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Paella with chicken, leeks and tarragon

July 14, 2021
Recipe

Paella is a saffron-flavored rice dish. This adaptation uses brown rice, chicken and spices you already have in your cabinet.

Serves 4

Paella is a saffron-flavored rice dish made with meat, seafood and vegetables. This adaptation uses brown rice, tarragon and chicken.


In a large, nonstick frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, leeks, garlic and chicken. Saute until the vegetables are translucent and chicken is slightly browned, about 5 minutes.

Add the tomatoes and red pepper and continue to saute another 5 minutes. Add rice, tarragon and broth and combine well. Bring to a boil.

Reduce heat, cover and simmer about 10 minutes. Stir in peas and continue to simmer uncovered until broth is absorbed and the rice is tender, 45 to 60 minutes.

To serve, divide among four individual plates. Garnish each with 1 tablespoon parsley and 1 lemon wedge.


  • 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 2 leeks (white part only), thinly sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
  • 2 large tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 red pepper, sliced
  • 2/3 cup brown rice
  • 1 teaspoon tarragon, or to taste
  • 2 cups fat-free, unsalted chicken broth
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 lemon, cut into 4 wedges

DASH Eating Plan Servings

Dairy foods (low-fat or fat-free) Fats and oils Fruits 2 Grains and grain products 3 Meats, poultry and fish Nuts, seeds and dry beans Sweets 3 Vegetables

Diabetes Meal Plan Choices

Fats Dairy foods (low-fat or fat-free) Fruits 3 Meat and meat substitutes Milk and milk products 3 Nonstarchy vegetables 2 Starches Sweets, desserts and other carbohydrates

Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight Pyramid Servings

2 Carbohydrates Fats Fruits 1.5 Protein and dairy Sweets 3 Vegetables

Nutritional analysis per serving

Calcium 369 Calories 46 g Total carbohydrate 83 mg Cholesterol 7 g Dietary fiber 2 g Monounsaturated fat Potassium 35 g Protein 1 g Saturated fat About 4 ounces chicken and 2 cups rice and vegetables Serving size 182 mg Sodium 6 g Total fat