Arroz con Pollo - Latin American Chicken and Rice
poultry
gluten-free
one-pot
everyday
main course
juicy
Latin American
all seasons
Hot
Difficulty
medium
Time
1h 5m
Price Category
average
Calories
Medium
Arroz con Pollo is a classic Latin American one-pot dish, a true family favorite. This hearty meal combines juicy chicken, flavorful rice, and rich spices, all cooked together in a single pot. It's a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, as it's easy to prepare and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready for a delicious journey into the heart of Latin America!
ingredients
Steps
Prepare Chicken
Cut the boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, then season generously with salt and pepper. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces in batches until golden on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Sofrito Base
Add another 1 tbsp of olive oil to the pot if needed. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper, and sauté over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and saffron threads (or turmeric), and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Rice and Liquid
Add the long-grain rice to the pot and stir to combine with the vegetables and spices. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes until slightly translucent. Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, add the bay leaf, and stir well. Return the browned chicken to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
Cook and Rest
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed. Do not lift the lid during this time! Remove the pot from the heat, stir in the frozen peas, and let it rest, covered, for another 5-10 minutes. This helps the rice to finish cooking and the peas to warm through.
Serve
Remove the bay leaf. Fluff the rice with a fork, stir in the chopped fresh cilantro, and serve immediately. Enjoy your meal!
Extra Tips
► For an even richer flavor, toast the rice with the vegetables before adding the liquid.
► If you don't have saffron, turmeric can provide a nice color and a subtle flavor.
► Avoid lifting the lid too often while cooking to ensure the rice steams evenly.
Nutrition
| Per 100g | Per Serving 500g | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal | 1050 kcal |
| Protein | 18g | 90g |
| Fat | 7g | 35g |
| Carbohydrate | 19g | 95g |
| Fiber | 1.5g | 7.5g |
| Sugar | 1.5g | 7.5g |
