Tahini Chicken Paella with Toasted Sesame

• 

  2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 4 pieces)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 

  ½ tsp black pepper
• 

  1 tsp smoked paprika
• 

  2 tbsp olive oil
• 

  1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 

  1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 

  4 garlic cloves, minced
• 

  1 tsp ground cumin
• 

  ½ tsp ground turmeric
• 

  1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• ¼ tsp saffron threads
• 

  3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 

  3 tbsp tahini
• 

  1 tbsp lemon juice
• 

  1 ½ cups short-grain rice (such as bomba or calasparra)
• 

  2 tbsp sesame seeds

For serving

• 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped (optional)
• 

  1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)