Arroz con Pollo

The amazing Arroz con Pollo is a dish that brings warmth to my kitchen and heart every time I make it. My fondest memories revolve around family gatherings where the aroma of tender chicken and spices would waft through the air, instantly making everyone feel at home. As a child, I would eagerly wait for the moment when I could help my mother prepare this classic dish. The vibrant colors of the fresh vegetables and the golden hue of the rice always excited me. The comforting combination of flavors in Arroz con Pollo is truly a celebration of togetherness, making it a staple in our family meals. It’s the kind of recipe that not only nourishes the body but also feeds the soul.

When it comes to preparing Arroz con Pollo, there’s something magical about the way the ingredients come together. The base of rice absorbs the rich flavors from the chicken and the spices, creating a delightful harmony on your palate. As I cook, I can’t help but reminisce about the laughter shared around the table, the stories exchanged, and the love infused into each bite. I believe every family has their own version of Arroz con Pollo, and it’s this personal touch that makes each rendition special. I can’t wait to share my take with you!

Ingredients Required for Arroz con Pollo

The ingredients in the Arroz con Pollo are not just components; they play a vital role in creating the dish’s character. Each ingredient complements the others, resulting in a delightful balance of flavors. The rice serves as the perfect canvas, soaking up the flavorful juices from the chicken and the fresh vegetables. Let’s take a closer look at these key players.

• 2 cups white rice
• 1 1/2 pounds roma tomatoes, halved
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/2 medium onion, peeled
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (we used grapeseed)
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (mild)
• 1/2 cup diced carrots
• 1/2 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen – not canned)
• Salt
• 6 pieces chicken – legs and/or thighs
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)

The Method for Arroz con Pollo

Cooking Arroz con Pollo is a rewarding journey, taking you from simple ingredients to a comforting meal bursting with flavor. The process brings together all the elements perfectly, and I’m excited to guide you through each step.

1. Start by rinsing the rice well in a mesh colander. This step is crucial as it removes excess starch, ensuring your rice cooks up fluffy rather than sticky. Shake the colander to drain, and let the rice continue draining over the sink while you prepare the cooking liquid.

2. In a blender, combine the roma tomatoes, garlic, onion, and 1 1/2 cups of water. Blend until the mixture is smooth to create a flavorful base for your dish.

3. Pour the tomato mixture through another mesh colander or sieve into a large bowl. This step helps to extract as much flavored juice as possible while discarding the solids.

4. Now, heat up 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a nonstick pot over medium-high heat. Add the rinsed rice to the pot and sauté, stirring almost constantly for about 10 to 15 minutes. You want to keep an eye on the rice as it turns golden, as it can burn quickly!

5. Measure the reserved tomato liquid and add it to the pot. You will need a total of 6 cups of liquid. Pour in the tomato liquid first, which should be about 3 cups, and then measure out the remaining water needed.

6. Stir in the diced carrots, corn, and peas along with 1 teaspoon of salt. The colors and textures start to come alive at this stage, making it a feast for the eyes.

7. Next, sprinkle the chicken pieces with salt and chili powder. You can use up to six pieces of chicken in this dish. I prefer to take the skin off the chicken for a lighter meal, but feel free to leave it on for extra flavor.

8. Place the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the rice and vegetables, ensuring they are covered in the tomato liquid. This will help the chicken stay moist throughout the cooking process.

9. Bring the mixture to a slow boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a slow simmer over medium-low heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about an hour, allowing all the flavors to meld together.

10. After 30 minutes, check if the pot looks too dry. If necessary, add more liquid and adjust the salt to taste. I found it helpful to add an additional cup of water midway through cooking.

11. When you notice that all the liquid is absorbed and the rice, vegetables, and chicken are tender, remove the pot from heat. Serve the chicken over the rice, garnished with chopped cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Variations to Try

If you’re feeling adventurous in the kitchen, there are plenty of variations to explore with Arroz con Pollo. Cooking should be fun, so why not make this dish your own?

• Spice it Up: Add more chili powder or even a diced jalapeño for extra heat.
• Different Proteins: Try using turkey or a vegetarian option like chickpeas for a twist on the traditional.
• Herb Variations: Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano can add a unique flavor to the dish.
• Cooking Method: Experiment with different cooking methods such as using an Instant Pot or slow cooker for convenience.
• Grains Swap: For a healthy alternative, consider using quinoa or brown rice instead of white rice.

Serving Ideas for Arroz con Pollo

When it comes to serving Arroz con Pollo, the possibilities are endless! Here are some delightful ideas to enhance your meal:

• Side Dishes: Pair this hearty meal with a refreshing salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish.
• Occasions: Arroz con Pollo is perfect for family gatherings, casual dinners, or even festive occasions like holidays.
• Leftovers: This dish stores well in the fridge and makes for a delicious leftover lunch. Just reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Garnishes: Serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick, or top with sliced avocado for added creaminess.
• Seasonal Pairings: In the summer, serve with fresh corn on the cob, and in the colder months, a warm bread would complement the dish beautifully.

FAQ

Conclusion

Arroz con Pollo is a dish that embodies comfort and tradition, bringing family together around the table. Its rich flavors and one-pot ease make it a favorite among busy cooks and families alike. I urge you to try making this dish; it’s not just a meal but an experience. Enjoy the warmth and love that seeps into each bite, and create your own memories while you savor this timeless classic!

Arroz con Pollo

The ultimate comfort food, Arroz con Pollo is a delightful blend of tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and flavorful rice. This easy weeknight dinner is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on making this tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Peeler
• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife
• Saucepan
• Cutting Board
• Blender
• Large Pot

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups white rice
• 1 1/2 pounds roma tomatoes halved
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/2 medium onion peeled
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (we used grapeseed)
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (mild)
• 1/2 cup diced carrots
• 1/2 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen - not canned)
• Salt
• 6 pieces chicken - legs and/or thighs
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

 

• Start by rinsing the rice well in a mesh colander. This step is crucial as it removes excess starch, ensuring your rice cooks up fluffy rather than sticky. Shake the colander to drain, and let the rice continue draining over the sink while you prepare the cooking liquid.
• In a blender, combine the roma tomatoes, garlic, onion, and 1 1/2 cups of water. Blend until the mixture is smooth to create a flavorful base for your dish.
• Pour the tomato mixture through another mesh colander or sieve into a large bowl. This step helps to extract as much flavored juice as possible while discarding the solids.
• Now, heat up 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a nonstick pot over medium-high heat. Add the rinsed rice to the pot and sauté, stirring almost constantly for about 10 to 15 minutes. You want to keep an eye on the rice as it turns golden, as it can burn quickly!
• Measure the reserved tomato liquid and add it to the pot. You will need a total of 6 cups of liquid. Pour in the tomato liquid first, which should be about 3 cups, and then measure out the remaining water needed.
• Stir in the diced carrots, corn, and peas along with 1 teaspoon of salt. The colors and textures start to come alive at this stage, making it a feast for the eyes.
• Next, sprinkle the chicken pieces with salt and chili powder. You can use up to six pieces of chicken in this dish. I prefer to take the skin off the chicken for a lighter meal, but feel free to leave it on for extra flavor.
• Place the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the rice and vegetables, ensuring they are covered in the tomato liquid. This will help the chicken stay moist throughout the cooking process.
• Bring the mixture to a slow boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a slow simmer over medium-low heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about an hour, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
• After 30 minutes, check if the pot looks too dry. If necessary, add more liquid and adjust the salt to taste. I found it helpful to add an additional cup of water midway through cooking.
• When you notice that all the liquid is absorbed and the rice, vegetables, and chicken are tender, remove the pot from heat. Serve the chicken over the rice, garnished with chopped cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

• Tip 1: Make sure to check the rice at 30 and 45 minutes to ensure it doesn't dry out. Adding more liquid if necessary will help achieve the perfect texture.
• Tip 2: For more flavor, consider marinating the chicken in spices a few hours before cooking. This deepens the flavor profile.
• Tip 3: Feel free to add or substitute any vegetables according to your preference or what you have on hand. Bell peppers, green beans, or peas work beautifully.
• Tip 4: For a beautiful presentation, consider deboning the chicken and serving it sliced on top of the rice.

Keyword Arroz con Pollo recipe, Comfort Food Recipe, easy Mexican chicken and rice, one-pot chicken dish