Arroz Con Pollo Incredible is a classic dish that combines chicken and rice with flavorful spices, transporting you straight to a comforting Latin American kitchen. This incredible chicken and rice dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the taste buds. With its vibrant colors and rich aromas, this dish has become a staple in many households. Join me as we explore this delicious arroz con pollo recipe that is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Arroz Con Pollo Incredible
This incredible chicken and rice dish comes with numerous benefits that make it a favorite:
- It’s a one-pot chicken and rice meal that simplifies cleanup.
- Flavorful chicken with rice absorbs all the spices, creating a rich taste.
- Perfect for meal prep, ensuring quick lunches or dinners all week.
- Offers a comforting, hearty meal that everyone loves.
- Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or spices.
- Ideal for feeding a crowd, making it the best arroz con pollo ever!
- It’s a healthy arroz con pollo alternative when made with lean cuts of chicken.
Ingredients for Arroz Con Pollo Incredible
Gather these items:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 4 chicken drumsticks, bone-in and skin-on
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (red or green)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon saffron threads (or 1 teaspoon turmeric for color)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ½ cup olives, sliced (optional)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
How to Make Arroz Con Pollo Incredible Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Step 3: Add the chicken pieces, skin side down, and brown for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside.
- Step 4: In the same pot, add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Step 5: Stir in the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly toasted.
- Step 6: Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, saffron or turmeric, paprika, and cumin. Mix well.
- Step 7: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Step 8: Place the browned chicken pieces back into the pot, skin side up. Ensure they are partially submerged in the liquid.
- Step 9: Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 30-35 minutes.
- Step 10: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas and olives. Stir gently to combine.
- Step 11: After 35 minutes, check that the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid. If necessary, add a bit more broth and cook until done.
- Step 12: Remove from heat and let sit covered for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Step 13: Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Arroz Con Pollo Incredible
Keep these in mind:
- Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste.
- Olives are optional but add a nice flavor.
- For a healthier arroz con pollo alternative, use skinless chicken breasts.
- Experiment with different vegetables like carrots or corn for added texture.
Best Ways to Serve Arroz Con Pollo Incredible
Here are some serving ideas:
- Pair it with a fresh green salad for a light meal.
- Serve with avocado slices for a creamy contrast.
- Top with freshly squeezed lime juice for an extra zing.
How to Store and Reheat Arroz Con Pollo Incredible
To store, place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop. It’s perfect for meal prep, making your weeknight dinners easier!
Frequently Asked Questions About Arroz Con Pollo Incredible
What’s the secret to perfect Arroz Con Pollo Incredible?
The secret lies in the seasoning and the simmering process. Using a quality chicken broth and allowing the rice to absorb all the flavors enhances the taste of this traditional arroz con pollo. Learn more about the importance of using quality ingredients.
Can I make Arroz Con Pollo Incredible ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving for a quick and easy meal.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Arroz Con Pollo Incredible?
To avoid mushy rice, make sure to use long-grain rice and follow the cooking times accurately. Also, don’t lift the lid while it’s simmering, as this can release steam and affect the cooking process. Check out tips for cooking rice perfectly.
Variations of Arroz Con Pollo Incredible You Can Try
Here are a few tasty arroz con pollo ideas you can experiment with:
- Substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Add chorizo for a spicy kick.
- Incorporate seasonal vegetables for a fresh take.
- Use brown rice for a healthier option, adjusting cooking time as needed.
Arroz Con Pollo Incredible: A Flavorful Comfort Food Dish
Arroz Con Pollo is a classic dish that combines chicken and rice with flavorful spices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 26 minutes
- Total Time: 36 minutes
- Yield: 7 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 4 chicken drumsticks, bone-in and skin-on
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (red or green)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon saffron threads (or 1 teaspoon turmeric for color)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ½ cup olives, sliced (optional)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces, skin side down, and brown for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly toasted.
- Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, saffron or turmeric, paprika, and cumin. Mix well.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Place the browned chicken pieces back into the pot, skin side up. Ensure they are partially submerged in the liquid.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 30-35 minutes.
- In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas and olives. Stir gently to combine.
- After 35 minutes, check that the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid. If necessary, add a bit more broth and cook until done.
- Remove from heat and let sit covered for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste.
- Olives are optional but add a nice flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg

