Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Soak the saffron threads in ¼ cup warm water and let them bloom for 10 minutes.
- Clean and devein the shrimp, scrub the mussels, and clean the clams. Set all seafood aside.
2. Heat the Pan:
- In a large paella pan (or a wide skillet if you don’t have one), heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the Chicken:
- Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the pan and sear until they’re golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
4. Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same pan, add the chopped onions, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
5. Toast the Rice:
- Stir in the rice and cook for 2-3 minutes, ensuring it’s well-coated with the oil and slightly toasted. This helps build flavor in the dish.
6. Add Chicken Broth and Saffron:
- Pour in the chicken broth, grated tomatoes, saffron water, and an extra teaspoon of smoked paprika. Stir to combine everything well.
7. Add Chicken and Seafood:
Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the rice mixture. Then, evenly arrange the shrimp, mussels, clams, and green beans over the top of the rice.
8. Simmer and Cook:
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the paella simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Avoid stirring the rice to allow it to form a crispy bottom layer known as the « socarrat. »
9. Rest and Serve:
- Once the paella is cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Cover the dish with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve the paella with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
Pro Tips:
- Use a Paella Pan: If possible, cook in a traditional paella pan for even heat distribution and the perfect « socarrat.«
- Add Seafood at the End: To prevent overcooking, add the shrimp, mussels, and clams in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
- Saffron: Invest in high-quality saffron for the best flavor and color.
Enjoy your Chicken and Seafood Paella with its rich flavors, beautifully cooked rice, and fresh seafood!