinary adventures in Barcelona, this dish cleverly substitutes traditional rice with fresh, grated cauliflower, creating a light yet satisfying meal. The rich flavors of chorizo and tender chicken meld together beautifully with a medley of vibrant vegetables, all uplifted by aromatic spices. Perfect for those seeking a healthy twist on classic comfort food, this one-dish masterpiece is not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor in every bite. Join me in savoring the layered tastes reminiscent of a traditional paella while keeping it low-carb and healthy!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chorizo sausage
10 ounces (sliced)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 (cut into bite-size pieces)
Paprika
1 teaspoon (ground)
Cumin
1 teaspoon (ground)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Onion
1 medium (sliced)
Red bell pepper
1 (sliced)
Tomato
1 large (sliced)
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Saffron
1 pinch
Chicken broth
1 cup
Cauliflower
1/2 head (grated to resemble rice)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, add chorizo slices and cook over medium heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chorizo, leaving the rendered fat in the pan. Set the chorizo aside.
2
In a bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook in the chorizo fat over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside with the chorizo.
3
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and red pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the sliced tomato and minced garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
4
Once the vegetables are well combined and slightly thickened, pour in the chicken broth and add the saffron. Stir continuously until the mixture reduces slightly and thickens, about 5 minutes.
5
Add the chorizo, cooked chicken, and grated cauliflower to the skillet. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients, then cover the skillet and cook on low heat for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cauliflower is just tender but still has some bite.
6
Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Low-Carb Chicken & Chorizo Cauliflower Paella?
It is a Spanish-inspired dish that replaces traditional rice with grated cauliflower for a lighter, keto-friendly alternative to classic paella.
Is this paella recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, by using cauliflower instead of rice, this recipe significantly reduces the carbohydrate count while maintaining the traditional flavors.
How do I prepare the cauliflower for this recipe?
You should grate half a head of fresh cauliflower until it reaches a consistency that resembles grains of rice.
What kind of chorizo should I use?
The recipe calls for 10 ounces of sliced chorizo sausage, which provides a rich, smoky base for the dish.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, while the recipe specifies boneless skinless chicken breasts, thighs can be used for a juicier texture.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 4 servings.
What spices are used to season the chicken?
The chicken is tossed with ground paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper before cooking.
Why is the chicken cooked in the chorizo fat?
Cooking the chicken in the rendered chorizo fat infuses the meat with deep, savory flavor and ensures nothing goes to waste.
What vegetables are included in this cauliflower paella?
The dish features a medley of sliced onion, red bell pepper, and a large sliced tomato.
How much garlic is needed for this dish?
The recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves to be sautéed with the vegetables.
How is saffron used in this recipe?
A pinch of saffron is added to the chicken broth to provide the signature aromatic flavor and yellow hue characteristic of paella.
What can I use if I do not have saffron?
While not identical, a small amount of turmeric can be used as a substitute for color, though the flavor profile will differ.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The chicken pieces should be cooked over medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are browned and cooked through.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is to cook the sliced chorizo in a large skillet until crispy, then remove it while leaving the rendered fat.
How long do the vegetables need to sauté?
The onion and red pepper are sautéed for 3 to 4 minutes, followed by the tomato and garlic for another 2 to 3 minutes.
Is there a liquid base for this paella?
Yes, 1 cup of chicken broth is used to help cook the ingredients and create a cohesive sauce.
How do I prevent the cauliflower from becoming too soft?
Cook the cauliflower covered on low heat for only about 5 minutes, ensuring it is tender but still retains a bit of 'bite'.
Can I use pre-packaged cauliflower rice?
Absolutely, store-bought cauliflower rice is a convenient alternative to grating a fresh head yourself.
Should the skillet be covered at any point?
Yes, cover the skillet for the final 5 minutes of cooking after adding the cauliflower to ensure it steams properly.
What should I do after the cooking is finished?
Remove the skillet from the heat and let the paella rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Is this considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a One Dish Meal as everything is prepared in a single large skillet.
What is a good garnish for this dish?
Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro to add a pop of color and freshness.
How do I prepare the red bell pepper?
The red bell pepper should be sliced into strips before being sautéed with the onions.
Can I make this dish spicy?
To increase the heat, you can use a spicy variety of chorizo or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Is the tomato peeled or seeded?
The recipe calls for one large sliced tomato; peeling and seeding are optional based on personal preference.
Can I add seafood to this paella?
Yes, shrimp or mussels would make excellent additions to this chicken and chorizo base.
What equipment is necessary for this recipe?
A large skillet and a slotted spoon are the primary tools needed for preparation.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover paella in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How much chicken is used?
The recipe uses 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces.
What flavor profile should I expect?
Expect a rich, smoky, and aromatic flavor profile with a light and grainy texture from the cauliflower.