Arroz Con Pollo(Puerto Rican)
Arroz con Pollo is a flavorful Puerto Rican chicken and rice dish packed with aromatic herbs, vegetables, and savory additions like ham and salt pork, perfect for family meals.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lb. chicken ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano leaves ⓘ
- 2 peppercorns ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 tsp. olive oil
- 1 tsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 2 oz. ham ⓘ
- 1 oz. salt pork ⓘ
- 1 onion
- 1 green pepper ⓘ
- 1 sweet chili pepper ⓘ
- 2 leaves cilantro ⓘ
- 6 green olives ⓘ
- 1 tsp. capers ⓘ
- 1 tomato ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 1/4 cups uncooked rice ⓘ
- 1 can or package cooked sweet peas ⓘ
- 4 cups boiling water ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can pimentos
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into serving pieces.
- Mash oregano leaves, peppercorns, garlic, salt, olive oil, and vinegar in a mortar; rub this mixture onto the chicken.
- Lightly brown the chicken in 3 tablespoons of oil in a large pot.
- Reduce heat to moderate and add chopped ham, salt pork, onion, green pepper, chili pepper, and cilantro; cook for 8 minutes.
- Add chopped green olives, capers, and tomato; cook for another 8 minutes.
- Stir in tomato sauce and rice; cook for 5 minutes.
- Drain liquid from the cooked peas and add to the pot; set peas aside for later.
- Pour in boiling water, mix well, and cook uncovered for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed, stirring from bottom to top.
- Cover and cook over low heat for 20 minutes.
- Add the peas and turn the rice once more, then cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Garnish the top with pimentos and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, let the chicken marinate in the herb mixture for a few hours or overnight. If you don't have salt pork, you can substitute with an extra ounce of ham or bacon for a similar smoky flavor. Experiment with different types of peppers for a unique twist. For a vegetarian option, consider using chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Arroz Con Pollo hot, garnished with pimentos for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or fried plantains for a complete meal. For a refreshing drink, consider serving it with a glass of tropical fruit juice or a light beer. This dish also holds up well for meal prep, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out and microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of water as needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Arroz Con Pollo(Puerto Rican) contains roughly 716 calories, with 20g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (190% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (157% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2118mg per serving (92% 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 in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice, but keep in mind that brown rice requires a longer cooking time. Increase the boiling water to about 4 1/2 cups and extend the cooking time to about 30 minutes after adding the rice to ensure it cooks through.
What can I add to make this dish spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce when cooking. You could also sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes during the sautéing process. Just be mindful of the spice level, as you can always add more, but it's hard to take it out once added.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Arroz Con Pollo tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day in advance, let it cool completely, and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before serving, and it will still be delicious.
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).