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Skillet Chicken Paella-Diabetic

Skillet Chicken Paella-Diabetic recipe image
This Skillet Chicken Paella offers a lighter, diabetic-friendly twist on the classic Spanish dish. By using lean boneless chicken breast and plenty of colorful vegetables like sweet peppers and peas, this recipe delivers robust flavor without the heaviness. The aromatic blend of saffron (or turmeric), paprika, and oregano creates a warm, savory profile that coats every grain of rice. It&# 226;€™s a complete meal cooked in a single skillet, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty yet healthy. The tender chicken strips mix beautifully with the fluffy rice and juicy tomatoes, providing a satisfying texture and deep umami taste. Serve this dish for a comforting family dinner or a light lunch that feels indulgent but keeps your blood sugar in check.
Cooking Method: ,
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6
Calories: 178.2
Description
This Skillet Chicken Paella offers a lighter, diabetic-friendly twist on the classic Spanish dish. By using lean boneless chicken breast and plenty of colorful vegetables like sweet peppers and peas, this recipe delivers robust flavor without the heaviness. The aromatic blend of saffron (or turmeric), paprika, and oregano creates a warm, savory profile that coats every grain of rice. It's a complete meal cooked in a single skillet, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty yet healthy.
Ingredients
  • 1 1/4 pound Chicken breast, boneless and skinless
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil or cooking oil
  • 1 medium Onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 1/4 cups Fat-free chicken broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) Stewed tomatoes
  • 1 cup Uncooked long grain rice
  • 1 medium Sweet red pepper, cut into strips
  • 1 teaspoon Dried oregano, crushed
  • 3/4 cup Frozen peas
  • 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon Ground saffron or turmeric
Directions
  1. 1
    Remove skin from chicken breasts, rinse, pat dry with paper towels, and cut into bite-sized strips.
  2. 2
    Heat olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. 3
    Cook chicken strips in two batches for 2 to 3 minutes until no longer pink; remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  4. 4
    Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until tender but not brown.
  5. 5
    Remove skillet from heat and stir in broth, uncooked rice, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and saffron or turmeric.
  6. 6
    Return skillet to heat and bring mixture to a boil.
  7. 7
    Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  8. 8
    Coarsely chop stewed tomatoes and add them to the pan along with their juice.
  9. 9
    Add sweet red pepper strips and frozen peas to the skillet.
  10. 10
    Cover and simmer for 5 minutes more, or until rice is tender.
  11. 11
    Stir in the cooked chicken and heat through for 1 minute.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 178.2kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 5.9g10%
Saturated Fat 1.3g7%
Cholesterol 80.4mg27%
Sodium 70.0mg3%
Total Carbohydrate 0.0g0%
Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
Sugars 0.0g
Protein 29.3g59%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

If you cannot find saffron, turmeric is an excellent and affordable substitute that provides a similar golden color and earthy flavor. You can also use fresh peas instead of frozen for a slightly crisper texture.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent the rice from drying out.

Do not stir the rice after adding the liquid and spices, as this can release starch and make the dish mushy. Let it simmer undisturbed for the best texture. For extra flavor, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking before adding it back to the rice.

Keywords: chicken paella, diabetic friendly, skillet dinner, spanish rice, saffron rice, healthy main, one pan meal, low fat chicken, vegetable rice, easy dinner, peas and rice, turmeric rice, lean protein, family meal, weeknight recipe, mediterranean style
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/skillet-chicken-paella-diabetic/