Skip to Content

Slow Cooker Chicken & Seafood Paella

Paella in the slow cooker? Yes! Chicken and seafood are used in this easy and healthy version of paella that cooks in just a couple of hours time.

Paella in the slow cooker? Yes! Chicken and seafood are used in this easy and healthy version of paella that cooks in just a couple hours time.

Of course you can make paella in the slow cooker. As I’ve said before, I believe almost anything can be made in the slow cooker.  There are so many different versions of paella out there: seafood, chicken, combo, vegetarian, etc. Everyone has their own version and/or opinion about what makes a real paella. This one is mine. And it uses uncooked rice!

Paella in the slow cooker? Yes! Chicken and seafood are used in this easy and healthy version of paella that cooks in just a couple hours time.

You can use white or brown rice but I like to use brown. After I uncased my chorizo (I used beef chorizo by the way), I tried to cut it into rounds but that didn’t really work so I just kind of rolled them in to balls with my hands. The seafood goes in at the end but they seafood in general cooks quickly in the slow cooker.  Mine always seems to cook in under 10 minutes but standard for seafood is 15-30.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Paella in the slow cooker? Yes! Chicken and seafood are used in this easy and healthy version of paella that cooks in just a couple hours time.

Slow Cooker Chicken & Seafood Paella

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 5 mins
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 1/2 cups uncooked brown rice
  • 1/2 lb chorizo cut into 1-inch rounds
  • 1/4 lb Sizzlefish shrimp
  • 1/4 lb mussels (optional)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup peas
  • 15 ounces diced tomatoes
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 1/ tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp pepper

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients EXCEPT chicken thighs and shrimp to the slow cooker.
  2. Stir to mix well.
  3. Add the chicken thighs on top.
  4. Cook HIGH 3-4 or Low 6-8 hours.
  5. Add shrimp & mussels to the slow cooker. Cook an additional 15-30 minutes or until shrimp are pink and mussels have opened.
  • Author: Fit SlowCooker Queen
  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 4 hours

This recipe is a bit finicky. Please note, if you overcook it, the rice will quickly turn to mush. It will all depend on how your slow cooker heats so it might take you a time or two making this to get it just right.

Paella in the slow cooker? Yes! Chicken and seafood are used in this easy and healthy version of paella that cooks in just a couple hours time.

I couldn’t decide between chicken and chorizo paella and seafood paella so I went with both.

This recipe is a bit finicky. If you overcook it, the rice will quickly turn to mush.

If you don’t like or can’t eat seafood then leave it out, no modifications to the recipe. I suggest using at least the shrimp if you can. It adds a certain je ne sais quoi. 

Paella in the slow cooker? Yes! Chicken and seafood are used in this easy and healthy version of paella that cooks in just a couple hours time.

Chicken & Shrimp Paella

Paella in the slow cooker? Yes! Chicken and seafood are used in this easy and healthy version of paella that cooks in just a couple hours time.

PIN FOR LATER

Paella in the slow cooker? Yes! Chicken and seafood are used in this easy and healthy version of paella that cooks in just a couple hours time.

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click on one of the product links, I might receive compensation. For more about my disclosure policy see here: https://fitslowcookerqueen.com/about/disclosure-policy/.

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

Caroline Green

Monday 29th of November 2021

Hi how are you? The recipe sound good and look delicious. My concern is that it might be a bitt sticky or to wet. I like dry rice each grain to fall to itself.

Johanna Held

Monday 31st of May 2021

Hi,

for what size of Slow cooker is this reciepe.

Maria

Sunday 5th of May 2019

I made this the other day for a work function and WOW! I was so pleased with the way it turned out. It was so flavorful. I did omit the chorizo and it was still packed with flavor. It was a HUGE hit! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe.

Rachael Gross

Wednesday 12th of September 2018

Do you think cauliflower rice would work if you are trying to keep it low carb?

Fit SlowCooker Queen

Wednesday 12th of September 2018

Absolutely. I would stir in the uncooked cauliflower rice the last 30 minutes of cook time.

Angharad

Tuesday 10th of July 2018

Can I use chicken breast? If so, do I dices it and put it in uncooked?

Fit SlowCooker Queen

Monday 24th of September 2018

Yes but lower the cook time by an hour or so to ensure the breasts don't overcook.