Imagine being able to make a delicious and flavorful chicken and chorizo paella in just a fraction of the time it typically takes. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can create a mouthwatering dish that is packed with all the traditional flavors of paella, but with the added convenience of using a pressure cooker. From the fragrant saffron to the perfectly cooked chicken and spicy chorizo, every bite is a burst of Spanish-inspired goodness. So grab your apron and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
Ingredients
To make a delicious Chicken and Chorizo Paella in a pressure cooker, you will need the following ingredients:
Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are the perfect choice for this recipe because they add so much flavor to the paella. They are tender, juicy, and full of rich, savory taste. Make sure to remove the skin before cooking.
Chorizo
Chorizo is a Spanish sausage that is packed with flavor. It adds a smoky and spicy kick to the dish. You can use either spicy or mild chorizo, depending on your preference. Slicing it before cooking will evenly distribute its delicious flavors throughout the dish.
Onion
Onions are a must-have ingredient in any paella recipe. They add sweetness and depth to the dish.
Garlic Cloves
Garlic is another crucial element in this recipe. It adds a wonderful aroma and enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.
Red Bell Pepper
Red bell peppers not only provide a beautiful pop of color to the paella but also add a nice sweetness to balance out the savory and spicy flavors.
Roma Tomatoes
Roma tomatoes add a fresh and tangy taste to the paella. By peeling and chopping them, you can easily incorporate their delicious flavor into the dish.
Short-Grain Rice
Short-grain rice is the key to achieving the perfect texture in your paella. It absorbs all the flavors of the other ingredients and becomes incredibly creamy.
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth serves as the cooking liquid for the rice. It infuses the dish with a rich, savory flavor.
Saffron Threads
Saffron is the most valuable spice in the world, and it adds a unique and vibrant golden color to the paella. It also lends a subtle floral flavor, making the dish truly special.
Paprika
Paprika adds a beautiful reddish hue to the paella while enhancing the smoky flavors of the chorizo.
Frozen Peas
Frozen peas are a classic ingredient in paella. They add a burst of freshness and a lovely pop of green color to the dish.
Salt
Salt is essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients in the paella.
Pepper
Pepper complements the other spices in the dish and adds a mild heat to the overall flavor profile.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is used for sautéing the ingredients and adds a delicate, fruity flavor to the paella.
Preparation
Before you start cooking, there are a few preparations you need to make to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Cutting the Chicken Thighs
Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut them into bite-sized pieces. This will allow the chicken to cook evenly and ensure every bite is flavorful.
Slicing the Chorizo
Slice the chorizo into thin rounds. This will allow the sausage to release its flavors and blend well with the other ingredients in the paella.
Chopping the Onion
Dice the onion into small pieces. This will help distribute its sweetness evenly throughout the dish.
Mincing the Garlic Cloves
Finely mince the garlic cloves to release their aromatic flavors. This will add depth and complexity to the paella.
Dicing the Red Bell Pepper
Dice the red bell pepper into small, uniform pieces. This will make sure each bite of the paella has a bit of the pepper’s flavor.
Peeling and Chopping the Tomatoes
Remove the skin from the Roma tomatoes by gently scoring an “X” at the bottom and blanching them in boiling water for a few seconds. Peel off the skin, then remove the seeds and chop the tomatoes into small pieces. This will make it easier for the tomatoes to blend into the paella, enhancing its overall taste.
Cooking
Now that you’ve prepared all the ingredients, it’s time to start cooking the Chicken and Chorizo Paella in a pressure cooker.
Sautéing the Chicken and Chorizo
Heat the pressure cooker and add a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté the chicken thighs and chorizo slices until they are browned on all sides. This will help seal in the flavors and give the paella a deliciously rich base.
Adding the Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion and minced garlic cloves to the pressure cooker. Sauté them until they become translucent and release their aromas. This will add a sweet and savory undertone to the paella.
Adding the Red Bell Pepper and Tomatoes
Throw in the diced red bell pepper and chopped tomatoes. Sauté them until they soften and release their juices. This will infuse the paella with their fresh and vibrant flavors.
Cooking the Rice
Add the short-grain rice to the pressure cooker. Stir it for a minute or two to coat the grains with the flavors from the other ingredients. This step helps the rice absorb all the deliciousness and ensures even cooking.
Adding the Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to cover the rice completely. The broth will provide the moisture needed for the rice to cook to perfection.
Adding the Saffron and Paprika
Drop a pinch of saffron threads into the pressure cooker. This will imbue the paella with a beautiful golden hue and a subtle floral aroma. Sprinkle in some paprika for added color and smokiness.
Pressure Cooking
Secure the lid on the pressure cooker and cook everything on high pressure for about 10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the rice to become tender and creamy.
Releasing the Pressure
Once the cooking time is up, release the pressure according to your pressure cooker’s instructions. This will ensure you don’t accidentally overcook the paella.
Adding the Peas
Stir in the frozen peas to add freshness and a pop of color to the finished paella. The residual heat will warm the peas through without overcooking them.
Seasoning with Salt and Pepper
Taste the paella and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference. This will bring out the flavors of all the ingredients and make the paella truly delectable.
Letting It Rest
Allow the paella to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to further develop and the rice to absorb any remaining liquid.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to customize your Chicken and Chorizo Paella to your liking:
Using Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs
If you prefer white meat, you can substitute chicken breasts for the thighs. Make sure to cut them into similarly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Adding Other Vegetables like Green Beans or Artichoke Hearts
Feel free to experiment with different vegetables in your paella. Green beans and artichoke hearts are excellent choices that add a delightful crunch and earthy flavors.
Using Smoked Paprika for a Smoky Flavor
If you enjoy smoky flavors, swap the regular paprika for smoked paprika. This will add depth and a rich smokiness to the paella.
Substituting Chicken Broth with Vegetable Broth for a Vegetarian Version
For a vegetarian twist, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. This will give you a flavorful vegetarian paella that is just as delicious.
Serve and Enjoy!
Once the paella has had a chance to rest, serve it in individual plates or a large communal dish. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness. Paella is best enjoyed with friends and family, so invite your loved ones to join you in savoring this flavorful and comforting dish. Enjoy!