Lainey'S Arroz Con Pollo(Rice With Chicken)
A flavorful, comforting dish combining tender chicken, seasoned rice, and vibrant vegetables, perfect for family dinners and gatherings craving bold, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Use a large, heavy Dutch oven or similar pot for cooking.
- Cook and cut boneless chicken thighs and breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- In the Dutch oven, sauté chopped onion and red pepper until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, black olives, and frozen peas.
- Add the saffron yellow long grain rice with seasonings to the pot and stir well.
- Pour in 2 cups of water and 2 or more cups of chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Simmer until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
- Gently stir in the cooked chicken pieces and cook for an additional 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken in spices or citrus juice before cooking. If you don't have saffron rice, you can use regular long grain rice and add your own seasonings like turmeric for color. Feel free to swap out the black olives for green ones, or add other vegetables like carrots or corn for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Lainey's Arroz Con Pollo with a side of fresh green salad or warm tortillas for a complete meal. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro can enhance the dish's flavor. This recipe pairs beautifully with Chicken Fettucini Paprikash for a delightful dinner gathering or potluck.
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 water or chicken broth to prevent drying out, then warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. It's best to consume within a few days for optimal flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lainey'S Arroz Con Pollo(Rice With Chicken) contains roughly 1030 calories, with 25g protein, 126g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (100% of the Daily Value), protein (50% of the Daily Value), and iron (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1617mg 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 bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken; just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Bone-in pieces will take longer to cook through, so simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, ensuring the rice is also properly cooked.
What can I substitute for saffron yellow rice?
If you don't have saffron yellow rice, you can use regular long grain rice and add seasonings like turmeric or paprika to achieve a similar color and flavor profile. Adjust the cooking time according to the rice package instructions.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, Arroz Con Pollo can be made ahead of time. Prepare the dish as directed, allow it to cool, then store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat thoroughly before serving. It's a great option for meal prepping!
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).