Arroz Con Pollo

The aroma of Arroz Con Pollo wafting through the house is something I’ll never forget. Growing up, this dish was the centerpiece of family gatherings, a comforting reminder of home cooked meals and stories shared over laughter. My grandmother would spend hours perfecting her version, and every Sunday, she’d invite the entire family for dinner. As the rice cooked and the chicken simmered, we’d gather in the kitchen, eagerly anticipating the feast. This recipe encapsulates those beloved memories, bringing a taste of tradition and warmth to your table.

What Goes Into Arroz Con Pollo

The beauty of Arroz Con Pollo lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious dish. The tender chicken serves as the star, while the spices bring it to life, making every bite exciting. Rice is a classic staple, absorbing all the delicious flavors while providing that comforting base.

• 4 tablespoons butter – This adds richness and a subtle flavor to the dish.
• 4 large chicken breasts or 8 chicken thighs – The heart of the dish, providing protein and flavor.
• 1 medium onion, chopped – It adds sweetness and depth to the overall flavor.
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped – This adds a touch of brightness and crunch.
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic – For that aromatic kick that enhances all the flavors.
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can stewed tomatoes – This helps to create a flavorful base.
• 1 cup rice – The staple that brings the dish together.
• 2 teaspoons salt – Essential for seasoning the dish perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon oregano – Adds an earthy flavor that complements the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon cumin – Brings warmth and complexity to the dish.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder – For a hint of heat and depth.
• ½ teaspoons pepper – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 2 bay leaves – Infuses the dish with a subtle aromatic flavor.
• 2 cups chicken stock – This is the cooking liquid that imbues flavor into the rice.
• 1 cup green peas – For freshness and color.
• ½ cup sliced green olives – Adds a briny touch that brightens the dish.
• ¼ cup raisins – A sweet contrast to the savory elements.

Recipe Steps for Arroz Con Pollo

Cooking Arroz Con Pollo is a delightful experience that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas. The process is straightforward, and I love how each step builds flavor. Let’s get started!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your dish cooks evenly and perfectly.
2. In a heavy oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Watch as it bubbles and fills your kitchen with a lovely scent.
3. Once the butter is melted, add 4 large chicken breasts (or thighs) into the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and deliciously fragrant.
4. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate. This step allows the chicken to rest while we build the flavor in the pot.
5. Add 1 medium onion, 1 green bell pepper, and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the pot. Cook them for about 7 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently until they soften and become fragrant.
6. Now, return the chicken to the pot and add in 1 can of stewed tomatoes, 1 cup of rice, 2 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of oregano, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and ½ teaspoon of pepper. Stir everything together well to combine.
7. Next, pour in 2 cups of chicken stock and add 2 bay leaves. This will create a rich broth as the dish cooks.
8. Cover the pot and place it in your preheated oven. Let it cook for 1 hour, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. The anticipation at this point is exhilarating!
9. After an hour, carefully remove the pot from the oven. Stir in 1 cup of green peas, ½ cup of sliced green olives, and ¼ cup of raisins. Cover the pot again and return it to the oven for another 15 minutes until warmed through.
10. Before serving, fluff the rice gently with a fork to combine all those delicious flavors.

Substitutions and Tips

Cooking is all about flexibility, and I’m here to help you with some handy tips to make your Arroz Con Pollo experience even better!

• Storage: Store cooled leftover Arroz Con Pollo in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
• Freezing: Make sure the container is freezer-safe. Freeze for up to 6 months.
• To Reheat: Allow the dish to thaw in the fridge. Preheat your oven to 350°F, place the food in an oven-safe dish, cover with a lid or foil, and bake until warm throughout.
• Flavor Variations: Try adding different vegetables or spices to personalize your dish!
• Serving Suggestions: Pair it with a fresh salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Perfect Matches for Arroz Con Pollo

When it comes to serving Arroz Con Pollo, the possibilities are endless! Here are some great ideas to complement your meal:

• Fresh Salad: A light green salad with a citrus vinaigrette is perfect to balance the richness of the dish.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with warm crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables make for a colorful and nutritious side.
• Perfect for Gatherings: This dish is always a hit at family gatherings or parties, providing plenty to share.
• Consider a Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can provide a sweet contrast to the savory dish.
• Perfect for Any Season: Arroz Con Pollo is a comforting dish that works well in any season, so enjoy it year-round!

FAQ

Conclusion

Arroz Con Pollo is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together over good food and great memories. Its rich flavors and comforting nature make it a beloved dish in many households. I encourage you to try this recipe for yourself and create your own beautiful family traditions around it!

Arroz Con Pollo

The ultimate comfort food, Arroz Con Pollo is a hearty combination of tender chicken and flavorful rice. This easy weeknight dinner is infused with spices and fresh vegetables, making it a dish everyone will crave. Don’t miss out on making this delicious meal tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Latin

Servings 8 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Oven
• Wooden Spoon

Ingredients

  

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 large chicken breasts or 8 chicken thighs
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 14.5-ounce can stewed tomatoes
• 1 cup rice
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup green peas
• ½ cup sliced green olives
• ¼ cup raisins

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your dish cooks evenly and perfectly.
• In a heavy oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Watch as it bubbles and fills your kitchen with a lovely scent.
• Once the butter is melted, add 4 large chicken breasts (or thighs) into the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and deliciously fragrant.
• Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate. This step allows the chicken to rest while we build the flavor in the pot.
• Add 1 medium onion, 1 green bell pepper, and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the pot. Cook them for about 7 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently until they soften and become fragrant.
• Now, return the chicken to the pot and add in 1 can of stewed tomatoes, 1 cup of rice, 2 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of oregano, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and ½ teaspoon of pepper. Stir everything together well to combine.
• Next, pour in 2 cups of chicken stock and add 2 bay leaves. This will create a rich broth as the dish cooks.
• Cover the pot and place it in your preheated oven. Let it cook for 1 hour, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. The anticipation at this point is exhilarating!
• After an hour, carefully remove the pot from the oven. Stir in 1 cup of green peas, ½ cup of sliced green olives, and ¼ cup of raisins. Cover the pot again and return it to the oven for another 15 minutes until warmed through.
• Before serving, fluff the rice gently with a fork to combine all those delicious flavors.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store cooled leftover Arroz Con Pollo in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
• Tip 2: Make sure the container is freezer-safe. Freeze for up to 6 months.
• Tip 3: Allow the dish to thaw in the fridge. Preheat your oven to 350°F, place the food in an oven-safe dish, cover with a lid or foil, and bake until warm throughout.
• Tip 4: Try adding different vegetables or spices to personalize your dish!
• Tip 5: Pair it with a fresh salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Keyword Arroz Con Pollo, Chicken and Rice, Comfort Food Recipe, easy dinner recipe

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Meet Lydia James

I’m Lydia! I love the challenge of experimenting with new ingredients and finding creative, delicious ways to use up leftovers. My goal is to make your weeknight cooking feel stress-free, exciting, and full of flavor. I loved the creative process behind this dish, and I really hope it becomes a new favorite in your weekly rotation. I can't wait to hear what you think!