Arroz con Pollo
A comforting one-pot meal where tender chicken and savory rice cook together with vegetables and spices. It's a weeknight dinner favorite, bursting with flavor and color, and ready in about an hour.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Season and Sear Chicken
- b.Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp black pepper, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Season the chicken on all sides with this mixture.
- c.Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot (work in batches if necessary).
- d.Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside on a plate.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the pot, using the rendered chicken fat and oil.
- c.Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent. Scrape up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pot.
- d.Add the minced garlic and cook for another 60 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Toast Rice and Add Liquids
- b.Add the rinsed and drained rice to the pot. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the grains. This helps them stay separate when cooked.
- c.Pour in the chicken broth, undrained diced tomatoes, and stir in the Sazón packet, dried oregano, and the remaining 0.5 tsp of salt.
- d.Bring the entire mixture to a lively simmer, stirring well to combine all ingredients.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer and Cook
- b.Return the seared chicken pieces and any accumulated juices back to the pot. Nestle them into the rice mixture so they are partially submerged.
- c.Once the liquid returns to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
- d.Cook for 20-25 minutes without lifting the lid. The rice is done when it is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Rest and Finish
- b.Remove the pot from the heat. Do not lift the lid yet. Let it stand, covered, for 10 minutes. This allows the rice to finish steaming and become fluffy.
- c.After resting, remove the lid, scatter the frozen peas over the top, and gently fluff the rice and peas together with a fork. The residual heat will cook the peas perfectly.
- d.Garnish generously with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't skip searing the chicken; it builds a flavorful crust and adds depth to the dish.
- 2Rinsing the rice before cooking removes excess starch and helps prevent it from becoming sticky or mushy.
- 3Resist the urge to lift the lid while the rice is simmering. This releases steam crucial for cooking the rice evenly.
- 4For even more flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Sear them skin-side down first to render the fat, then proceed with the recipe.
- 5Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and it's often even better the next day.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Version
Add one finely chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the onions and bell peppers for a spicy kick.
Add ChorizoAdd Chorizo
For a smoky, savory flavor, brown 4 oz of Mexican chorizo after searing the chicken and before sautéing the vegetables. Remove with a slotted spoon and add back in with the chicken.
Vegetable PackedVegetable-Packed
Incorporate 1/2 cup of corn kernels or diced carrots when you add the peas for extra vegetables and color.
Saffron InfusionSaffron Infusion
For a more Spanish-style flavor and a vibrant yellow color, add a generous pinch of saffron threads to the warm chicken broth and let it steep for 5 minutes before adding to the pot.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken is a high-quality protein source, essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining a healthy immune system.
Provides Sustained Energy
The carbohydrates from rice provide a steady release of energy, fueling your body and brain throughout the day.
Rich in Vitamins and Antioxidants
Vegetables like bell peppers and tomatoes are packed with Vitamin C and lycopene, antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage and support overall health.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this Arroz con Pollo (about 2 cups) contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the exact size of the chicken pieces and amount of oil used.