Name: Paella Mixta with Chicken and Seafood Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 4 cups seafood stock; 8 saffron threads; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1/2 teaspoon smoked Spanish paprika; 8 jumbo shrimp, shelled and deveined; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1/2 pound cleaned calamari, cut into 1/2-inch thick rings and bite-sized pieces (227g); 1/2 pound fresh live mussels, scrubbed and de-bearded if necessary (about a dozen); 1/2 pound fresh live Manila or little neck clams, purged and scrubbed (8 to 10 clams); 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2/3 cup frozen or fresh peas; 3/4 cup chopped green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 3/4 cups Spanish bomba rice (360g)

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If you’ve ever wanted to impress your family and friends with a show-stopping, hearty, and vibrant Spanish dish, then the Paella Mixta with Chicken and Seafood Recipe is exactly what you need. This beautiful one-pan meal combines tender chicken, succulent shrimp, fresh mussels, and clams all nestled in aromatic saffron-infused rice that’s teeming with flavor and color. It’s not just food; it’s an experience that captures the spirit of Spanish cooking and communal dining in every bite.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows five white dishes with different seafood items on a white marbled surface. In the center is a medium white plate with blue floral details holding a pile of orange and pink pieces of marinated chicken. To the left, a white plate with blue patterns contains raw shrimp arranged in a circle. On the right, a plain white plate holds white, thick cut pieces of squid. Below, two small white bowls each hold a type of shellfish: one has light-colored clams, and the other has black mussels. The colors contrast well on the clean background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Paella Mixta with Chicken and Seafood Recipe truly lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each element plays a vital role in balancing the dish’s flavors, textures, and aromas, making every spoonful a celebration of taste and tradition.

Seafood stock: Adds a deep umami base that infuses the rice with rich ocean flavors.

Saffron threads: Provide that iconic golden color and fragrant earthiness unique to paella.
Extra virgin olive oil: Gives the dish a silky texture and helps develop rich caramelized notes.
Jumbo shrimp: Brings sweet, tender bites of fresh seafood to the mix.

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate every ingredient.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Offer juicy, flavorful meat that stays tender through cooking.
Yellow onion: Its sweetness softens and blends all flavors together.

Calamari: Adds a subtle sea flavor and lovely chewy texture.
Frozen or fresh peas: Provide pops of color and a gentle sweetness.
Green beans: Contribute a crisp bite and vibrant freshness.
Canned crushed tomatoes: A touch of acidity and a luscious sauce base.

Garlic clove: Infuses unmistakable warmth and depth.
Spanish bomba rice: The perfect short-grain rice that soaks up all flavors without getting mushy.
Fresh live mussels and clams: Deliver briny, ocean-fresh notes that complete the seafood medley.
Smoked Spanish paprika: Adds a subtle smoky undertone that ties everything together.

How to Make Paella Mixta with Chicken and Seafood Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Stock and Saffron

Start by heating your seafood stock along with the saffron threads on medium heat. Bringing this to a simmer allows the saffron’s golden hue and delicate flavor to fully infuse into the stock—this will be the flavorful heart of your paella rice, so patience here really pays off.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

Heat the olive oil in a large paella pan over medium-high heat and season the shrimp generously with salt and pepper. Sear them for about a minute on each side until they become pink and slightly caramelized. This quick searing locks in their juiciness and gives you those gorgeous golden edges. Remove them from the pan and set aside; they’ll join the paella just before it finishes cooking.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Next, season the chicken pieces well with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Brown the chicken until each piece is beautifully golden on the outside but not fully cooked through, tossing occasionally. This step adds layers of flavor and ensures tender, juicy meat in the finished dish. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside with the shrimp.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables and Calamari

Add the diced onion and calamari rings into the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and begins to brown—a good seven minutes. Then toss in the peas and green beans, allowing them to warm through. Stirring in the crushed tomatoes and garlic next, cook until the tomatoes reduce by half, creating a concentrated, flavorful base that compliments both the rice and seafood perfectly.

Step 5: Add Rice, Shellfish, and Spices

Pour in the bomba rice and scatter in the mussels, clams, smoked paprika, and reserved chicken pieces. Stir everything for a minute to coat the rice with those wonderful flavors. Spread the ingredients into an even layer and ladle in the hot saffron stock along with a pinch of salt. Now, here’s the crucial part: do not stir the rice anymore! Let it cook for 5 minutes over medium heat, then reduce to low and allow it to simmer undisturbed for 10 to 15 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 6: Add the Shrimp and Rest

About three minutes before the rice finishes cooking, nestle the seared shrimp on top of the paella. Once done, remove the pan from heat and let the paella rest for three minutes. This resting period helps the flavors meld and allows the beloved socarrat, the crispy toasted rice on the bottom, to form—giving you that authentic paella experience.

How to Serve Paella Mixta with Chicken and Seafood Recipe

A large silver pan with handles on both sides is filled with a vibrant seafood rice dish. The base layer is orange-yellow rice mixed with small green peas and chopped green beans, giving texture and color variety. On top, there are several big shrimp, pink and curled, evenly placed around the pan. Black mussels and open gray clams with white interiors are scattered on the rice, adding contrast. The dish looks rich and colorful with the mix of orange rice, green vegetables, and seafood. The background is a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh lemon wedges are your best friend here — a generous squeeze adds bright acidity that balances the rich, savory flavors perfectly. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley to add a lively green freshness and a hint of herbal aroma. Some folks also like to drizzle a tiny bit of high-quality olive oil just before serving for extra silkiness.

Side Dishes

Since this paella is a hearty one-pan feast, keep sides simple but complementary. A crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. Crusty bread is also a winner, perfect for mopping up any remaining sauce on the plate. A chilled Spanish white wine or a refreshing sangria makes the meal even more festive and authentic.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Paella Mixta with Chicken and Seafood Recipe right in the pan it was cooked in to showcase its vibrant colors and textures. For a party, portion it onto individual shallow bowls or plates, garnished with lemon wedges and herbs. To add a touch of rustic charm, set the pan on a wooden trivet in the middle of the table and invite everyone to dig in family-style—it’s the most joyful way to enjoy paella!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making your next meal a delicious encore of the original.

Freezing

Freezing paella is possible but not ideal because the texture of seafood and rice can change. If needed, freeze in a suitable container for up to one month. When reheating, thaw gently in the fridge to preserve as much of that lovely texture as possible.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the rice. Cover to trap steam and heat through evenly. Microwaving works too, but stirring halfway helps avoid dry or chewy spots, especially with the seafood.

FAQs

Can I use other types of seafood in this recipe?

Absolutely! While the classic Paella Mixta with Chicken and Seafood Recipe uses mussels, clams, shrimp, and calamari, you can definitely swap or add other favorites like scallops, lobster, or fish cubes. Just adjust cooking times to ensure everything stays tender and fresh.

Is Spanish bomba rice necessary or can I use regular rice?

Spanish bomba rice is highly recommended because it absorbs liquid perfectly without becoming mushy, resulting in that signature texture of paella. Regular long-grain rice won’t yield the same creamy and separate grains, but if that’s what you have, rinse it well and watch the cooking time carefully.

What if I don't have a paella pan?

No worries! Any large, wide, heavy-bottomed skillet or sauté pan works well. The key is to use a pan wide enough to spread the ingredients evenly so the rice cooks uniformly and develops the socarrat bottom.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your seafood stock and canned tomatoes have no added gluten-containing ingredients. Always check labels if you’re purchasing pre-made stocks or sauces.

How spicy is this paella?

This Paella Mixta with Chicken and Seafood Recipe is not spicy; the smoked Spanish paprika adds warmth and smoky depth without heat. If you like a bit of a kick, you can always add a pinch of cayenne or some fresh chili on the side.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like gathering around a pan of homemade Paella Mixta with Chicken and Seafood Recipe with loved ones, sharing laughter and full plates. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a weekend treat, this recipe brings vibrant, bold flavors and stunning presentation to your table. Dive in, enjoy the cooking process, and savor the delicious result that’s sure to become a treasured favorite!

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Paella Mixta with Chicken and Seafood Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need