Slow Cooker Chicken & Chorizo Paella

Can you make paella in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. A slow cooker is a convenient way to make paella at home with minimal effort. The key is to add the chicken and flavourings first, then add the paella rice towards the end of cooking. This helps you achieve tender rice without it becoming too soft.

How long does slow cooker paella take?

This slow cooker paella takes approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes to cook, plus around 10 minutes of preparation. Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker, so check that the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender before serving.

Can I put paella rice straight into the slow cooker?

Yes, you can add paella rice directly to the slow cooker without pre-cooking it. For this recipe, I add it after the chicken has cooked for 3 hours, then cook it for around 40 minutes with the vegetables added during the final 20 minutes. This helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy.

What is the best rice for slow cooker paella?

I recommend using paella rice, such as Spanish short-grain rice, because it absorbs the flavourful stock while giving the dish its characteristic texture. If you use a different type of rice, you may need to adjust the cooking time and amount of liquid.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breasts and work well with the smoky chorizo and spices. They have a richer flavour and tend to stay moist during slow cooking. Check that the chicken is fully cooked before serving.

Can I make slow cooker paella without chorizo?

Of course. You can leave out the chorizo if you prefer a milder chicken paella. You may want to add a little extra paprika and seasoning to help replace some of its smoky flavour.

Can I add other vegetables to paella?

Peas and red pepper work brilliantly in this recipe, but you could also add green beans or diced carrots. Add vegetables according to how long they need to cook, so they retain some texture rather than becoming too soft.

How do I stop the rice from going mushy?

The most important thing is not to add the rice at the beginning of the cooking process. I cook the chicken and flavourings first, then stir in the rice for the final 40 minutes. Check it towards the end, as different slow cookers can cook rice at different speeds.

Can I prepare slow cooker paella in advance?

You can chop the onion and pepper, slice the chorizo and measure out the spices in advance. For food safety, keep prepared ingredients refrigerated until you’re ready to cook, and follow your slow cooker’s instructions for adding chilled ingredients.

How do I store leftover chicken and chorizo paella?

Allow leftovers to cool quickly and refrigerate them in a covered container within two hours of cooking. Eat within 48 hours and reheat only once, until piping hot throughout. Rice needs particular care when cooling and storing, so don’t leave it sitting at room temperature.

Can you freeze slow cooker paella?

You can freeze cooked chicken paella, although the rice may soften slightly when reheated. Cool it quickly, portion it into suitable containers and freeze promptly. Defrost thoroughly in the fridge and reheat until piping hot throughout, only reheating once.

What can I serve with chicken and chorizo paella?

This paella is a complete meal in itself, thanks to the chicken, rice and vegetables. If you want something extra, serve it with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables or lemon wedges.

Is this slow cooker paella good for meal prep?

Yes. This recipe makes four generous portions, so it’s a handy option for meal prep. Divide the cooked paella into individual portions and refrigerate or freeze promptly, following the storage guidance above.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Rice Recipe

• This recipe takes minimal effort. Let the slow cooker do most of the work.
• This paella is packed with flavour with the smoky chorizo and spices making every bite delicious.
• This recipe is a hearty one-pot meal that’s perfect for the whole family.
• Perfect for busy days
• Easy to customise, feel free to make this dish vegetarian or change the meat.

If you’re looking for an easy slow cooker recipe that brings together tender chicken, smoky chorizo and flavour-packed rice, this slow cooker paella is a great one to try. It’s a simple twist on a Spanish-inspired classic and a lovely alternative to your usual chicken and rice recipe.