Arroz Con Pollo
Arroz con Pollo is a flavorful Latin-inspired dish featuring tender chicken, fragrant saffron, and savory rice, enriched with ham, pimentos, and fresh scallions. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it combines hearty ingredients with vibrant flavors, offering a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown floured and salted chicken in olive oil.
- Set the chicken aside in a warm place.
- Add ham, chopped onion, and scallions to the pan and sauté for a few minutes.
- Add rice and spices, and cook for a few minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth, season with salt to taste, and blend the mixture.
- Cook on the stove for about 10 minutes.
- Place the rice mixture and chicken in a casserole dish.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes or until the rice is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken in the broth and saffron for a few hours before cooking. You can substitute the ham or bacon with chorizo for a spicier twist. If you prefer a vegetarian option, use mushrooms and vegetable broth instead of chicken. Remember to adjust cooking times accordingly if using different ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Arroz Con Pollo with a side of fresh avocado or a simple green salad to balance the richness. It pairs beautifully with Hawaiian Kabobs for a festive meal. Garnish with fresh parsley for added color and flavor. A glass of light white wine or iced tea complements the dish perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Arroz Con Pollo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Arroz Con Pollo contains roughly 573 calories, with 20g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (108% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (98% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 612mg per serving (27% 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 brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Increase the broth to 3 cups and cook the dish for about 40 minutes instead of 10 minutes on the stove.
What can I do if my rice is undercooked?
If your rice is undercooked after baking, you can add a bit more broth or water, cover the dish with foil, and return it to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes. This will allow the rice to absorb more liquid and finish cooking.
Can I make Arroz Con Pollo in a rice cooker?
Absolutely! You can brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to your rice cooker along with the rice and broth. Cook according to your rice cooker's instructions for a convenient one-pot meal.
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).