Arroz Con Pollo(Mexican Rice With Chicken)
A flavorful Mexican rice with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings craving bold tastes.
Ingredients
- 1/2 or whole chicken, cut up ⓘ
- 2 cups rice ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons oil ⓘ
- 3/4 cup bell pepper, diced or wedges ⓘ
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup tomato, cut up ⓘ
- 1 can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 or 2 teaspoons garlic, pressed ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- salt and black pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the chicken for 8 to 12 minutes.
- In a small skillet, brown the rice.
- Add the browned rice to the chicken in the large skillet.
- Add diced or wedged bell pepper, chopped onion, and cut-up tomato.
- Blend well; then add chicken broth, water, garlic, and ground cumin.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Simmer for 20 minutes or until the liquid evaporates, then fluff the rice with a fork.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken in spices and lime juice beforehand. If you don't have bell peppers, you can substitute with frozen mixed vegetables. For a healthier version, use brown rice; just adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly. To enhance the flavor, consider adding some saffron or turmeric for a vibrant color and taste. Also, try serving this dish with a side of Spicy Mexican Bean Soup for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Arroz Con Pollo hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a zesty touch. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or warm tortillas. For a full Mexican-inspired meal, consider serving it alongside Beef And Chicken Fajitas or Ed'S Chili Chicken. This dish also goes well with a side of black beans or corn for added texture and flavor.
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 skillet and cover it to steam the rice, preventing it from drying out. Alternatively, you can use a microwave-safe dish, adding a bit of water, and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap to retain moisture while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Arroz Con Pollo(Mexican Rice With Chicken) contains roughly 602 calories, with 15g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value), iron (51% of the Daily Value), and protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2096mg per serving (91% 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 skinless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skinless chicken if you prefer a leaner option. Just keep in mind that skin-on chicken adds additional flavor and moisture during cooking. Adjust your cooking time slightly, as skinless pieces may cook faster.
How do I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the dish while cooking. You could also serve it with your favorite hot sauce or diced fresh chilies on the side to allow guests to customize their spice level.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and rice mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stove, adding a little extra broth or water to maintain moisture. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
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).