Recipe
California Chicken Paella
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 40 min
Serves: 6
This fusion of West Coast and Mediterranean cuisine will be the highlight of your meal. Feta cheese and fresh basil make this version of paella unique.
Ingredients
6
chicken pieces, bone-in
3 tbsp (45 mL)
vegetable oil
2
onions, chopped
2
cloves garlic, chopped
1 1/2 cup (375 mL)
long grain rice
1 1/2 cup (375 mL)
tomatoes, fresh, chopped
1 1/2 cup (375 mL)
canned diced tomatoes
2 cups (500 mL)
chicken broth
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
1
red pepper, cut into strips
8 oz (230 g)
feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup (125 mL)
black olives, preferably Kalamata
3 tbsp (45 mL)
basil, fresh, chopped
3 tbsp (45 mL)
parsley, fresh, chopped
Instructions
1
Cut chicken into pieces in half (where possible). Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels.
2
Heat oil in a large skillet and brown chicken pieces, Remove chicken and place in a large casserole or paella dish. Return skillet to heat and add onions and garlic. Cook until tender and fragrant.
3
Add rice and combine well. Stir in tomatoes and cook 3 to 4 minutes. Add stock and bring to a boil.
4
Combine with chicken in casserole and season with salt and pepper. Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF or 74ºC.
5
Uncover and stir gently. Arrange red pepper strips, olives and cheese on top. Sprinkle with half of the herbs. Cover again and bake 10 minutes longer. Sprinkle with remaining herbs.