Brown rice paella with chicken

Brown rice paella with chicken that supports gentle digestion and fiber diversity

One Pot Meal Easy Recipe
90%

General Gut Health Match

This score is based on all ingredients included in the food recipe and provides a match score for the general population which is not personalized to your personal profile or gut microbiome test.

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Recipe description

Bright, comforting and naturally balanced, this brown rice paella with chicken brings fiber-rich grains and lean protein to your table. The brown rice offers gentle fiber and steady energy, while a mix of vegetables adds plant diversity and polyphenols. The dish stays vibrant with a warm, savory profile from spices and aromatics and a light finish. This recipe fits a mindful eating approach that supports regular meals and helps you include prebiotic-friendly plant foods as part of a varied diet. It's hearty enough for weeknights and friendly to a balanced gut-friendly routine.

July 13, 2026
Brown rice paella with chicken
Prep 15 min Cook 40 min High Effort

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Why this recipe fits you

  • Rich in fiber from brown rice and vegetables.
  • Includes colorful plant foods that support dietary diversity.
  • Balanced with protein, healthy fats, and slow carbohydrates.

Gut Health Score

🌿 Fiber diversity
85
🍇 Polyphenol density
82
🧬 Diversity support
75
🛡️ Inflammation support
82
🫧 Fermentation support
0
⚖️ Blood sugar stability
78

Ingredients

Rice, brown
1 cup
Rice, brown
Chicken, thigh
2 piece
Chicken, thigh
Onion
1 piece
Onion
Garlic
2 clove
Garlic
Capsicum, red
1 piece
Capsicum, red
Tomato
1 piece
Tomato
Chicken soup
2 cup
Chicken soup
Oil, olive
2 tablespoon
Oil, olive
Paprika powder
1 teaspoon
Paprika powder
Saffron
0.25 teaspoon
Saffron
Pea, green
0.5 cup
Pea, green
Lemon
0.5 piece
Lemon
Salt
0.5 teaspoon
Salt
Black pepper
0.25 teaspoon
Black pepper

Instructions

1

Heat olive oil in a large paella pan or skillet over medium heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then brown on both sides for 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.

2

In the same pan, sauté chopped onion and garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add diced bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes.

3

Add brown rice to the pan and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in paprika and saffron threads.

4

Pour in chicken broth and add diced tomato. Bring to a simmer, then return chicken thighs to the pan.

5

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35-40 minutes until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed. Do not stir during cooking.

6

In the last 5 minutes of cooking, scatter frozen peas over the top. Cover and continue cooking.

7

Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with lemon wedges before serving.

Nutrition

480 kcal Calories
25 g Protein
60 g Carbohydrates
7 g Fiber
6 g Sugar
14 g Fat
4 g Saturated fat
0.6 g Salt

FAQ

Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, naturally gluten-free. Use a gluten-free chicken broth if you’re avoiding gluten and avoid cross-contamination.
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice, and how does that affect cooking time?
Yes, you can. White rice cooks faster and has less fiber; adjust the cooking time so the liquid is absorbed.
Can I substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts?
You can, but thighs stay juicier. Breasts may dry out; reduce cooking time to prevent overcooking.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
2 servings.
Do I need to stir the paella while cooking?
No. Do not stir during cooking to help the rice cook evenly.
What can I substitute for saffron if I don’t have it?
You can omit saffron or use a pinch of turmeric for color; you’ll miss the aroma.
How spicy is this recipe and can I adjust the heat?
It’s mild. You can add more pepper or paprika to increase heat; adjust to taste.
How long will leftovers keep, and can I freeze them?
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours; they keep 2–3 days. Freezing is possible but texture may change.
Can I add extra vegetables or proteins to customize it?
Yes. You can add more veggies or other proteins; adjust cooking times accordingly.

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