Quick Chicken Paella (30-minute shortcut paella recipe with Minute Rice Cups)

This post is sponsored by Minute Rice. All opinions are my own. #AD #MinuteRicePartner

You know I love a good shortcut recipe, especially when the results are both delicious and deceptively easy. This simple chicken paella recipe is a hearty, one-pot dinner that’s done in under 30 minutes, yet presents fabulously enough that you could serve it to guests. Part of the reason this is such a quick chicken paella is because it calls for Minute Chicken & Herb Seasoned Rice Cups, which are prepared in the microwave in only 90 seconds (for 2 cups; 1 cup heats in just 60 seconds) before being added to the skillet. Not only do Minute Rice Cups cut down the recipe’s time, but they also cut down on additional seasonings since they are already perfectly seasoned. Keep reading for the easy chicken paella recipe along with some step-by-step photos and cooking tips, and shop for Minute Rice Cups on Instacart now (you’ll want to keep your pantry stocked with all the delicious varieties, including Spanish Rice, Cilantro & Lime Jasmine, Jalapeño, Yellow, and more for those busy weeknights).

What You Need to Make this Easy Chicken Paella Recipe

The key to this quick and easy chicken paella recipe being done in under 30 minutes is using Minute Chicken & Herb Seasoned Rice Cups, which are deliciously seasoned with carrots, onion, and garlic. They create the perfect flavor fusion when added to recipes like this but are also delicious on their own as a side dish, so we love to keep some on hand. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to gather for this simple chicken paella recipe:

• 2 Cups Minute Chicken & Herb Seasoned Rice Cups (two Minute Rice Cups can feed a family of four and saves so much time compared with scratch-making the rice in this shortcut chicken paella)
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, chopped
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Freshly cracked salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with their juices
• 1 cup peas
• Chopped parsley, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for garnish

How to Make Quick and Easy Chicken Paella

You won’t believe this is a 30-minute chicken paella when you see it and taste it! Gotta love a Minute Rice Cups recipe!

To make this easy chicken paella recipe, start by seasoning chopped boneless, skinless chicken breast with paprika and freshly cracked salt and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken, along with chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, and minced garlic.

Cook until the chicken is cooked through, and the vegetables are tender (this will take about 10 minutes).

Meanwhile, remove the Minute Chicken & Herb Seasoned Rice Cups from their packaging and remove the top film. Place both cups in the microwave and heat for 90 seconds. It’s so easy; just pop, heat, and enjoy! They’re the perfect addition to the quick chicken paella recipe.

Stir the heated rice, a can of diced tomatoes (with their juices), and peas into the chicken mixture. Cook the shortcut chicken paella for 1-2 more minutes, or until the rice, tomatoes, and peas are heated through.

Remove the 30-minute chicken paella from the heat source and serve it garnished with chopped parsley and lemon wedges.

Here’s the recipe for quick chicken paella with Minute Rice Cups ! Shop for Minute Rice Cups now so you can enjoy this recipe and my other shortcut recipes using Minute Rice Cups (like my Southwestern Dirty Rice and Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Rice Soup)!