Spice Up Your Dinner with Arroz Con Pollo
Are you tired of cooking the same old chicken and rice dish for dinner every night? Why not mix things up with a traditional Latin American recipe – Arroz Con Pollo, also known as Dominican Style Chicken & Rice. This flavorful dish is a staple in Latin American households and will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of the Dominican Republic or Puerto Rico.
Arroz Con Pollo is a one-pot wonder that combines long grain rice, boneless skinless chicken breasts, green peppers, red onions, oregano, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, garlic cloves, pepper and salt. This dish is easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something hearty but don’t have a lot of time.
The flavors of Arroz Con Pollo are closely related to paella, another popular rice dish from Spain. However, the traditional Dominican recipe consists of chicken cooked with rice, onions and saffron for a burst of flavor that will leave you wanting more.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also affordable and can be made with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that can be easily modified based on your preferences.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of Latin American cuisine? Are you looking for an easy-to-make, yet flavorful and traditional dish to impress your family and friends? If the answer is yes, then let me introduce you to the Arroz Con Pollo!
Arroz Con Pollo, which means rice with chicken in Spanish, is a classic one-pot chicken and rice dish that is closely related to the renowned paella. It is a flavorful recipe that typically includes boneless chicken breast or thighs, long-grain rice, vegetables like green peppers and red onions, aromatic spices like oregano and garlic cloves, tomato paste, and vinegar.
This chicken rice recipe is a Dominican-style gastronomic delight that is popular throughout Latin America. It’s a hearty meal that brings together great flavors and aromas from the Caribbean with saffron-infused Spanish rice. The combination of yellow rice and tender chicken in each bite will leave your taste buds happy and satisfied.
What I love about this dish is its versatility. The recipe can be easily customized to fit various dietary restrictions or preferences. You can swap chicken breast for thighs or even make a vegetarian version by substituting the chicken for your favorite vegetables. Additionally, you can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less pepper.
Are you convinced yet? So go ahead and give it a try! This arroz con pollo recipe will not disappoint you. It’s easy to prepare, insanely delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, feeding your hungry family on a busy weeknight, or meal-prepping for the upcoming week – this dish has got you covered.
Prepare yourself for an explosion of flavor with every bite because this traditional dish from the Dominican Republic packs all the flavor punches. Trust us; arroz con pollo will soon become your new favorite rice recipe!
Ingredient List
To make this Arroz Con Pollo recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of long grain rice
- 4 cups of water
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 1 red onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon of oregano
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of white vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into 8 pieces
- Goya Adobo, for seasoning
Note that traditional Dominican Arroz Con Pollo often includes chicken cut into small pieces with bones and skin included in the cooking process. However, for a healthier option, this recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. You can also substitute it with stewed chicken, braised chicken, or even chicken breast. The onions, peppers and garlic are a tightly knit trio that gives the dish a wonderful depth of flavor, while the vinegars add acidity and tanginess.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get to the fun part – making the arroz con pollo! Follow these steps to achieve a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups long grain rice
- 2 cups of water
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red onion, diced
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp of oregano
- 2 tbsp of tomato paste
- 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp of white vinegar
- 1 tsp of pepper
- 2 tsp salt
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Firstly, in a large saucepan over medium-high heat add oil and sauté garlic until fragrant. Next, add the diced onions and green peppers and stir occasionally until they are soft.
Then in the same saucepan, push vegetables to side and add chicken. Cook chicken through for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Add Rice and Flavoring
Next, reduce heat to medium-low and add water to the saucepan with chicken. Add in rice, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, white vinegar along with all seasonings (oregano, salt and pepper).
Stir well so that everything is evenly dispersed in the pot making sure each grain of rice is coated with the seasoning liquid.
Step 3: Finish Cooking the Arroz Con Pollo
Increase heat to high and bring to a boil for two minutes before reducing back down to low.
Simmer covered for about 18 minutes or until the liquid has been absorbed by the rice.
The last 5 minutes of cooking time should be with just enough heat to produce some crispy crust on the bottom layer of rice. This is called “the socarrat.”
Remove from heat once rice is cooked through completely and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes.Serve with lime wedges on the side to squeeze on top of your arroz con pollo.
Enjoy your Arroz con Pollo – a delicious, traditional Latin American chicken rice dish that is closely related to Paella.
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making Arroz Con Pollo, there are some great substitutions and variations to consider. While the traditional dish is made with boneless skinless chicken breasts, you can easily swap them out for chicken thighs or a whole chicken cut into pieces for a more flavorful rice dish.
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try substituting chicken with vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. You could even make a seafood version by adding shrimp or mussels instead of chicken.
For those who prefer a spicier dish, add some diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the rice mixture.
You can also vary the seasoning by using different types of vinegar or spices. Apple cider vinegar can be substituted for white vinegar, and oregano can be replaced with thyme or cumin.
If you want to try a different type of rice, long-grain brown rice would be an excellent substitution as it has a nuttier flavor and is higher in fiber.
And finally, if you’re feeling creative, this recipe is versatile enough to allow for experimentation with your favorite ingredients. You could add black beans, corn or even raisins for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to making Arroz Con Pollo. So, feel free to experiment and find your perfect version of this delicious Latin American meal!
Serving and Pairing
There are various ways to savor the traditional Dominican dish of Arroz con Pollo. Pair it with a side of sweet plantains or avocado salad for a complete meal. You can even serve it along with a light and refreshing coleslaw to balance out the rich flavors of the dish.
For an authentic experience, I recommend squeezing fresh lime juice over the top before serving. This gives the dish an extra burst of flavor that adds to the whole eating experience.
To make it even more appetizing, sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top for an extra pop of color and flavor. The cilantro brings out the exotic taste of the dish, giving you a chance to discover the real taste of Latin America.
Arroz con Pollo is great for family gatherings and potlucks, as it is a crowd-pleaser that can feed a lot of people. I recommend serving this dish piping hot straight from the pot so everyone can enjoy its delicious aroma and warmth.
If you’re looking for something to drink alongside your Arroz con Pollo, try a refreshing glass of pineapple juice, which complements its savory flavors quite well. Alternatively, you can also serve it with red wine, which adds depth to the rich flavor profile of Arroz Con Pollo.
No matter how you decide to serve it, Arroz con Pollo is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed at any time of day – whether you’ve got friends, family or just yourself!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about Arroz Con Pollo is that it can easily be prepared ahead of time, stored and reheated without losing much flavor or texture. This makes it a perfect dish for busy weeknights where you don’t have much time to cook.
To make ahead, simply prepare the Arroz Con Pollo as outlined in the recipe how-to section. Once done, allow the dish to cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. This container can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months.
When you’re ready to reheat, there are a few different approaches you can take depending on your preference. For quick individual servings, simply microwave a portion for 2-3 minutes until heated through. If you’re reheating a larger portion or prefer to use the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the Arroz Con Pollo in an oven-safe dish and bake covered for 20-30 mins until heated through.
Keep in mind that reheating may cause some of the rice grains to become slightly hard, but this can be easily remedied by adding a tablespoon or two of water before reheating.
Overall, Arroz Con Pollo is a versatile dish that is both easy to make ahead and reheat. So go ahead and make a big batch – you’ll thank yourself later when you have delicious leftovers at your fingertips!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to make the perfect Arroz Con Pollo, then I have some tips that you might find helpful. As a chef who specializes in both Brazilian and American cuisine, I have a lot of experience with rice-based dishes like Arroz Con Pollo (Dominican Style Chicken & Rice).
Tip #1: Use Long Grain Rice
For optimal texture and flavor, use long grain rice. It’s the best option for this dish because it absorbs the flavorful broth while maintaining its texture and integrity.
Tip #2: Make Sure to Brown the Chicken
Browned chicken adds depth of flavor to your dish. Make sure to brown the chicken on both sides before adding it to the pot. This also helps to lock in moisture and keeps the meat tender and juicy.
Tip #3: Properly Season Your Dish
Seasoning is key when it comes to making an excellent Arroz Con Pollo. Be generous with salt and pepper since they bring out the flavor of other ingredients. I recommend using Goya Adobo seasoning for an extra touch of flavor.
Tip #4: Don’t Overcook Your Rice
It’s important not to overcook your rice as it may become mushy and unappetizing. Cook it according to the instructions in the recipe and check for doneness with a fork by fluffing it up occasionally.
Tip #5: Let It Rest
Once your dish is fully cooked, let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows all of the flavors to blend together and makes for a more enjoyable eating experience.
In conclusion, these are my top tips for making a perfect Arroz Con Pollo. Follow these suggestions, pair it with some lime wedges, and you will have an outstanding meal that rivals many dishes from Latin America!
FAQ
Before we conclude this recipe article, it’s important to address some frequently asked questions about Arroz Con Pollo. Here are some common queries that beginners or even experienced chefs might have while preparing this traditional Latin America dish.
What ethnicity is arroz con pollo?
A classic dish from Latin America, arroz con pollo is similar to paella, which is made up of chicken, rice, onions, saffron, and a variety of other grains or veggies.
Which country has the best arroz con pollo?
Arroz con pollo is a beloved Puerto Rican dish that incorporates annatto oil and beer for added flavor and to achieve a beautiful yellow hue for the rice, much like the use of saffron in other rice dishes.
What is Locrio in English?
Locrio, a savory rice dish from the Dominican Republic, features well-seasoned rice mixed with flavorful meats like chicken, pork, or Dominican salami. This flavorful recipe is reminiscent of pilaf and paella.
What is arroz con pollo the national dish of?
The dish called “arroz con pollo” is a Spanish and Latin American classic that features chicken and rice as its main ingredients. Different variations of this dish can be found throughout various countries in the region.
Bottom Line
It’s been a pleasure sharing this Arroz con Pollo recipe with you. I sincerely hope this recipe brings the flavors and culture of Latin America to your table, wherever you may be in the world.
With its simple and straightforward process, this dish can easily become a staple that you’ll want to make over and over again. Not only does it taste amazing with its aromatic spices and fluffy rice, but it also represents centuries of tradition and heritage in Latin America.
So why not give it a try and create a flavorful meal that reflects the beauty of diversity? I guarantee your taste buds will thank you for the explosion of flavor our Arroz con Pollo recipe offers.
Remember, one of the things I love about cooking is flexibility. So take some creative license- embrace the variations, make it your own, and add your own touch. It’s all about finding what makes your taste buds sing!
In conclusion, if you’re in need of an easy-to-make, versatile and timeless dish that will satisfy all of your hunger pangs, then Arroz con Pollo is definitely worth trying! So gather up these ingredients and start cooking today for a memorable experience you won’t forget!
Arroz Con Pollo (Dominican Style Chicken & Rice) Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 -3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 1/2 cup red onion
- 1/2 cup red pepper
- 1/2 cup green pepper
- 1/4 cup corn oil (I use Mazola, but any is fine)
- 1 1/2 cups long grain rice
- 3 cups water
Instructions
- Throw ALL the ingredients "EXCEPT" Rice & Water into a large pot.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring every so often.
- When liquid starts to diminish add the rice & water.
- Stir and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover & simmer for approximately 20 minutes. Enjoy! :).
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Dora
Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.