Microwave Cheat’s Paella Recipe

Introduction

This microwave cheat’s paella is a quick and easy way to enjoy the classic Spanish dish without the fuss. Packed with chicken, chorizo, and peas, it delivers bold flavors in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying and flavorful.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed or finely grated
• 700ml chicken stock
• Pinch of saffron (optional)
• ½ tbsp sweet smoked paprika
• 300g paella rice
• 200g chicken, thinly sliced
• 200g chorizo, chopped
• 150g frozen peas
• ½ lemon, juiced, plus wedges to serve
• Small handful of parsley, roughly chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large microwaveable dish, combine the olive oil, finely chopped onion, crushed garlic, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and microwave on high for 3 minutes.
2. Step 2: Meanwhile, mix the chicken stock and saffron in a jug and let it infuse for a couple of minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir the smoked paprika, paella rice, sliced chicken, and chopped chorizo into the softened onions and garlic. Pour in the infused chicken stock, season well, then cover the dish.
4. Step 4: Microwave on high for 15 minutes. Carefully remove and stir the mixture, then cover again and cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Step 5: Uncover cautiously to avoid the steam, stir in the frozen peas. If the rice looks dry, add another 100ml of water. Cook uncovered for an additional 3 minutes.
6. Step 6: Drizzle the paella with lemon juice and sprinkle over the chopped parsley. Serve hot with lemon wedges for squeezing over.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, replace chicken and chorizo with smoked paprika and vegetables like bell peppers and artichokes.
• If saffron is unavailable, substitute with a pinch of turmeric for color and mild flavor.
• Use a microwave-safe lid or plate to cover the dish to retain moisture while cooking.
• Add a handful of prawns in the last 5 minutes of cooking for a seafood twist.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave with a splash of water to prevent drying out. Paella is best enjoyed fresh for the fullest flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of rice for this recipe?

Paella rice, such as bomba or arborio, works best because it absorbs flavors well without becoming mushy. Long-grain rice can be used but may alter the texture.

Is it necessary to add saffron?

Saffron adds authentic flavor and color but is optional. You can omit it or substitute with turmeric for a similar hue and a mild earthy taste.

Microwave Cheat’s Paella Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 58 reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 36 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A quick and easy Microwave Cheat’s Paella recipe that brings the rich flavors of traditional Spanish paella to your table without the fuss. Made with chicken, chorizo, and peas, this one-pot dish uses the microwave for a simple, fast, and delicious meal packed with smoky and savory notes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed or finely grated
• ½ tbsp sweet smoked paprika
• 300g paella rice
• pinch of saffron (optional)

Protein

• 200g chicken, thinly sliced
• 200g chorizo, chopped

Liquids and Seasoning

• 700ml chicken stock
• ½ lemon, juiced, plus wedges to serve
• Pinch of salt

Vegetables and Garnish

• 150g frozen peas
• small handful of parsley, roughly chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare aromatics: Put the olive oil, finely chopped onion, crushed or grated garlic, and a pinch of salt into a large microwaveable dish. Mix well and heat on high power for 3 minutes to soften the onion and awaken the flavors.
2. Infuse stock: While the aromatics cook, combine 700ml of chicken stock with a pinch of saffron in a jug and let it infuse for a couple of minutes to develop the distinctive yellow hue and subtle aroma.
3. Add rice and proteins: Stir the sweet smoked paprika, paella rice, thinly sliced chicken, and chopped chorizo into the softened onion and garlic mixture in the microwave dish. Pour in the infused chicken stock and season well with salt, making sure everything is evenly combined.
4. First cooking cycle: Cover the dish and cook on high power in the microwave for 15 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the stock and cook through with the meats releasing their flavors.
5. Stir and second cooking cycle: After 15 minutes, carefully remove the cover and stir the paella mixture to redistribute ingredients. Cover again and cook on high for another 5 minutes to further tenderize the rice and meat.
6. Finish with peas and final cooking: Remove the cover again, watching out for steam. Stir in the frozen peas and add an additional 100ml of water if the paella appears dry. Cook uncovered on high for a final 3 minutes to heat the peas and evaporate excess moisture.
7. Garnish and serve: Drizzle the juice of half a lemon over the paella and scatter roughly chopped parsley on top. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for an extra zest.

Notes

• If saffron is unavailable, you can omit it or use a pinch of turmeric as a color substitute, though flavor will differ.
• Use a large microwave-safe dish to avoid spills during cooking.
• Adjust cooking times based on your microwave’s wattage for best results.
• Frozen peas can be substituted with fresh peas if in season.
• For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and chorizo and use vegetable stock instead.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 26 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Microwaving
• Cuisine: Spanish

Keywords: paella, microwave paella, quick paella, chicken paella, chorizo recipe, easy Spanish recipe