Chicken With Rice(Arroz Con Pollo)
Chicken With Rice, or Arroz Con Pollo, is a vibrant one-pot dish that combines succulent chicken with seasoned rice, peppers, and olives. The infusion of garlic, oregano, and achiote coloring creates a rich and aromatic flavor profile. Ideal for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 (2 1/2 lb.) ready to cook chicken, cut up ⓘ
- 2 chopped cloves garlic ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. onion ⓘ
- 1/4 c. olives ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. achiote coloring or Bijol
- 2 c. water or broth ⓘ
- 1 c. peas
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 2 chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. capers ⓘ
- 1 lb. rice ⓘ
- 4 pimentos ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix salt, garlic, oregano, tomatoes, green pepper, onion, achiote, olives, and capers in a bowl.
- Add the chicken and cook for a few minutes until slightly browned.
- Add the rice and water or broth to the pot.
- Stir and cook until the water has been absorbed, then cover and let it cook until the rice is done.
- Serve hot.
- Garnish with strips of pimentos and peas.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in the spice mixture for a few hours or overnight. If you don’t have achiote, you can use paprika for color. Consider adding vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrition. If you prefer a spicier dish, add jalapeños or other hot peppers. This dish is versatile; you can replace chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with strips of pimentos and peas for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a refreshing cucumber salad or even some grilled vegetables. This dish also complements a light white wine well.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to moisten the rice and cover the container. Microwave for 2-3 minutes or heat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid reheating multiple times to preserve quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken With Rice(Arroz Con Pollo) contains roughly 156 calories, with 5g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (77% of the Daily Value), iron (74% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (61% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1604mg per serving (70% 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 note that it may require additional cooking time and more liquid. Typically, brown rice takes about 40-45 minutes to cook, so adjust the water and cooking time accordingly to ensure it is tender.
What can I substitute for olives in this recipe?
If you’re not a fan of olives, you can omit them or use capers for a similar briny flavor. Alternatively, try adding some sun-dried tomatoes for a different twist. Just keep in mind that this will alter the overall flavor profile slightly.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer. Additionally, the juices should run clear when pierced, and the meat should no longer be pink. For best results, ensure even cooking by arranging the chicken pieces in a single layer.
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).