Mamita'S Arroz Con Pollo
Mamita's Arroz Con Pollo is a flavorful Latin-inspired dish blending tender chicken with saffron, olives, capers, and vibrant tomatoes, perfect for a comforting, make-ahead meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the chicken in a heavy casserole with oil.
- Add saffron, salt, pepper, curry, onions, and garlic.
- Place the casserole in a 325°F oven and bake until the chicken is done, about an hour.
- Add cooked yellow rice, crushed tomatoes, green olives, capers, and peas to the casserole.
- Heat through and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken in garlic, salt, and pepper for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have saffron, you can use a pinch of turmeric for color and a slightly different flavor. To save time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken and add it to the casserole with the other ingredients in step 4.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mamita's Arroz Con Pollo with a side of warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce or a simple green salad for freshness. This dish pairs beautifully with Chicken Breast And Mushroom In Madeira Sauce for a delightful dinner spread. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro on top for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the arroz con pollo in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mamita'S Arroz Con Pollo contains roughly 288 calories, with 11g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (94% of the Daily Value), iron (30% of the Daily Value), and potassium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 668mg per serving (29% 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 yellow rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for yellow rice, but it will require a longer cooking time. Make sure to adjust the liquid accordingly, as brown rice absorbs more moisture than white rice. This will result in a nuttier flavor and a healthier dish overall.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the chicken. You can also serve the dish with hot sauce on the side, allowing each guest to adjust the spice level to their preference.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with a mix of hearty vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and follow the same cooking instructions for a delicious vegetarian version of this comforting dish.
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).