Lean chicken paella

A light, fiber-rich chicken paella that supports gentle digestion.

One Pot Meal Easy Recipe Protein Rich
92%

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

Lean chicken paella is a bright, weeknight-friendly dish that pairs lean protein with colorful vegetables. Built for balanced everyday nutrition, it highlights fiber diversity from vegetables and a modest amount of rice, plus olive oil and herbs that contribute polyphenols. The result is a satisfying plate that supports steady energy and easy digestion as part of a varied diet. You can tailor it with extra vegetables or whole-grain substitutions to boost plant diversity and fiber, while keeping the dish light and approachable.

July 19, 2026
Lean chicken paella
Prep 15 min Cook 35 min Medium

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Why this recipe fits you

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

Gut Health Score

🌿 Fiber diversity
85
🍇 Polyphenol density
80
🧬 Diversity support
85
🛡️ Inflammation support
85
🫧 Fermentation support
10
⚖️ Blood sugar stability
78

Ingredients

Chicken, breast
300 gram
Chicken, breast
Rice, brown
100 gram
Rice, brown
Bell Pepper
1 piece
Bell Pepper
Onion, red
1 piece
Onion, red
Garlic
2 clove
Garlic
Tomato
2 piece
Tomato
Pea, green
100 gram
Pea, green
Oil, olive
2 tablespoon
Oil, olive
Paprika powder
1 teaspoon
Paprika powder
Turmeric
0.5 teaspoon
Turmeric
Chicken broth
350 ml
Parsley
2 tablespoon
Parsley
Salt
0.5 teaspoon
Salt
Black pepper
0.25 teaspoon
Black pepper

Instructions

1

Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Dice the bell pepper, red onion, and tomatoes. Mince the garlic.

2

Heat olive oil in a large pan or paella pan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.

3

In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the red onion and bell pepper until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4

Stir in the brown rice, paprika powder, and turmeric. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the rice is well coated with the spices and oil.

5

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let cook for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

6

Add the diced tomatoes and green peas to the pan. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes until vegetables are heated through but still vibrant.

7

Season with salt and black pepper. Stir in chopped parsley. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

480 kcal Calories
42 g Protein
40 g Carbohydrates
14 g Fiber
6 g Sugar
16 g Fat
4 g Saturated fat
1.4 g Salt

FAQ

Is Lean chicken paella suitable for a low-fat diet?
Yes. It uses lean chicken and a modest amount of olive oil; you can further reduce oil or salt if needed.
How should I store leftovers and how long will they keep?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days and reheat gently.
Can I substitute the chicken with turkey or tofu?
Yes. Use turkey breast as an alternative, or add extra vegetables or plant-based proteins for a vegetarian option.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Generally gluten-free if you use gluten-free chicken broth and check all seasonings.
How can I scale the recipe for more people?
Multiply the ingredients and keep the same rice-to-liquor ratio; use a larger pan if needed.
How do I know when the rice is cooked?
Simmer 15–20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Freezing is possible, but the rice texture may change. Freeze in portions and reheat as needed.
Are peas cooked or raw in this recipe?
Green peas are added near the end and can be frozen or fresh.
What are the main nutritional benefits of this dish?
Lean chicken provides protein; vegetables supply fiber; olive oil and herbs offer polyphenols.

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