Authentic Arroz Con Pollo: A Perfect Meal for Families
Welcome to my kitchen, where I combine the flavors of Brazil and America to bring you this mouth-watering crock pot arroz con pollo recipe. This Latin-inspired chicken and rice dish is a flavorful one-pot meal that can be enjoyed by anyone who craves a bit of spice in their life.
If you’re looking for a comforting yet exciting meal to enjoy for dinner, this recipe is just what you need. It’s perfect for lazy Sundays, family gatherings or even as a make-ahead meal to enjoy throughout the week.
As a chef specializing in Brazilian and American cuisine, I am always on the lookout for delicious fusion recipes that will satisfy my customers’ palates – and this arroz con pollo recipe does just that. So come, join me in my kitchen and let’s get started on making this delectable dish together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Indulge in the exotic flavors of the tropics with our Crock Pot Arroz Con Pollo Recipe. We’re confident that you’ll fall in love with this hearty and satisfying dish, which boasts succulent chicken thighs, yellow rice seasoned with garlic powder, canned peas and diced tomatoes.
What makes this dish exceptional is the convenience and ease of preparing it. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day. Simply add your ingredients to the pot, turn on the heat and forget about it. You can cook it low or high for four hours, depending on your preference.
The result? A mouthwatering meal that will transport your taste buds to Latin America. The tender chicken falls off the bone, while the peas and tomatoes add a sweet tanginess to each spoonful. And the vibrant yellow color of the rice makes it irresistible and visually appealing.
Not only is this dish impressive for its flavors, but also for its versatility. You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts or even use skinless chicken to lighten it up. And don’t be afraid to add fresh vegetables like bell peppers or small onions to elevate the nutritional value.
This Crock Pot Arroz Con Pollo recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or as part of a cozy family gathering. It’s an excellent way to add some authentic Cuban or Puerto Rican flavor to your dinner table without breaking the bank.
In essence, this recipe is the ultimate comfort food that caters to all palates while being easy on your wallet and time. Don’t miss out on this soulful concoction – give our Crock Pot Arroz Con Pollo Recipe a try today!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this traditional Latin dish in your crock pot:
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs. of chicken thighs or breasts, skinless and boneless
- 1 small onion, chopped finely
- 1 bell pepper (red, green, or yellow), stem and seeds removed.
- 3 cups of cooked yellow rice
- 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can of diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can of canned peas, drained
- 4 teaspoons garlic powder
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chicken salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Note: You can find most of the ingredients in any grocery store or supermarket. For the best flavor and color result, try to use high-quality products.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have listed the ingredients, let us move on to the exciting part: making the Crock Pot Arroz Con Pollo recipe. The method of cooking this dish is straightforward, thanks to your handy slow cooker/crockpot.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Thighs
Trim any excess fat from chicken thighs and season them with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken pieces and brown them on both sides until they are golden brown. This will give them that perfect look and seal in their juices, so your arroz con pollo comes out moist and tender.
Step 3: Gather Your Slow Cooker/Crockpot
Transfer the chicken to your slow cooker/crockpot.
Step 4: Add the Ingredients
Add one can of drained canned peas, one can of diced tomatoes, one small chopped onion, two cups of yellow rice, two cups of low-sodium chicken broth, and the browned chicken to your slow cooker/crockpot. Mix well.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
Cook on low for eight hours or high heat for four hours until the rice is fully cooked and the chicken is tender.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy!
Once done, serve hot with some diced bell peppers over the top to add extra flavor and texture to this dish. Every bite of this delicious arroz con pollo tastes as if you are in Cuba or Puerto Rico. Save some leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch because this dish only gets better on day two!
Cheers to a great meal full of wonderful flavors!
Substitutions and Variations
Looking for ways to add a twist to the classic Arroz Con Pollo recipe? There are plenty of substitutions and variations that you can make to tailor the dish specifically to your taste buds.
One popular substitution is to replace chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. This option reduces the fat content of the dish and makes it a little lighter. Additionally, replacing canned peas with fresh or frozen ones adds a vibrant pop of color while maintaining the nutritional value of the recipe.
If you prefer more bold and spicy flavors, substitute the diced tomatoes with Rotel tomatoes or add a diced jalapeño pepper for some heat. For an even more intense flavor, you can add some chopped chorizo sausage to the dish.
For those who want to take their Arroz Con Pollo up a notch, try adding some sautéed bell peppers and onions after removing the chicken from the slow cooker. Sautéing these vegetables adds a tasty bite of crunch and extra nutrition.
If yellow rice isn’t available or if you prefer white rice instead, that substitution works well too. You could also change it up by using brown rice or mixed grains like quinoa instead of traditional white or yellow rice.
The possibilities with Arroz Con Pollo are endless. So, be creative in your kitchen and experiment with new ingredients that you love to customize your perfect version of this classic dish!
Serving and Pairing
Crock Pot Arroz Con Pollo Recipe is a filling and flavor-packed dish that can be served as a standalone meal or alongside other dishes. When it comes to serving, one of the best ways to enjoy this dish is by topping it with some chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocados, and a hearty dollop of sour cream.
It pairs well with warm tortillas or crusty bread, which can be used to scoop up every bit of chicken rice goodness. It also works great as a side dish with grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
This scrumptious dish is an excellent option for family gatherings or potluck events, where you can easily double or triple the recipe if needed. It’s a hearty and filling meal that is sure to satisfy your guests’ appetite.
To complement Crock Pot Arroz Con Pollo Recipe’s bold flavors, pair it with robust red wines such as Malbecs or Pinot Noirs. Alternatively, light-bodied white wines like Pinot Grigios and Sauvignon Blancs offer an excellent accompaniment as they cut through the richness of the dish perfectly.
In conclusion, no matter how you choose to serve this dish, it’s always going to be a crowd-pleaser due to its versatility and intense flavor profile.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Looking to prepare this Crock Pot Arroz Con Pollo recipe ahead of time? Look no further! This dish can be easily made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply transfer the arroz con pollo into a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat for 2-3 minutes.
Alternatively, you can reheat the arroz con pollo on the stovetop by adding a splash of chicken broth or water to the pot and cooking on low heat for 5-10 minutes. Be sure to stir frequently to ensure even heating.
If you have leftovers, don’t worry, as this dish can be stored for up to 4 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer. To freeze, transfer the arroz con pollo into a freezer-safe container or sealable plastic bag and remove as much air as possible before freezing.
When reheating from frozen, it is best to thaw the arroz con pollo overnight in the refrigerator before proceeding with reheating methods mentioned above.
Overall, this versatile dish lends itself well to make-ahead meal planning and reheating with ease.
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to make sure that your Crock Pot Arroz Con Pollo is a success, keep in mind these tips for perfect results. After all, you want the chicken and rice to cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors. Here are my recommendations to help you achieve the best outcome:
Firstly, take the time to season the chicken ahead of time. You can do this right before adding it to the slow cooker or even as early as the night before. Make a simple seasoning mix with salt, pepper, and paprika, or use your favorite store-bought blend.
Secondly, brown the chicken before adding it to the crockpot. This step is optional, but it adds so much depth of flavor and color to the dish. To do this, heat up some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot, then add the chicken pieces skin side down. Cook for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown, then flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Next, don’t skip on sautéing the onions and bell peppers. This step releases their natural sweetness and adds more flavor to the dish. Use the same skillet you used to brown the chicken and cook them until they’re soft and translucent.
Fourthly, use long-grain rice such as jasmine or basmati rice for best results. Short-grain rice tends to become too sticky when cooked in a slow cooker.
Also, make sure not to lift the lid of your slow cooker during cooking unless it’s necessary. Every time you do that you release heat and steam which will increase cooking time.
Additionally, if you find that there is too much liquid in your slow cooker after cooking time has completed, you can turn up the heat and cook on high uncovered for an additional 30 minutes or until most of the extra liquid has evaporated.
Finally, don’t forget that seasonings are a matter of preference. If you prefer your food spicier, add some cumin or chili powder to the seasoning mix. If you like your arroz con pollo to be tangy, add a splash of white vinegar or lime juice.
By following these tips and being conscious of small details, you will not only enhance the taste and texture of the dish but also ensure that it cooks evenly for maximum flavor absorption.
FAQ
Now that you have learned how to make this delicious and flavourful crock pot Arroz Con Pollo recipe, let’s move on to some frequently asked questions about it. Here are some common queries about this dish, along with their answers, that should help you understand the recipe better and avoid any inconvenience during the cooking process.
What is the best side dish for arroz con pollo?
Arroz con Pollo is a complete dish that goes well with sides like yogurt or sour cream, hot sauce, and fruits. To add an extra touch to your meal, try serving it with a green salad coated in Cilantro Lime Dressing or include additional dishes like Corn Salad, Fruit Salad, or Pina Colada Salad.
Is paella the same as arroz con pollo?
A well-loved classic recipe of Latin America is Arroz con pollo, which means rice with chicken in Spanish. This dish is closely associated with and inspired from the recipe of paella. Its key components often include chicken, onions, saffron, and a variety of grains or veggies.
How do you fix soggy arroz con pollo?
To ensure the perfect consistency of rice, it is important to pay attention to the water level in the pot while it cooks. If you notice any water dripping, add more rice to the pot. For every cup of cooked rice, add 1/2 cup of uncooked rice and stir frequently while cooking on low heat for approximately 15 minutes. Once the rice has cooked and the water has been drained, use a fork to fluff the rice until it takes on a warm, golden-brown hue.
Why cook chicken before crockpot?
Achieving the perfect texture and flavor of chicken for your slow cooker recipe can be done through searing it beforehand. This process locks in the poultry’s natural juices, resulting in a tender and succulent dish. By caramelizing the meat through searing, your dish will definitely level up in terms of taste.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this crockpot arroz con pollo recipe is the perfect blend of Spanish and Latin flavors, all combined in one hearty dish that you can enjoy any time of the week. It’s a great way to add some variety to your usual dinner recipes, especially with its versatile ingredient list that allows for easy substitutions and variations to suit your taste.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also a time-saving and stress-free meal option, thanks to the convenience of your slow cooker or crockpot. And if you’re looking for even faster results, it can also be prepared in an instant pot or pressure cooker.
Whether you’re craving a taste of Puerto Rico or Cuba, this arroz con pollo recipe has got you covered, with its perfectly seasoned chicken and yellow rice cooked to perfection. And with its generous portions and easy storage options, it makes for a great meal prep option as well.
So don’t hesitate to give this dish a try, and see for yourself why it’s one of the best arroz con pollo recipes out there. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Crock Pot Arroz Con Pollo Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 lbs chicken thighs, and legs NOT leg quarters
- 14 1/2 ounces canned diced tomatoes
- 8 ounces canned peas
- 14 ounces chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning mix, depending on your own tastes
- 8 ounces of goya yellow rice
Instructions
- 1. Put all ingredients EXCEPT the rice in the crock pot on high for 4 hours or low for 6 to 8. Stir it all up and ignore it.
- 2. One hour before you want to eat, add the entire 8 oz of rice and set the temp to low.
- 3. Cook covered for one hour.
- 4. Serve and enjoy!
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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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.