This easy Chorizo and turkey Paella recipe brings Spanish flavors to your table with little effort. It’s a warm, colorful dish filled with tender turkey, smoky chorizo, and golden rice that everyone will love.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- It’s a simple one pan dinner with bold Spanish taste.
- Great for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
- It feels like a restaurant style meal made at home.
Ingredients
- Turkey breast : gives the dish a lean, hearty base
- Chorizo sausage : adds smoky and spicy depth
- Olive oil : helps cook the meat evenly
- Garlic cloves : bring warm aroma and flavor
- Onion : adds sweetness as it cooks
- Paella rice : absorbs broth for perfect texture
- Chicken broth : keeps the rice tender and rich
- Peas : give a pop of color and sweetness
- Paprika : boosts the smoky Spanish touch
- Saffron threads : give the rice its golden glow
- Lemon wedges : add brightness when serving
- Salt and pepper : balance all flavors
Step by Step Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add turkey and cook until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
- Add sliced chorizo to the same pan and cook until crispy. Remove and save with the turkey.
- Sauté onion and garlic until soft. Stir in paprika and saffron for a few seconds to release their flavor.
- Add paella rice and mix well so each grain is coated with the oil and spices.
- Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let the rice simmer uncovered.
- After 10 minutes, add peas, turkey, and chorizo back into the pan. Cook until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Turn off the heat and let the paella rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs before serving.
Mistakes To Avoid
When making this easy Chorizo and turkey Paella recipe, small errors can change the flavor and texture. Here’s how to keep it perfect every time.
- Do not stir the rice too much while it cooks. It should form a crispy bottom layer called socarrat.
- Do not overcook the peas or they will lose their color and sweetness.
- Use short grain rice only. Long grain rice will not hold flavor or moisture the same way.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or grilled vegetables. For a full Spanish style meal, serve it with a cool glass of white wine. You can also enjoy it alongside other flavorful recipes like garlic potato salmon or spicy Thai chicken wraps. If you love comfort food, try it next to our cheesy beef and potato casserole for a meat lover’s feast.
Easy Chorizo and Turkey Paella
Equipment
- Large Pan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb turkey breast cut into chunks
- 6 oz chorizo sausage sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 cup paella rice short grain
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup peas
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp saffron threads
- 1 lemon cut into wedges
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add turkey and cook until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
- Add sliced chorizo to the same pan and cook until crispy. Remove and save with the turkey.
- Sauté onion and garlic until soft. Stir in paprika and saffron for a few seconds to release their flavor.
- Add paella rice and mix well so each grain is coated with the oil and spices.
- Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let the rice simmer uncovered.
- After 10 minutes, add peas, turkey, and chorizo back into the pan. Cook until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Turn off the heat and let the paella rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
FAQs
Can I make this paella with chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, you can replace turkey with chicken pieces. It will still be a delicious Meat Paella Recipe. Chicken adds a softer flavor, and it blends beautifully with the chorizo and saffron rice. Follow the same steps and just adjust the cooking time slightly to make sure the chicken is cooked through.
How do I make sure my rice doesn’t get mushy?
Keep the heat steady and avoid stirring once the broth is added. Letting the rice cook in place creates the crispy bottom layer. If you want to learn more about texture, check out similar dishes like roasted green chile chicken enchiladas for more rice and sauce balance ideas.
Can I add seafood to this recipe?
Yes, you can mix shrimp, mussels, or squid for a twist on a Spanish seafood rice dish. Add seafood during the last few minutes of cooking so it stays tender and juicy. You can even try half turkey and half seafood for a creative homemade paella with peas that everyone will love.
Conclusion
This easy Chorizo and turkey Paella recipe brings warmth and comfort to any table. It’s packed with color, spice, and joy in every bite. Save or pin this recipe to make a crowd favorite that feels both simple and special any night of the week.
