Arroz Con Pollo(A Classic Central American Dish)
Arroz Con Pollo is a flavorful Central American dish combining tender chicken with seasoned rice, vegetables, and savory chorizo. Rich in spices like cumin, oregano, and saffron, it offers a comforting, hearty meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The dish is vibrant, aromatic, and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 large fryer or roasting chicken, cut up
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 2 cups onions, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cups celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons comino
- 1 1/2 teaspoons oregano ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1/3 cup olive oil or corn oil ⓘ
- 2 cups dry long grain rice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lime juice ⓘ
- big pinch saffron ⓘ
- 3 teaspoons chicken bouillon crystals ⓘ
- 1 pound sliced chorizo or Polish kielbasa garlic sausage ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced green stuffed olives ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) jar pimentos, sliced ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 10 oz. frozen peas ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced water chestnuts ⓘ
Instructions
- Put chicken, carrot, 1 cup each of onions and celery, 1/2 teaspoon comino, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1 clove garlic, salt, pepper, and water to cover in a large pot.
- Poach gently until tender, approximately 35 to 45 minutes.
- Let simmer, do not boil.
- Remove chicken and set aside. Reserve the broth.
- In a large skillet or pot, heat olive or corn oil over medium heat.
- Add remaining onions, celery, garlic, and cook until softened.
- Stir in rice, paprika, saffron, and chicken bouillon crystals, cook for a few minutes.
- Add the reserved broth, lime juice, and bring to a boil.
- Add sliced chorizo, olives, pimentos, capers, peas, and water chestnuts.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice mixture.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender and flavors meld, about 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in lime juice and spices for a few hours before cooking. You can substitute the chorizo with Polish kielbasa for a milder taste. If saffron is hard to find, turmeric can serve as a color substitute, though the flavor will vary. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and chorizo, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Arroz Con Pollo with a side of warm tortillas or crusty bread to soak up the delicious flavors. A fresh green salad or Kartoffelsalat (German Potato Salad) complements the dish nicely. For a refreshing finish, consider a light dessert like flan or fresh fruit.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to prevent the rice from drying out, and warm it in a skillet over low heat until heated through. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Arroz Con Pollo(A Classic Central American Dish) contains roughly 723 calories, with 20g protein, 141g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (314% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (148% of the Daily Value), and iron (126% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2028mg per serving (88% 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 it requires a longer cooking time. Adjust the liquid accordingly, as brown rice generally needs more water. Cook the rice for about 40-50 minutes instead of the 20 minutes specified in the recipe.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, include diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the onions. You could also serve the dish with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer to control the spice level.
What can I substitute for olives?
If you're not a fan of olives, you can omit them entirely or replace them with capers for a similar briny flavor. Chopped artichoke hearts could also be a tasty alternative, adding a different texture and taste.
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).