Are you tired of cooking the same old boring meals week after week? Do you crave the delicious flavors of Latin American cuisine but are not quite sure how to create them at home? Well, fret no more, because I’ve got just the recipe for you: Slow Cooker Arroz Con Pollo.

This classic dish combines savory chicken with aromatic spices and fluffy rice to create a meal that is both satisfying and flavorful. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make using your trusty slow cooker.

Whether you’re a fan of Cuban arroz con pollo, Puerto Rican chicken and rice, or just looking for a new way to spice up your dinner routine, this recipe is perfect for you. So grab your ingredients and get ready to impress your taste buds and dinner guests with this delectable slow cooker arroz con pollo recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Arroz Con Pollo (Chicken With Rice)

Are you tired of the same old chicken and rice dishes for dinner? Look no further than this slow cooker Arroz Con Pollo recipe. Trust me; you’ll love it!

First and foremost, the combination of flavors in this dish is unbeatable. The smoky chipotle chile, garlic, onion, cumin, and chili powder will tantalize your taste buds from the very first bite. And to bring out all these flavors, we used high-quality chicken broth instead of water.

But what’s a dish without some color? This dish has an explosion of colors from fresh cilantro, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers chopped into equal pieces. The aroma that comes off this dish is revitalizing as well.

Secondly, cooking this recipe is a breeze. All you need to do is brown the chicken and then put everything into the slow cooker. It only takes 15 minutes, after which you can cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours until tender.

Plus, you can substitute ingredients as needed. You can use skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts, or even substitute with brown rice or saffron rice to get creative with your taste palette.

Lastly, it’s a perfect fit for everyone. Whether you’re trying to impress guests at a dinner party or just looking for a hearty meal during camping trips or game nights, this dish works wonders with all occasions. You really cannot go wrong with Arroz Con Pollo.

In conclusion, whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for one person, Arroz Con Pollo is a great recipe that anyone can master. So why not give it a try? It’s easy to make, delicious to eat and full of color and good vibes!

Ingredient List

A bowl of comforting slow cooker Arroz Con Pollo

The ingredient list for this Slow Cooker Arroz con Pollo recipe is essential to have before preparing your dish. Make sure you have all of the ingredients on hand because, trust me, once you’ve smelled it cooking, you won’t want to wait a second longer to dig in. Here’s what you’ll need:

Arroz Con Pollo Ingredients

1 small onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (from about 2 limes), plus lime wedges for serving
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 skinless chicken breast halves (bone-in or boneless)
1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed and drained
Fresh cilantro, leaves picked and chopped, for serving
Cherry tomatoes, halved, for serving

Additional ingredients that can amp up the flavors are:

Bell peppers (red, orange, and yellow), chopped
Chipotle chile in adobo sauce
Tomato sauce

The ingredients mentioned above can give this Arroz Con Pollo recipe a whole new dimension, therefore add them if needed to give a strong flavor to the traditional Arroz Con Pollo.

The Recipe How-To

A spoonful of tender chicken and fragrant rice

Now, let’s dive into the most important part of this article – how to make this delicious Slow Cooker Arroz Con Pollo recipe! Make sure you have all the ingredients listed above before diving into this recipe.

Instructions

Season The Chicken: Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and oregano.
Brown The Chicken: Next, heat up some oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once hot, add the chicken and brown for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Chop Vegetables: Transfer the chicken to a plate to cool and use the time to chop up your onions and bell peppers into fine pieces.
Sauté Vegetables: Using the same skillet that you browned your chicken in, reduce heat to medium and sauté your onions and bell peppers for around 5 minutes until they’ve softened. After that, add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds more.
Add Rice Ingredients to Slow Cooker: While your veggies are sautéing away, take out your slow cooker or crockpot and add in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth (low-sodium is best!), diced green chilies (if desired), saffron rice (for a Cuban-style dish that usually calls for yellow rice), the browned chicken back into the broth along with any remaining juices on the plate, as well as any spices plus dried herbs.
Mix it Together: Once you’ve mixed all of that together thoroughly in your slow cooker pot or crockpot bowl according to manufacturer directions on low heat for about 7 hours or high heat around 3-4 hours. Half an hour before serving your guests–or those lucky ones whom you are repaying for their favors–stir in the cooked rice to absorb some of that goodness.
Garnish and Serve: When it’s finally time to eat, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top of the arroz con pollo. Add cherry tomatoes and lime wedges as garnish if you want some additional color, flavour and freshness!

Enjoy your Slow Cooker Arroz Con Pollo dish!

Substitutions and Variations

If you’re feeling experimental, this is the part of the recipe for you. While slow cooker arroz con pollo is a fantastic dish on its own, adding some unique twists to the classic recipe can really make it shine.

For those who want to add some extra color and flavor to their chicken and rice cook-up, consider swapping out the traditional bell peppers for something a little more exotic. Try using poblano or ancho chiles for a different kind of heat or jalapeños for some extra zing. You can also add some sweetness to the mix by including corn or peas.

If you like things a bit spicier, consider pumping up the amount of chili powder, ground cumin, or chipotle chile in your seasoning blend. On the other hand, if you prefer things on the milder side, cut back on these ingredients and go light on the spicy peppers.

For an even easier dish, try making it with pre-cooked rice instead of slow-cooking everything together. You can also switch out chicken thighs for breasts for an even leaner option or mix and match with vegetables like zucchini and carrots instead of using bell peppers.

Finally, if you’re looking to experiment with new flavors altogether, swap out some of the classic Arroz con Pollo ingredients entirely. Instead of using traditional Spanish saffron rice, try brown rice or even quinoa for added health benefits. Other great options include adding black beans to make it Puerto Rican style or including sliced olives and capers to give it a Cuban flair.

Whatever you choose to do with your Arroz con Pollo crockpot recipe, one thing’s for sure – you’ll have a delicious meal that everyone will love.

Serving and Pairing

The perfect meal to warm you up on a chilly day

Ah, the moment of truth has finally arrived! Your slow cooker arroz con pollo is fully cooked and ready to be served. But before you dive into this delightful dish, I’ve got some tips on how to serve and pair it to perfection.

Firstly, you’ll want to garnish your arroz con pollo with some freshly chopped cilantro and a juicy lime wedge. This will add a burst of freshness and tanginess that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the dish.

Secondly, if you prefer a bit more kick in your food, you can add a sprinkle of chili flakes on top or serve it with some chipotle chiles on the side. This will add an extra dimension of heat to the dish while providing a bit of smokiness that pairs well with the flavors of the chicken and rice.

When it comes to pairing your slow cooker arroz con pollo, feel free to keep it simple! A side salad with vinaigrette dressing or some steamed vegetables like carrots or green beans make for great sides. You could also serve it along with some sweet plantains or black beans for a more authentic Latin-American experience.

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try making some homemade tortilla chips? Your slow cooker arroz con pollo tastes incredible when eaten with some fresh chips that are straight out of the oven. Plus, making them fresh yourself adds an extra layer of pride to your meal!

Lastly, don’t forget to share this mouth-watering meal with family and friends. The portions from this recipe are quite generous and perfect for feeding a crowd. You can even spice things up by organizing a themed party around this Latin-inspired classic – just pair it with some margaritas or mojitos and you’ll have yourself one epic fiesta!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Now, I know you’re busy and can’t always make this recipe last minute. That’s why it’s good to know that you can make it ahead of time and store it for later. This Slow Cooker Arroz Con Pollo tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect meal prep option.

To make ahead, simply follow the recipe instructions and let it cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to reheat thoroughly in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot all the way through.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep everything moist as it warms up. You can reheat in a microwave-safe dish or on the stovetop over medium heat.

If you’re cooking for one or two people and don’t want leftovers, consider halving the recipe. This will ensure that you have just enough for dinner without worrying about wasting food.

Overall, this is a great recipe for meal prep, busy weeknights or even as a make-ahead dish for a potluck or party. Just remember to store it properly and reheat thoroughly before enjoying!

Tips for Perfect Results

The aroma of a well-seasoned dish fills the kitchen

Now, my dear cooks and chefs, I am going to reveal some secrets for a perfect Slow Cooker Arroz Con Pollo dish. Pay attention and take note of these tips.

Firstly, don’t rush the cooking process. It is important to give this dish adequate time to cook in the slow cooker. The longer you allow it to cook on low heat, with all of the ingredients combining together in a harmonious symphony, the better flavor you will achieve.

Secondly, season your chicken well. Before browning your chicken in a skillet or cooker, be sure to give it a generous amount of salt, pepper, and paprika seasoning for full flavor.

Thirdly, use chicken broth instead of water. While plain water can be used as a substitute for chicken broth, it is preferable to use low-sodium chicken broth to enhance the taste of your dish.

Moving forward, try adding some additional spices and herbs such as cumin or oregano. These flavors will complement the dish nicely and give it that extra punch that we are looking for.

Another tip is to let the dish settle before serving for at least 10 minutes. This will allow everything within the slow cooker to fully meld together and create an authentic and flavorful experience for your taste buds.

Furthermore, do not overlook the cilantro or tomatoes when garnishing your plate. Adding fresh cilantro leaves or cherry tomatoes on top can really make your meal pop, giving it that restaurant-level look as well as enhancing its flavor.

Last but not least, treat yourself by serving with a wedge of lime. Squeezing this citrus fruit atop of your dish provides an outstanding aroma with exceptional tanginess pop that will undoubtedly take your taste buds to Puerto Rico or Cuba.

These modifications and suggestions should help you obtain perfection in your Arroz con Pollo recipe. So take notes and apply everything you learned here in this article.

FAQ

If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably already excited to try out this delicious Slow Cooker Arroz Con Pollo recipe. But before you do, take a look at some common questions and answers that might help you get the best results possible. Whether it’s tips on substitutions, cooking times, or serving suggestions, we’ve got you covered. So let’s dive into the frequently asked questions about making the perfect chicken with rice in a slow cooker!

What is the best side dish for arroz con pollo?

Arroz con Pollo is a perfect one-pot meal that goes well with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream, a drizzle of hot sauce, some freshly cut fruit and a large green salad dressed with Cilantro Lime Dressing. For those who want to add some more flavors to the meal, they may opt for a side of Corn Salad, Fruit Salad or Pina Colada Salad along with it.

Is paella the same as arroz con pollo?

A popular Latin American dish, arroz con pollo, is a savory meal closely resembling paella. It often features tender chicken, rice, onions, saffron, and a variety of other grains and vegetables.

How do you fix soggy arroz con pollo?

When cooking rice, it’s crucial to monitor the water level in the pot. If you notice any dripping, add more uncooked rice. A general rule of thumb is to add 1/2 cup of uncooked rice to every cup of cooked rice. Once the rice is added, cover the pot and simmer on low heat, stirring frequently. When the rice has fully cooked and the water has been drained, use a fork to fluff the rice until it takes on a beautiful golden brown hue.

Which country has the best arroz con pollo?

Arroz con pollo is a beloved Puerto Rican dish that utilizes beer and annatto oil to add a unique flavor and give the rice a bright yellow hue, reminiscent of the use of saffron in other cuisines.

Bottom Line

So there you have it, folks – my Slow Cooker Arroz Con Pollo recipe! I am confident that once you try it, you’ll fall in love with this dish just as much as I have. With a blend of spices and ingredients that give it an exotic flavor, it’s the perfect meal to add variety to your weekly dinner rotation.

Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy one-pot meal or simply want to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills, this recipe is sure to be a hit. And with the convenience of a slow cooker, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you hardly have time to cook.

So next time you’re in the mood for some delicious comfort food, give this Slow Cooker Arroz Con Pollo recipe a try. You won’t regret it! Remember to pair it with some lime wedges, fresh cilantro, and cherry tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.

Thank you for reading this article, and I hope it has inspired you to create something delicious in your kitchen. Happy cooking!

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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.

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