Rice From Bogota
A flavorful Colombian-inspired chicken and rice casserole with savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Rich and hearty.
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 lb chicken ⓘ
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp orange juice
- juice of 2 limes ⓘ
- 2 large green peppers, finely chopped
- 2 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2/3 c vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/3 c mixed raisins ⓘ
- 1/3 c capers ⓘ
- 1/3 c sliced olives ⓘ
- 4 tsp salt ⓘ
- 2 c dry sherry wine ⓘ
- 4 c converted rice ⓘ
- 1/2 c undiluted evaporated milk ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 c ketchup ⓘ
- 1/2 c butter ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut the chicken and marinate it in crushed garlic, salt, lime juice, orange juice, chopped onions, and green peppers.
- Let the marinated chicken stand for at least 1 hour.
- In a large skillet, brown the chicken in vegetable oil.
- Add the marinated mixture to the skillet and cook for 15 minutes.
- Add tomato sauce to the skillet.
- Cover and cook over low heat for about 1 hour.
- Allow the chicken mixture to cool.
- Remove bones and cut the chicken into small pieces.
- Return the chicken to the sauce.
- Mix evaporated milk, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and sherry wine.
- Add this mixture to the chicken.
- Cook the rice separately until done.
- Combine the cooked rice and chicken mixture in a bowl.
- Add raisins, capers, and sliced olives to the mixture.
- Place the mixture into two oblong baking dishes.
- Dot the top with butter and sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until well heated.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or paprika to the chicken marinade. If you don't have evaporated milk, regular milk can be used as a substitute, but it may alter the creaminess. Adjust the amount of raisins and olives to your taste; you could even try swapping with dried cranberries or green olives for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Rice From Bogota with a side of fresh avocado salad or fried plantains for a complete meal. A crisp green salad can also complement the dish nicely. Pair it with a light white wine or a refreshing iced tea to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish and cover with foil; warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice From Bogota contains roughly 1359 calories, with 14g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 112g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (143% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (60% of the Daily Value), and iron (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2451mg per serving (107% 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 converted rice for this recipe?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the cooking instructions to ensure the rice cooks through and absorbs the flavors of the chicken mixture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with a mix of sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock to infuse flavor, and follow the same cooking method for the rice and sauce.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper into the chicken marinade. You can also serve the dish with a side of hot sauce for those who prefer a spicier kick.
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).