I found this recipe in a magazine I was reading in the Dr.'s office.  It was for Paella-Style Chicken and Rice adapted from  Extra Lean Family by Mario Lopez. Now, I never do this, but I ripped the recipe out of the magazine and put in my purse. Bad, I know, but how many of you out there have done the same thing?  Who can resist a recipe from that cute, hunky guy, with those dimples! Remember, he was on Saved by the Bell and Dancing with  the Stars a few seasons ago and is the TV host of Extra?  According to Mario, This is a healthy version of the family classic. Maybe if you eat this dish, you can have abs like Mario;)  If you want to see more of Mario go to see Priscilla @She's Cookin',  because she  got to meet Mario Lopez, Lucky girl:)

Paella is Spanish dish of  saffron flavored rice combined with a variety of meats and shellfish (such as shrimp, lobster, clams, chicken, pork, ham and chorizo.), garlic, onions, peas, artichoke hearts and tomatoes. It's named after the special two-handled pan — also called paella  in which it's prepared and served. The pan is wide, shallow and 13 to 14 inches in diameter. If you want to see an authentic paella pan, check our Chrisitiane@The Mom Chef on making an authentic Paella.

This recipe is a healthier version of that paella classic.  It has chicken, Andouille sausage, brown rice, red bell peppers, peas, and saffron. Now, the recipe said that you could use chicken andouille sausage, which is what I did.  I got mine at Trader Joe's, that's why you small pieces of the sausage in the dish.  You can use saffron, if you have it.  It's a little pricey for me, so the recipe said that you could sub Italian seasoning for the saffron. You can also add a little turmeric for the saffron like color, if you wish.

This dish goes together quickly, and has layers of flavor from the spices, is healthy with the brown rice, and chicken breasts, and tastes so good.  We will definitely be making this again!  Believe it or not, I didn't change anything in the recipe. I followed it to a "T".  I don't do that too often, Enjoy!

"Paella-style" Chicken and Rice 

Adapted from Extra Lean Family by Mario Lopez -Serves 4

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 oz chicken sausage or 1 oz andouille sausage
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 cup brown rice
• 1 tsp saffron, or 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into chunks
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Chopped parsley and scallions to taste

• Heat oil in a large skillet. Add sausage and cook for 3 minutes, crushing with a wooden spoon. Add onion, celery and salt. Saute for 3 minutes. Stir in brown rice. Stir saffron into chicken broth and add to pan. Bring to a boil and add chicken.
• Cover and cook for 30-35 minutes, until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Stir in peas and sliced bell pepper. Serve in bowls and top with parsley and scallions.