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Car Camping Chicken and Chorizo Paella in a Cast-Iron Skillet with Saffron and Peas

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Quick answer

Brown chicken thighs and chorizo in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet on a camp stove or fire grate over medium-low heat. Build a quick onion, pepper and tomato base, toast short-grain rice, then pour in saffron broth and simmer uncovered for 18 minutes without stirring. Finish with peas and a short blast of higher heat for a crisp bottom crust, rest 5 minutes, and eat in about an hour.

Car Camping Chicken and Chorizo Paella in a Cast-Iron Skillet with Saffron and Peas
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Paella sounds like a restaurant dish, but it is really just rice, broth and a hot pan. A 12-inch skillet works fine for four people. The one rule is to leave the rice alone once the broth goes in.

This version uses chicken thighs, cured chorizo and a pinch of saffron. Most of it travels well in a cooler, and the chopping can be done at home. It is the dinner to cook on the night you have an hour and want everyone to look up from their chairs.

Recipe card

Car Camping Chicken and Chorizo Paella in a Cast-Iron Skillet with Saffron and Peas

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Prep
15 min
Cook
45 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Moderate
Heat
Medium-low flame, or a grate over medium coals
Pack weight
6 lb
TrailFit
  • Campfire
  • Camp stove
  • Backpacking
  • Cooler required
  • One burner
  • Some water
  • A few dishes
  • Prep ahead

Ingredients

16 ingredients, Crew only

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16 ingredients · 8 steps · Trail Notes · gear list

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