Super Simple Chicken Paella Using Costco Rotisserie Chicken!

Here’s a delicious recipe for Chicken Paella that’s perfect for using up a shredded Costco rotisserie chicken. Using the pre-cooked rotisserie chicken which simplifies the cooking process and speeds up the preparation time. This dish blends the savory flavors of traditional Spanish paella with the ease and convenience of pre-cooked chicken!

I have the recipe written using two cups of shredded chicken but you can use three cups if you want to make this a meatier dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads (optional but traditional for authentic flavor)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 2 cups short-grain paella rice (such as Bomba or Arborio)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Extras:

• 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and halved
• Artichoke hearts, quartered (canned or jarred)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • Heat the olive oil in a large, shallow pan or a traditional paella pan over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and saffron threads. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the Rice:
   • Add the diced tomatoes to the pan and cook until the tomatoes are slightly reduced, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Stir in the paella rice, ensuring it is well coated with the oil and tomato mixture.
   • Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper. Let it cook uncovered, on a low simmer, for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is halfway done.
3. Add the Chicken and Vegetables:
   • Evenly distribute the shredded rotisserie chicken over the rice. Add the peas, olives, and artichoke hearts if using. Gently press them into the partially cooked rice without stirring.
   • Continue to cook the paella without stirring, allowing the rice to absorb all the liquid, for about 10 more minutes. The goal is to let the bottom layer of rice caramelize slightly to create a ‘socarrat’.
4. Check the Rice:
   • Taste the rice towards the end of cooking; it should be tender but still have a slight bite. If the rice is still too firm, add a little more broth or water and continue cooking for a few more minutes.
5. Rest and Serve:
   • Once the rice is cooked and all the liquid is absorbed, remove the pan from heat. Cover the pan with a lid or a clean kitchen towel and let the paella rest for about 5 minutes.
   • Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and lemon wedges on the side.

This Chicken Paella recipe captures the essence of this beloved Spanish dish with less effort and time, making it a great option for a flavorful weeknight dinner or a festive gathering with friends.

More Serving Ideas

Paella is often served as a standalone dish, given its rich composition of rice, protein, and vegetables. However, if you’re looking to expand the meal with side dishes or considering what drinks might complement it, here are some traditional and suitable options:

Traditional Side Dishes

• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with a vinaigrette can cleanse the palate and contrast the hearty, flavorful paella.
• Bread with Tomato: In Spain, it’s common to serve pan con tomate (bread rubbed with garlic and ripe tomato and then drizzled with olive oil and salt) as a side, which can be great for scooping up any leftover bits of rice and sauce.
• Lemon Wedges: While not a side dish, having extra lemon wedges on hand is essential for guests to squeeze over their serving, adding a fresh zest to the dish.

Wine Pairings

• White Wine: A crisp, acidic white wine like Albariño from Spain or a Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with chicken paella. These wines complement the richness and saffron flavor of the paella without overpowering it.
• Rosé: A dry rosé has enough body to stand up to the flavors of paella and is refreshing enough to balance the dish’s heartiness.
• Red Wine: If you prefer red wine, a lighter, fruit-forward red like Garnacha or Tempranillo can work well, offering a balance to the saffron and paprika flavors without overwhelming the dish.

Nutritional Value

The nutritional content of Chicken Paella can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes, but here’s an estimated breakdown per serving (assuming this recipe serves 6):

• Calories: Approximately 500-600
• Protein: About 25-30 grams
• Fat: Approximately 10-15 grams
• Carbohydrates: About 80-90 grams
• Fiber: About 4-5 grams
• Sugars: Approximately 5 grams
• Sodium: Can vary widely, especially based on the chicken broth and added salt, possibly around 500-700 mg

These values are approximate and can vary based on exact ingredient choices and portion sizes. This dish provides a good balance of protein, carbs, and vegetables, making it a wholesome choice for a meal

If this recipe didn’t scratch your itch then here is the link to a bunch of other Costco Rotisserie Chicken Recipes!