Description
This Microwave Cheat’s Paella is a quick and easy take on the classic Spanish dish, perfect for busy weeknights. Using simple ingredients and a microwave, this recipe delivers a flavorful paella with tender chicken, spicy chorizo, and vibrant peas in under 30 minutes. It combines traditional seasonings like smoked paprika and saffron for authentic taste without the fuss of conventional cooking methods.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed or finely grated
- 700ml chicken stock
- Pinch of saffron (optional)
- ½ tbsp sweet smoked paprika
- 300g paella rice
- 200g chicken, thinly sliced
- 200g chorizo, chopped
- 150g frozen peas
- ½ lemon, juiced, plus wedges to serve
- Small handful of parsley, roughly chopped
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare aromatics: In a large microwaveable dish, mix 1 tbsp olive oil, finely chopped onion, crushed garlic, and a pinch of salt. Microwave on high for 3 minutes to soften and release flavors.
- Infuse saffron stock: While the aromatics cook, combine 700ml chicken stock and a pinch of saffron in a jug. Let it infuse for a couple of minutes to extract the color and flavor.
- Add rice and proteins: Stir the ½ tbsp sweet smoked paprika, 300g paella rice, 200g thinly sliced chicken, and 200g chopped chorizo into the softened onions and garlic mixture.
- Cook first phase: Pour the infused chicken stock and saffron over the rice mixture and season well. Cover the dish and microwave on high for 15 minutes to allow the rice and meat to cook through.
- Cook second phase: Stir the mixture gently, cover again, and cook on high for an additional 5 minutes to absorb more liquid and enhance the texture.
- Add peas and finish cooking: Carefully uncover the dish and stir in 150g frozen peas. If the paella looks dry, add another 100ml water. Cook uncovered on high for 3 more minutes to heat the peas and finish the dish.
- Garnish and serve: Drizzle the juice of half a lemon over the paella, sprinkle with roughly chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges for extra brightness.
Notes
- Using a microwave makes this dish incredibly fast and easy compared to traditional stove-top paella.
- Adjust the cooking times based on your microwave wattage for best results.
- If saffron is unavailable, substituting with turmeric can provide some color and mild flavor.
- Make sure to use paella or short-grain rice for the best texture.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 26 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: Spanish
Keywords: quick paella recipe, microwave paella, easy paella, chicken and chorizo paella, Spanish rice dish
