Recipe: Arroz Con Pollo

Recipe: Arroz Con Pollo

You can’t go wrong with arroz con pollo, it’s a staple around the world for good reason! I recently made this for a group gathering at my house, it’s great to make for a crowd because it’s flavorful and affordable. I like to serve it with avocado slices. I wrote this recipe because it was such a hit at home, that I was asked by someone in the group to share the recipe. 

So what is arroz con pollo? It’s chicken cooked with rice. Chicken and rice is a delicious and hearty one-pot meal that is popular in the Caribbean. Made with juicy chicken, savory spices, and aromatic vegetables, this dish is perfect for a family dinner. The rice is cooked in a flavorful broth that absorbs all the delicious flavors of the chicken, creating a mouthwatering dish that is both filling and satisfying.

Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on; cut into chunks
• 1 tbsp. + 1 tsp. Adobo Spice Blend
• 1 tbsp. + 1 tsp. Sazón Spice Blend
• 1/2 can tomato paste
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 cup oil
• 1/4 cup Sofrito
• 1/4 cup pimento stuffed olives (whole or sliced)
• 2 cups rinsed white rice (long grain, preferred)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, season the cut chicken thighs with 1 tsp of adobo seasoning and 1 tsp of sazón, salt and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the  oil over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs to the pot and brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Add the sofrito, tomato paste, adobo, sazon, bay leaf, and olives to the pot. Stir well to combine and cook for 3-4 minutes.
4. Add rice and coat in the mixture, and once throughly coated add the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
5. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired. Enjoy!