Arroz Con Pollo Pronto
Arroz con Pollo is a flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender chicken, seasoned yellow rice, and vibrant peas and pimentos, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown chicken in a skillet for 5 minutes per side until golden; remove from pan.
- Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes until golden.
- Add rice, 2 cups water, and seasoning packet to the skillet; stir well.
- Place the browned chicken pieces, skin side up, on top of the rice mixture.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in green peas and cover again.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lime juice and garlic before browning. You can substitute the yellow rice mix with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option, adjusting the cooking time accordingly. Adding saffron or turmeric can enhance the color and flavor. If you enjoy it spicy, try adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Arroz Con Pollo with a side of fresh avocado slices or a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast. It pairs beautifully with Quick And Easy Creole Dinner for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedges for added brightness, and consider serving with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the rice to prevent it from drying out, then microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat on the stovetop over low heat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Arroz Con Pollo Pronto contains roughly 356 calories, with 10g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 686mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but adjust the cooking time to ensure it cooks through. Boneless thighs or breasts will cook faster than bone-in pieces, so check for doneness after 10 minutes of simmering.
What can I substitute for green peas?
If you don't have green peas, you can use frozen corn, diced bell peppers, or even chopped green beans as a substitute. These alternatives will add a nice color and texture to the dish without compromising the flavor.
Is it possible to make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).