Tona'S Arroz Con Pollo
Tona's Arroz Con Pollo is a flavorful Latin-inspired dish featuring tender chicken simmered with aromatic spices, fresh tomatoes, and tangy picante sauce, served over golden toasted rice. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it combines bold flavors with comforting textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Simmer the chicken, garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 2 1/2 cups of water in a large saucepan for 30 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the broth, drain, and reserve 2 cups of the stock.
- Cool the chicken to touch, then remove skin and bones.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a 10-inch skillet, cook the rice in vegetable oil over low heat, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
- Stir in the reserved chicken stock, chicken pieces, picante sauce, cumin, pepper, and remaining 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and cook until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes.
- Serve hot with additional picante sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the picante sauce and spices for a few hours before cooking. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. Experiment with different types of rice, such as jasmine or basmati, for varied textures and flavors. For an extra kick, add chopped jalapeños or other spices to the mix.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot, garnished with extra sliced green onions and a dollop of picante sauce on top. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of black beans or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside a refreshing Festive Chicken Salad Log for contrasting flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the skillet or microwave to prevent drying out, and heat until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just ensure it's cooled completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tona'S Arroz Con Pollo contains roughly 273 calories, with 11g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (161% of the Daily Value), calcium (33% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1470mg per serving (64% 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 and liquid. Brown rice typically requires more water and a longer cooking time, so check the package instructions and ensure you have enough liquid in the dish.
What can I do if my rice is too mushy?
If your rice turns out mushy, it may have absorbed too much liquid. Next time, try reducing the cooking time or checking the rice earlier. You can also fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains, which might help improve the texture.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots can enhance the dish's nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them briefly before adding the rice and stock, ensuring they cook through by the time the rice is done.
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).