Paella, a traditional Spanish dish, is known for its rich and savory flavors. This instant pot paella recipe is a simplified version that doesn't compromise on taste. Chicken and chorizo add depth to the dish, while saffron gives it its unique color and aroma.
While most ingredients are quite common, there are a couple that might not be in your everyday pantry. Saffron, a key ingredient in paella, might need to be specially purchased. It's a delicate and fragrant spice that gives paella its distinctive yellow color and subtle taste. Chorizo, a type of Spanish sausage, is another ingredient to be aware of. Its spicy and smoky flavor greatly enhances the dish.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Paella with Chicken
Chicken broth: This forms the base of the dish, adding depth and flavor.
Saffron threads: These lend a unique flavor and color to the paella.
Peas: They add a fresh and slightly sweet taste.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the ingredients.
Garlic: Adds a punch of flavor.
Yellow onion: Provides a sweet and savory backbone to the dish.
Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and sweet flavor.
Chicken thighs: They are juicy and flavorful, adding a lot of depth to the dish.
Chorizo: This Spanish sausage gives the paella a spicy and smoky kick.
Smoked paprika: Enhances the smoky flavor of the dish.
Salt: Brings out the flavors of all the other ingredients.
Grain rice: Absorbs all the flavors and gives body to the paella.
Parsley: Used for garnish, it adds a fresh element and pop of color.
One reader, Elladine Jewell says:
This instant pot paella with chicken recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and authentic, and the dish comes together effortlessly. The chicken is tender, and the saffron-infused rice is a delight. It's a must-try for anyone craving a taste of Spain in the comfort of their own home.
Key Techniques for Instant Pot Paella with Chicken
How to infuse saffron: Heat the chicken broth to a simmer, then add the saffron threads and peas. Allow the saffron to infuse the broth while keeping it warm.
How to sauté vegetables, chicken, and sausage: Select the “sauté” setting on the pressure cooker and add the oil and garlic. Sauté until the garlic becomes aromatic, then add the onion and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, then stir in the paprika and salt. Add the chicken and sausage and sauté until the chicken turns opaque.
How to scrape the bottom of the pan: Add a splash of hot broth to the pan and use it to scrape up any browned bits that have developed on the bottom. This step adds flavor and prevents burning during cooking.
How to pressure cook the paella: Secure the lid on the pressure cooker, set the cooking time to 5 minutes at high pressure, and allow the pot to come up to pressure. Once the cooking program ends, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then release the remaining pressure.
How to serve: Scoop the paella onto plates, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve it piping hot.
How To Make Instant Pot Paella with Chicken and Sausage
Craving for a savory rice meal? This instant pot paella recipe is full of savory goodness from chicken and sausages that will surely satisfy your cravings.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1½cupschicken broth,low sodium
- ¼pinchsaffron threads,big roughly equal to tsp
- 1cuppeas,frozen
- 1tbspolive oil
- 3garlic cloves,chopped
- 1medium yellow onion,chopped
- 1red bell pepper,chopped
- 1lbchicken thighs,3 to 4 boneless skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 6ozchorizo,about 2 links or other spicy sausage, sliced
- 1tspsmoked paprika
- 1tspsalt
- 1½cupsgrain rice,short or medium
- 2tbspparsley,chopped
Instructions
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In a small saucepan, heat the broth to a simmer, then and add the peas and saffron. Reduce the heat to low to keep the broth warm and give the saffron a chance to infuse the broth while you get everything else ready.
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Select the Sauté setting on your electric pressure cooker and add the oil and garlic. Sauté until little bubbles of oil form around the garlic and it becomes aromatic for 1 to 2 minutes.
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Stir in the onion and bell pepper. Sauté until they have softened a little bit for 3 to 4 more minutes. Stir in the paprika and salt, and sauté for one more minute.
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Add the chicken and sausage and stir to combine. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the chicken has turned opaque.
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Add a splash of the hot broth to the pan and use it to scrape up any browned bits that have developed on the bottom of the pan.
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Stir in the rice, then pour in the rest of the hot broth with the peas and saffron. Push down any grains of rice from the sides of the pot, making sure that everything is submerged in the cooking liquid.
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Secure the lid on the pressure cooker, and make sure the pressure regulator is in its Sealing position.
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Cancel the Saut cooking program, then select the Manual or Pressure Cook program and set the cooking time to 5 minutes at high pressure.
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When the cooking program ends, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then release the remaining pressure by moving the pressure regulator to its Venting position.
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When the pressure has fully released, open the pot. Scoop onto plates, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve it piping hot.
Nutrition
- Calories: 549.89kcal
- Fat: 26.90g
- Saturated Fat: 8.12g
- Trans Fat: 0.06g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 12.56g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.14g
- Carbohydrates: 48.70g
- Fiber: 2.17g
- Sugar: 3.99g
- Protein: 25.95g
- Cholesterol: 100.83mg
- Sodium: 652.14mg
- Calcium: 30.85mg
- Potassium: 521.42mg
- Iron: 2.16mg
- Vitamin A: 73.08µg
- Vitamin C: 38.63mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Instant Pot Paella
When preparing your paella, it's crucial to properly infuse the chicken broth with saffron. Saffron is a potent spice that imparts a unique flavor and vibrant color to the dish. To fully extract its essence, gently simmer the saffron in the broth before adding it to the other ingredients. This allows the saffron threads to release their full flavor, enhancing the overall taste of your paella. Remember, a little saffron goes a long way, so use it sparingly.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Instant Pot Paella
Prep ahead: Chop the vegetables and measure out the ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use pre-cooked chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken thighs from scratch.
Instant pot: Utilize the instant pot for efficient and quick cooking, reducing the overall cooking time.
Multi-task: While the instant pot is cooking, use the time to clean up the kitchen or prepare a side dish to accompany the paella.
Frozen peas: Opt for frozen peas instead of fresh peas to save time on shelling and preparation.
Quality ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients to enhance the flavors, reducing the need for extensive seasoning and adjustments.
One-pot meal: Embrace the convenience of a one-pot meal, minimizing the number of dishes and utensils used for cooking and cleaning.
Efficient chopping: Master efficient chopping techniques to reduce prep time and ensure uniform cooking of ingredients.
Prep organization: Organize the ingredients and utensils before starting to cook, ensuring a smooth and efficient cooking process.
Quick release: Utilize the quick pressure release method to expedite the cooking process and reduce overall waiting time.
Substitute Ingredients For Instant Pot Paella With Chicken Recipe
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can provide a similar depth of flavor and richness to the dish, while also making it suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets.
saffron threads - Substitute with turmeric: Turmeric can provide a similar golden color and a hint of earthy flavor, although it won't have the exact same taste as saffron.
peas - Substitute with edamame: Edamame can offer a similar texture and a slightly nutty flavor, adding a unique twist to the dish.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it a suitable alternative for cooking the ingredients.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor compared to garlic, adding a different dimension to the dish.
yellow onion - Substitute with white onion: White onions can offer a similar pungent flavor and texture, making them a suitable replacement in the recipe.
red bell pepper - Substitute with yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell peppers can provide a slightly sweeter flavor and a vibrant color, adding visual appeal to the dish.
chicken thighs - Substitute with turkey thighs: Turkey thighs can offer a similar rich and juicy texture, while also providing a unique flavor to the dish.
chorizo - Substitute with andouille sausage: Andouille sausage can provide a similar smoky and spicy flavor, adding depth to the dish.
smoked paprika - Substitute with regular paprika: Regular paprika can provide a mild, sweet flavor and a vibrant color, although it won't have the smoky undertones of smoked paprika.
grain rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa can offer a nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture, making it a nutritious alternative to rice in the recipe.
parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can provide a fresh, citrusy flavor and a vibrant green color, adding a different herbal note to the dish.
How to Beautifully Present Instant Pot Paella
Elevate the dish with a stunning presentation: When plating the paella, ensure that the rice is evenly distributed and the chicken and chorizo are arranged attractively. The vibrant colors of the bell pepper and peas should be visible, creating a visually appealing dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the paella with freshly chopped parsley just before serving to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
Serve in traditional paella pan: For an authentic touch, consider serving the Instant Pot paella directly in a traditional paella pan. This not only adds to the visual appeal but also enhances the dining experience.
Create a beautiful contrast: Consider using a white serving platter to create a striking contrast with the colorful paella, making the dish stand out even more.
Add a touch of sophistication with edible flowers: Consider adding a few edible flowers, such as saffron-infused marigold petals, to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the presentation.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Before serving, consider drizzling a small amount of high-quality olive oil in an artistic pattern over the paella, adding a gourmet touch to the dish.
Use traditional Spanish tableware: Consider serving the paella on traditional Spanish ceramic plates to enhance the cultural and aesthetic appeal of the dish.
Offer a side of aioli: Serve a small side of aioli in a decorative ramekin alongside the paella, allowing guests to add a dollop of this flavorful sauce to their dish as desired.
Essential Tools for Making Paella in an Instant Pot
Instant Pot: A multi-functional electric pressure cooker that can be used for sautéing, steaming, slow cooking, and pressure cooking.
Small saucepan: A small, deep pan used for heating the broth and infusing it with saffron.
Electric pressure cooker: Used for cooking the vegetables, chicken, and sausage, and for pressure cooking the paella.
Liquid measuring cup: Used for measuring and heating the broth in the microwave.
Spatula: Used for stirring the ingredients in the pressure cooker.
Chopping board: Used for chopping the vegetables, chicken, and sausage.
Chef's knife: Used for cutting and chopping the ingredients.
Measuring spoons: Used for measuring the spices and salt.
Tongs: Used for turning and stirring the chicken and sausage in the pressure cooker.
Pressure regulator: Used for releasing the pressure in the electric pressure cooker.
Storing and Freezing Instant Pot Paella
- Let the paella cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4-5 days.
- To reheat, simply scoop the desired portion into a microwave-safe dish and heat it in the microwave until warmed through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- If you want to freeze the paella, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and contents.
- Frozen paella will keep well for up to 3 months. To thaw, transfer the container to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
- When reheating frozen paella, you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to help rehydrate the rice and prevent it from drying out.
- Keep in mind that the texture of the rice may change slightly after freezing and thawing, but the flavor should still be delicious.
How To Reheat Paella Leftovers
Reheat the leftover paella in a skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help moisten the rice and prevent it from sticking to the pan. Stir occasionally until the paella is heated through and the liquid is absorbed, about 5-7 minutes.
For a crispy top layer, transfer the reheated paella to an oven-safe dish and place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. This method will help recreate the traditional socarrat (crispy rice bottom) that is highly sought after in authentic paella.
If you prefer a more evenly heated paella, place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the paella is heated through. The damp paper towel will help prevent the rice from drying out.
For a flavorful twist, sauté some diced onions, garlic, and bell peppers in a pan with a little olive oil. Once the vegetables are softened, add the leftover paella and stir to combine. This will add a fresh burst of flavor to the reheated dish.
If you have a lot of leftover paella, consider transforming it into a new dish. Make paella cakes by mixing the leftovers with beaten eggs and shaping them into patties. Pan-fry the cakes until golden brown on both sides and serve with a dollop of aioli or romesco sauce.
Interesting Fact About Paella
The paella dish originated in Valencia, Spain, and was originally a meal for farm laborers. It was cooked over an open fire and traditionally contained rabbit, chicken, snails, and beans. Over time, the dish evolved to include a variety of ingredients, such as seafood, and became a popular Spanish dish enjoyed worldwide.
Is Making Paella in an Instant Pot Cost-Effective?
This instant pot paella with chicken recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as chicken thighs, chorizo, and rice, are relatively affordable and can be found in most grocery stores. The dish yields a generous portion, making it suitable for a family of four. The total cost for the ingredients is approximately $20, resulting in a cost of $5 per serving. The rich flavors and hearty nature of this dish make it a satisfying and economical option for a family meal. Verdict: 9/10
Is This Paella Recipe Healthy or Not?
This instant pot paella recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes nutritious ingredients like chicken, vegetables (peas, onion, bell pepper), and whole grain rice. These provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, the recipe also contains some less healthy components, such as chorizo, which is high in saturated fat and sodium. Additionally, depending on the amount of oil and salt used, the dish could be higher in calories and sodium than ideal.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the chorizo with a leaner protein source, such as shrimp or extra chicken
- Use a reduced-sodium chicken broth to lower the overall salt content
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the dish, such as adding diced carrots or zucchini
- Opt for brown rice instead of white rice to increase the fiber content
- Use a minimal amount of olive oil when sautéing the ingredients to reduce the calorie count
- Garnish with fresh lemon wedges to add brightness and encourage less reliance on salt for flavor
By making these adjustments, you can enhance the nutritional value of the paella while still maintaining its delicious taste and satisfying texture. The key is to strike a balance between the indulgent elements and the wholesome ingredients, ensuring that you can enjoy this classic Spanish dish without compromising your health goals.
Editor's Opinion on This Instant Pot Paella Recipe
The recipe for Instant Pot Paella with Chicken is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The use of saffron-infused broth, succulent chicken, and smoky chorizo creates a rich and aromatic base. The pressure cooking method ensures that the rice absorbs all the savory goodness, resulting in a perfectly cooked paella. The addition of peas and bell peppers adds a pop of color and freshness. The final touch of parsley garnish adds a burst of freshness. This dish is a wonderful balance of savory and vibrant flavors, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
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Why trust this Instant Pot Paella With Chicken Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a flavorful and authentic paella experience, using traditional ingredients such as saffron, chorizo, and smoked paprika. The step-by-step instructions ensure a successful outcome, and the incorporation of chicken thighs and peas adds a delightful twist. Trust the expertise behind this recipe and savor the rich and aromatic flavors of this Spanish classic.
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