Spicy Shrimp and Chicken Paella
Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine with this Spicy Shrimp and Chicken Paella. This electrifying dish is a delightful blend of tender chicken thighs, zesty Italian sausage, and succulent shrimp, all combined with an array of colorful vegetables and aromatic spices. Our electric skillet adaptation simplifies the cooking process, allowing you to savor the complex flavors without the hassle. With a touch of heat from jalapeños and the distinct taste of white wine and vermouth, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or an impressive dinner party. Get ready to enjoy a hearty, one-pot meal that is as visually stunning as it is delicious!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
21
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken broth
2 (14-ounce cans)
White wine
3/4 (cup)
Vermouth
1/4 (cup)
Turmeric
1 (teaspoon)
Paprika
2 (teaspoons)
Boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 (lb, cut into strips)
Italian sausage
1/2 (lb, preferably hot (2 links))
Olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
Green bell pepper
1 (large, sliced)
Red bell pepper
1 (large, sliced)
White onion
1 (large, halved and sliced)
Jalapeno peppers
2 (seeded and chopped)
Garlic
5 (cloves, minced)
Thyme
1 (teaspoon)
Oregano
1 (teaspoon)
Ground coriander
1/2 (teaspoon)
Rice
2 (cups (short grain works best))
Medium shrimp
1 (lb, raw, shells and tails removed)
Roma tomatoes
4 (chopped)
Fresh green beans or frozen green beans
1 1/2 (cups, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces)
Black olives
1/2 (cup, sliced)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the chicken broth, white wine, vermouth, turmeric, and paprika. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.
2
While the broth mixture heats, squeeze the sausage meat out of its casings and break it into small, dime-sized pieces. Heat the electric skillet to medium-high and brown the sausage pieces until cooked through, then remove them and set aside.
3
In the same skillet, add the chicken strips and brown them until fully cooked. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
4
Add olive oil to the skillet, then sauté the sliced onions, green and red bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened but not overcooked, as you want to avoid bitter garlic.
5
Once the veggies are done, carefully stir in the thyme, oregano, and ground coriander into the hot broth mixture. Return the browned sausage and chicken to the skillet, pouring the hot wine mixture over the top. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
6
Bring the mixture to a low boil for 2-3 minutes, then add the rice, stirring gently to distribute it evenly across the skillet.
7
Layer the shrimp, chopped tomatoes, green beans, and black olives on top of the rice mixture. Use a spatula to gently tuck the shrimp into the mixture, but do not stir the contents.
8
Allow the mixture to boil undisturbed for 4-5 minutes, then cover the skillet with a lid (ensuring the vent is closed).
9
Lower the heat to between 225-250°F and let it simmer for 20 minutes without lifting the lid or stirring.
10
After 20 minutes, turn off the heat and allow the paella to rest for an additional 10 minutes without lifting the cover.
11
Now, carefully lift the lid and take a peek! Serve this flavorful dish warm and enjoy the delightful combination of spicy and savory flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Shrimp and Chicken Paella?
It is a vibrant Mediterranean dish that combines tender chicken thighs, zesty Italian sausage, succulent shrimp, colorful vegetables, and aromatic spices cooked in an electric skillet.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into strips.
What kind of sausage is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1/2 lb of Italian sausage, preferably hot, with the meat removed from the casings.
Which rice works best for this paella?
Short grain rice works best for this recipe to achieve the traditional paella texture.
How should the shrimp be prepared?
Use 1 lb of medium raw shrimp with the shells and tails fully removed.
What vegetables are included in the dish?
The dish includes green and red bell peppers, white onion, jalapenos, Roma tomatoes, green beans, and black olives.
Is this paella very spicy?
Yes, it has a spicy kick from the inclusion of two seeded and chopped jalapeno peppers and hot Italian sausage.
What equipment is needed to make this recipe?
You will need a medium saucepan for the broth mixture and an electric skillet for the main cooking process.
What liquids are used for the cooking base?
The base consists of 28 ounces of chicken broth, 3/4 cup of white wine, and 1/4 cup of vermouth.
Which spices are used to season the paella?
The seasoning includes turmeric, paprika, thyme, oregano, and ground coriander.
How do I prepare the sausage meat?
Squeeze the meat out of the casings and break it into small, dime-sized pieces before browning.
How should I cook the garlic to avoid bitterness?
Sauté the garlic with the onions and peppers only until the vegetables are softened; do not overcook the garlic.
Should I stir the rice after layering the toppings?
No, once you layer the shrimp, tomatoes, beans, and olives, you should not stir the contents.
What is the simmering temperature for the electric skillet?
Set the electric skillet heat to between 225-250°F during the simmering phase.
How long does the rice need to simmer?
The paella should simmer for 20 minutes with the lid on and the vent closed.
Do I need to let the dish rest after cooking?
Yes, turn off the heat and allow the paella to rest for 10 minutes without lifting the cover before serving.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Yes, you can use either 1 1/2 cups of sliced fresh green beans or frozen green beans.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 5 cloves of garlic, minced.
What type of onion should I use?
Use one large white onion, halved and sliced.
What kind of tomatoes are best for this dish?
The recipe specifically recommends 4 chopped Roma tomatoes.
How many jalapenos are in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 jalapeno peppers, which should be seeded and chopped.
Is vermouth necessary?
The recipe includes 1/4 cup of vermouth to add a distinct, complex flavor to the broth.
How do I layer the ingredients before simmering?
After adding the rice, layer the shrimp, chopped tomatoes, green beans, and black olives on top.
How do I ensure the shrimp is cooked properly?
Use a spatula to gently tuck the raw shrimp into the rice mixture before the final simmering stage.
What is the total rest time after cooking?
The dish requires a 10-minute rest period with the lid on after the heat is turned off.
What role does turmeric play in this recipe?
Turmeric provides the characteristic golden color and earthy flavor typical of Mediterranean paella.
How should the bell peppers be cut?
Both the green and red bell peppers should be sliced.
Can this be served at a dinner party?
Yes, it is described as a visually stunning and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for impressive dinner parties.
How much olive oil is used?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used to sauté the vegetables.
How many cups of rice are needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of rice.