Buckle up, foodies! Today’s recipe is a delightful Puerto Rican classic that you’ll fall in love with. Let me introduce you to the mouth-watering ‘Arroz Con Pollo,’ which translates to ‘rice with chicken.’

This Spanish dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser, thanks to its earthy flavors and wholesome ingredients that come together for a memorable one-pot meal. Trust me; once you taste this dish, it will become your favorite go-to when you want something easy yet elegant for dinner.

Chock full of veggies like diced tomatoes, green and red capsicums, artichoke hearts, and aromatic spices like bay leaf and turmeric powder, our version of Arroz Con Pollo is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits that your body will thank you for.

So, clear your calendar and make room for some Puerto Rican comfort food. This dish is perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy weeknight dinner with loved ones. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Are you looking for a flavorful and comforting meal that is easy to make? Look no further than Arroz Con Pollo, a classic Puerto Rican and Cuban dish that is sure to become a family favorite. This dish is made with rice, chicken, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and spices like turmeric and bay leaf.

One of the best things about Arroz Con Pollo is its versatility. This hearty one-pot meal can be made with chicken thighs or breasts, or even with leftover rotisserie chicken. The rice used in this recipe can be short-grain or long-grain, depending on your preference. Interestingly, some variations even call for saffron rice or adding some artichoke hearts for an interesting twist.

Another reason to love this recipe is the ease in which it comes together. You only need one pot to cook everything, making cleanup a breeze. This means that you will have more time to enjoy the company of friends and family or relax after a long day at work.

But perhaps the most compelling reason to love Arroz Con Pollo is its flavor profile. The combination of tender chicken with perfectly cooked rice and aromatic spices creates a dish that is rich, savory and deeply satisfying. It’s like a party in your mouth; every bite bursts with different flavors!

Convinced yet? Whether you are looking for a new twist on your usual weeknight dinner or seeking out new cultural cuisines – there’s nothing quite like savoring the intricate flavors of this Spanish classic. Don’t taking our word for it – give it a try and see why everyone loves Arroz Con Pollo!

Ingredient List

Sure, here are some creative photo captions for the Arroz Con Pollo recipe:

Let’s talk ingredients! That’s the first step to creating delicious food. You will need the following ingredients for this Arroz Con Pollo recipe:

1 1/2 lbs of skinless chicken thighs
2 tbsp of cooking oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 green capsicum, diced
1 red capsicum, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups of short grain rice
4 cups (32oz) of chicken broth
One 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes (undrained)
1 can (14 oz) of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 bay leaf
2 tsp of turmeric powder

Note that you can always substitute or add any ingredient based on your preferences.

The Recipe How-To

Now comes the fun part – putting everything together to create Arroz Con Pollo. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, as it only requires one pot and less than an hour to make. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can learn how to make a delicious, traditional dish that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

Below are the ingredients you will need to gather before you start cooking:

8 skinless chicken thighs
Salt and turmeric powder
Cooking oil for frying
1 medium onion chopped
1 garlic clove minced
1 red capsicum chopped into small pieces
1 green capsicum chopped into small pieces
1 bay leaf
2 cups short grain rice
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup canned diced tomatoes (undrained)
8 artichoke hearts, halved

Step-by-Step Guide

Start by washing the chicken thighs thoroughly and pat them dry. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and turmeric powder.
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat cooking oil over high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté the onions until they become translucent. Add the garlic and continue sautéing for a minute longer.
Next, throw in the chopped green and red capsicum and bay leaves into the pan, stir occasionally till they soften up for about several minutes.
Incorporate the two cups of rice into the skillet and stir well until it’s coated with oil and lightly toasted for a minute or two.
Pour in four cups of chicken broth, one cup of canned diced tomatoes with its juices, add kosher salt to taste, increase heat and bring to boil.
Reduce heat and give the skillet a light stir. Cover with a lid and let it simmer till both rice and chicken cook completely.
Finally, add canned halved artichoke hearts to the rice mixture in a single layer, cover with a lid and simmer until heated through.

And voila! Your very own Arroz Con Pollo is now ready to be enjoyed! This mouth-watering dish can also be easily stored and reheated for later consumption.

Substitutions and Variations

“Get ready to dive into a taste of Brazil and America with this Arroz Con Pollo!”

Are you tired of the same old chicken and rice dishes? Well, fear not because I have some substitutions and variations that will elevate your Arroz Con Pollo recipe to a new level.

Firstly, let’s talk about the protein. Instead of using chicken fillet or thighs, why not try it with chicken breast? It will give you a leaner and tender meat dish. You can also replace the chicken with artichoke hearts for a vegetarian version of this classic Puerto Rican dish.

Another substitution you can make is switching up the type of rice used in your recipe. A traditional Arroz Con Pollo recipe calls for short-grain rice. However, feel free to experiment with different types such as saffron rice or even Spanish rice to add more depth and flavors.

If you prefer a spicier kick to your dish, you can add diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the mix to take it up a notch. Additionally, if you are feeling adventurous, try incorporating other vegetables into the mix like carrots, peas, and mushrooms.

Lastly, if you want to switch up the cultural origins of this recipe, try making it Cuban style by adding olives and capers or Mexican arroz con pollo by adding chili powder and cumin.

In summary, these substitutions and variations allow you to customize your Arroz Con Pollo into something new and exciting while stillmaintaining its delicious flavors.

Serving and Pairing

“One bite of this savory dish will take you on a culinary adventure south of the border.”

If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful meal, look no further than arroz con pollo. This classic Puerto Rican chicken and rice dish is perfect for serving to family and friends, and it’s surprisingly easy to prepare!

Arroz con pollo is a great meal on its own, but you can also serve it with some delicious sides to round out the meal. Some great options include black beans, cornbread, or a green salad. These sides will add some additional flavor and nutrition to your meal, making it even more satisfying.

To pair with the dish, you can also serve red wine like Pinot Noir or Malbec. Beer lovers can explore brown ale or an amber beer that complements the flavors of this chicken rice recipe. If you prefer non-alcoholic beverages try pairing with unsweetened iced tea or lemonade.

For an extra touch of authenticity, you can also serve your arroz con pollo with some traditional Latin American condiments such as pico de gallo or guacamole. These will add some additional spice and flavor to this already delicious recipe.

No matter how you choose to serve it, arroz con pollo is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table! So why not give this classic Puerto Rican dish a try next time you’re looking for a tasty new recipe idea?

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

“Rice and chicken, but not as you know it. This Arroz Con Pollo is packed with unique flavors and spices.”

Arroz Con Pollo is a dish that can be customized to fit your mealtime needs. This dish can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. It can also be reheated easily, making it the perfect meal for busy schedules.

To make this dish ahead of time, prepare as directed and allow it to cool before placing it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to reheat, transfer the rice to a microwave-safe dish or skillet and reheat on medium heat until heated through.

When storing Arroz Con Pollo, it is important to keep it properly refrigerated or frozen to prevent bacterial growth. Divide the rice into individual servings, as this makes reheating more efficient and prevents waste. For best results, avoid storing the rice with other food items that have strong flavors, as this can affect the taste of the rice.

Reheating Arroz Con Pollo is straightforward and easy. Place the desired amount of rice in a bowl and microwave on high heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through. If using a skillet, add a small amount of water or broth and heat on medium heat until heated through.

Overall, Arroz Con Pollo is a versatile dish that can be prepared ahead of time and stored for later use. Properly stored and reheated, this flavorful chicken and rice dish makes for the perfect meal any time of day.

Tips for Perfect Results

“Comfort food at its finest. This dish is hearty, satisfying and oh so delicious.”

Arroz con Pollo is a dish rich in flavor and history, but it can be challenging to get it just right. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfect results every time.

Tip #1: Use Short-Grain Rice

For Arroz con Pollo, short-grain rice works best because it becomes tender and creamy, absorbing all the flavors of the dish.

Tip #2: Sauté Your Onions and Garlic

Before adding the rice to the pot, sauté the onions and garlic in oil until they are translucent. This will bring out their sweetness and add depth to the dish.

Tip #3: Don’t Overcook Your Chicken

Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. To avoid this, cook your chicken until it’s just done, then remove it from the pot or skillet. It will continue cooking as it rests.

Tip #4: Add Artichoke Hearts for Flavor

Artichoke hearts add a tangy flavor to the dish that cuts through the richness of the chicken and rice. Try adding them for an extra burst of flavor.

Tip #5: Use Saffron or Turmeric Powder

Saffron or turmeric powder can give Arroz con Pollo its classic yellow color. Both add a distinct flavor profile to the dish.

Tip #6: Let It Rest Before Serving

Allowing your Arroz con Pollo to rest for a few minutes before serving allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid, and it will be creamy and flavorful.

The right ingredients and techniques make a considerable difference between a bland Arroz con Pollo, and one that is bursting with flavor. Follow these tips to ensure that your Arroz con Pollo is not only beautiful but delicious as well!

FAQ

Before we wrap up this recipe article, let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions about Arroz con Pollo. Whether you’re new to this Spanish classic or a seasoned pro, these tips and tricks will help you achieve the perfect result every time. So, keep reading to get all your questions answered!

Can you cook raw chicken and rice at the same time?

Cooking raw chicken and rice together is a viable option for a delicious and hassle-free one-pot dish. To enhance the flavor, I suggest searing the chicken in the pot before cooking the rice.

What goes well with arroz con pollo?

Arroz con Pollo is a flavorful, balanced dish that can be paired with a range of sides and salads to make it a complete, satisfying meal. Along with accompaniments like yogurt or sour cream, hot sauce, and fresh fruit, a Cilantro Lime Dressing makes for an ideal condiment. Unique side dishes such as Corn Salad, Fruit Salad, or Pina Colada Salad can also be served to further enhance the Arroz Con Pollo experience.

Why is my arroz con pollo mushy?

One of my go-to meals is Arroz con Pollo, which can be complemented with a side of plantains. However, in some cases, the dish may end up being too mushy. It could be possibly due to an excess of water or overcooking.

Can you boil rice in the same water as chicken?

By using chicken broth instead of water to cook your rice, you can enhance the flavor of your dish multiple times over. This simple swap will infuse your rice with a moist and savory taste that will leave your loved ones clamoring for more.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, Arroz Con Pollo is a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe is easy to make, customizable and can feed a crowd. It combines the flavors from Puerto Rican, Mexican, Spanish and Cuban cuisines, making it a flavorful experience.

To get the best results, use fresh ingredients such as chicken, garlic, onions and capsicum to infuse the dish with more flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your own ingredients, such as adding artichoke hearts or using saffron rice instead of turmeric powder. You can also create variations of this recipe by using chicken thighs or breast.

This dish is not just filling but also healthy since it includes vegetables and whole grains. Furthermore, Arroz Con Pollo is an affordable option to feed a family without breaking the bank.

So why not give this one-pot wonder a try? It only takes an hour from start to finish, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. So grab your skillet, turn on the heat and let’s cook up some Arroz Con Pollo!

Recommended Recipes Just For You

None found

About Dora @ Kitchen on Cary

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.

Delicious Arroz Con Pollo Recipe For Your Heart and Soul