High Protein Paella With Chicken and Shrimp

Looking for a healthy, high-protein meal? Try this healthy High Protein Paella recipe with lean chicken, shrimp, and veggies. It’s a flavorful, low-fat dish perfect for dinner or meal prep.

Easy to make and full of taste!

High-Protein Paella Recipe with Chicken and Shrimp

This High Protein Paella recipe is just what you need for a flavorful, crowd-pleaser dinner!
Made with tender chicken, juicy shrimp, vibrant veggies, and perfectly seasoned rice, this Healthy Paella is a satisfying meal that feels like a trip to Spain—right from your kitchen.

Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or simply craving something delicious and nutritious, this easy one-pan recipe has got you covered. Plus, it’s a great way to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen! Let’s get cooking!

Is Paella Healthy?

Absolutely! This Paella is:

Packed with Protein – This Paella is a great source of lean protein, as it’s made with chicken and shrimp, helping to support muscle growth and keep you feeling full.

Loaded with Vegetables – With ingredients like bell peppers, onions, and peas, this Paella provides essential vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants that support overall health.

Low in Fat – By using lean chicken breast and cooking with olive oil in moderation, this Paella is a lighter option compared to traditional paella recipes and fits into a balanced diet.

Macro-Balanced and Nutritious – This Paella offers a delicious mix of carbs from rice, healthy fats from olive oil, and protein, creating a well-rounded meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

How To Store and Reheat the Paella

This High Protein Paella is perfect for meal prep and leftovers!To store, simply let the paella cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or water to bring back the moisture, or warm it in the microwave. With its rich flavors, this paella tastes just as delicious the next day—perfect for busy lunches or easy dinners!

More High-Protein and Macro-Balanced Meals

Try this High-Protein Paella for your next meal prep and don’t forget to check out our other healthy, high-protein meals like these:
Cauliflower Crust Pizza
Healthy Leftover Turkey Casserole
Instant Pot Stuffed Bell Peppers
Healthy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Pork Tenderloin Medallions in Mushroom Sauce
One Pot Chicken Puttanesca

Ingredients for High Protein Paella

• olive oil, divided
• chicken breast
• bell pepper
• yellow onion
• garlic
• rice (Bomba rise is preferred)
• smoked paprika
•  salt
• pepper
• tomato sauce or diced tomatoes
• chicken broth
• green peas
• shrimp
• parsley

How To Make High Protein Paella

• Prep Your Ingredients
  Start by cutting chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, slicing bell peppers into strips, and chopping onions. These simple prep steps ensure even cooking and maximum flavor in every bite.
• Cook the Chicken
  Heat olive oil in a large skillet or paella pan and sauté the chicken until golden brown. Set it aside to maintain its juiciness while you cook the vegetables.
• Sauté the Veggies
  Using the same pan, soften the bell peppers, onions, and garlic in olive oil. This builds a fragrant, flavorful base for your paella.
• Toast the Rice
  Stir the rice with the veggies, adding smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toasting the rice briefly enhances its texture and flavor.
• Simmer and Combine
  Add tomato sauce and chicken broth to the pan, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Return the chicken to the pan and stir in green peas for a touch of sweetness.
• Add the Shrimp
  Arrange shrimp on top of the rice and let them cook until they turn pink and tender, perfectly complementing the dish’s savory profile.
• Finish and Serve
  Let the paella rest for a few minutes to absorb all the flavors. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness before serving.

How Many Calories in High Protein Paella?

High Protein Paella With Chicken and Shrimp

Looking for a healthy, high-protein meal? Try this healthy High Protein Paella recipe with lean chicken, shrimp, and veggies. It's a flavorful, low-fat dish perfect for dinner or meal prep. Easy to make and full of taste!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Servings 6 servings

Calories 405 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 4 Tbsp. olive oil divided
• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast
• 1 large 200 g bell pepper
• 1 large 150 g yellow onion
• 2-3 cloves garlic diced or minced
• 1 cup (200 g) rice (Bomba rise is preferred)
• 1 tsp. smoked paprika
• 1.5 tsp. salt or to taste
• ½ tsp. pepper
• 1.5 cup (360 g) tomato sauce or diced tomatoes
• 2.5 cups (600 g) chicken broth
• 1 cup (150 g) green peas
• 1 lb (450 g) shrimp
• Parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

• Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes.
• Slice the bell pepper into strips and chop the onion.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or paella pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
• In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the bell pepper and cook until just softened, about 2 minutes. Remove it to the side of the pan. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the chopped onion and sauté for about 2 -3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Add the rice to the pan and stir it with the vegetables. Add the smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Toast the rice for 1 or 2 minutes.
• Stir in the tomato sauce or diced tomatoes. Pour in the chicken broth, mix well, and bring to a simmer.
• Return the cooked chicken to the pan, and add the green peas. Spread it evenly. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let the paella simmer gently for 15 minutes.
• Arrange the shrimp over the rice, pressing them slightly into the mixture. Cover again and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, and the rice is tender.
• Remove the pan from heat and let the paella rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

How Many Calories in High Protein Paella?

Calories (1 serve): 405 kcal	Calories (per 100g): 135 kcal
Protein: 43.6 g	Protein: 14.5 g
Carbohydrates: 38.5 g	Carbohydrates: 12.8 g
Fat: 7.7 g	Fat: 2.5 g

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