Craving a mouthwatering meal that transports you straight to the sunny coastlines of Spain without spending hours in the kitchen? Get ready to revolutionize your dinner routine with the Ultimate Easy Chicken Shrimp Paella Salad - a dish so delicious, it'll make your taste buds dance the flamenco! This quick and versatile recipe combines the rich flavors of traditional Spanish paella with the convenience of a modern, easy-to-prepare salad that's perfect for busy weeknights or impressive weekend gatherings.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/4 cup peas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing chicken, bell peppers, and measuring out shrimp, rice, and spices. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for even cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced bell peppers and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften and slightly caramelize.
- Add peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add diced chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Sprinkle paprika, salt, and pepper over the chicken. Stir to distribute the spices evenly.
- Add cooked rice to the skillet and gently mix with the chicken, creating a light, even coating of spices.
- Fold in the peas and previously cooked shrimp, warming them through for an additional 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips
- Room Temperature Magic: Always ensure your ingredients are at room temperature before cooking. This helps ingredients cook more evenly and enhances overall flavor absorption.
- Shrimp Cooking Precision: Watch your shrimp closely! They cook quickly and can become rubbery if overdone. Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink.
- Spice Distribution: When adding paprika, salt, and pepper, stir thoroughly to ensure an even coating on the chicken and rice.
- Pan Selection: Use a large, wide skillet to allow ingredients to cook and caramelize without steaming.
- Flavor Melding: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the spices and ingredients to blend harmoniously.
- Serving Flexibility: This dish is delightful both warm and at room temperature, making it perfect for meal prep or casual entertaining.
- Optional Garnish: Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can add a bright, fresh finish to your paella salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 120mg
