Hairy Bikers Paella Recipe

This Hairy Bikers Paella Recipe is a smoky and savory one-pan meal, which includes chicken pieces and chorizo sausage. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Jump to Recipe

Hairy Bikers Paella Recipe Ingredients

• 1–2 tbsp olive oil
• 12 chicken pieces (thighs or drumsticks)
• 1 chorizo sausage, sliced
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 red peppers, sliced
• 2–3 red chilies, chopped
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1.5 liters chicken stock
• 400g paella rice
• 12 mussels or clams (optional)
• Handful of fresh parsley, chopped

How To Make Hairy Bikers Paella Recipe

1. Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large paella pan or wide skillet. Fry the chicken until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the aromatics: In the same pan, fry the chorizo until it releases its oils. Add the chopped onion, garlic, red peppers, and chilies. Cook until softened.
3. Build the flavor base: Stir in the smoked paprika. Return the chicken to the pan and pour in the chicken stock. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 20–25 minutes.
4. Add the rice: Stir in the paella rice. Spread it evenly in the pan and cook, covered, for 25–30 minutes without stirring, until the rice is tender and the liquid absorbed.
5. Finish and garnish: In the last 5–10 minutes of cooking, add mussels or clams if using. Once cooked, sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use different meats? Yes, rabbit, pork, or a mix of seafood are all traditional alternatives.
• What is the best rice for paella? Use short-grain varieties like Bomba or Calasparra for authenticity.
• How do I prevent soggy rice? Avoid stirring once the rice is added to allow a crisp bottom (socarrat) to form.
• Can I make it vegetarian? Yes, use vegetable stock and swap meats for more peppers, beans, and artichokes.
• How to know when seafood is cooked? Mussels or clams should open fully when done.

What To Serve With Paella

This bold dish pairs perfectly with:

• Crusty bread with aioli
• A fresh tomato salad
• Grilled asparagus
• Spanish red wine or sangria

How To Store Paella

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently in a pan.

Paella Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 455 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 850mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Do I need a special paella pan?
Not necessarily. A wide, shallow skillet works well at home.

Why shouldn’t I stir the rice?
Stirring breaks the crust that forms at the bottom, a signature of good paella.

Can I prep ahead of time?
Yes, you can chop vegetables and par-cook meat ahead to save time.

Is it spicy?
It has mild heat from chilies, which you can adjust to taste.

Try More Recipes:

• Hairy Bikers Onion Bhaji Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Meatballs In Gravy Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Chicken Tagine Recipe