Arroz Con Pollo(Rice With Chicken)
Arroz con Pollo combines tender chicken with flavorful saffron-infused rice, creating a comforting dish rich in aromatic spices, ham, and fresh herbs. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, it offers a harmonious blend of savory and fragrant flavors that appeal to all palates.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lb. chicken, cut up ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. saffron ⓘ
- 1 onion ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 c. olive oil ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. lean ham or Canadian bacon, diced ⓘ
- 1 bunch scallions, chopped
- 1 small can pimentos, drained and diced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. minced parsley ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 c. long grain rice ⓘ
- 2 1/2 c. chicken broth ⓘ
Instructions
- Separate the chicken into breasts, wings, drumsticks, and liver.
- Place the remaining parts of the chicken in a saucepan with 3 cups of water, peeled onion, saffron, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 30 minutes.
- Strain the broth to make 2 1/2 cups, reserving the chicken parts.
- In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced ham or Canadian bacon and cook until lightly browned.
- Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Add the chicken broth, bay leaf, and saffron, stirring well.
- Add rice, salt, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until rice is tender, about 20 minutes.
- Add chopped scallions, diced pimentos, minced parsley, and cooked chicken pieces.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes, then serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth. If saffron is unavailable, turmeric can be a good substitute for color, but it will alter the flavor slightly. To save time, you can use rotisserie chicken; just add it towards the end of cooking. Be sure to rinse the rice to remove excess starch for fluffier results.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Arroz Con Pollo with a fresh green salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. A side of black beans or fried plantains would also complement the dish nicely. For a unique twist, consider pairing it with Baked Bluefish Fillets With Creole Sauce for a well-rounded dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Arroz Con Pollo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out and warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Arroz Con Pollo(Rice With Chicken) contains roughly 1101 calories, with 23g protein, 168g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (187% of the Daily Value), and calcium (123% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1529mg per serving (66% 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 you'll need to adjust the cooking time since brown rice typically takes longer to cook. Increase the simmering time to about 40-45 minutes and ensure you have enough liquid, as brown rice absorbs more broth.
What other meats can I use in this recipe?
You can substitute the chicken with other meats like turkey or even seafood for a different flavor profile. Shrimp or fish can be added towards the end of cooking to prevent overcooking. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly for the meat you choose.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! Arroz Con Pollo can be made a day ahead of time. In fact, the flavors often deepen when allowed to sit. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving. However, it's best to add the scallions and parsley fresh before serving for optimal flavor.
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).