Arroz Con Pollo

Arroz Con Pollo is a classic Latin American dish that beautifully combines tender chicken with flavorful rice, making it a beloved comfort food across many cultures.

This hearty recipe features vibrant vegetables, aromatic spices, and a touch of stout for depth, resulting in a colorful and satisfying one-pot meal. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, it’s sure to please everyone at the table!

How to Make Arroz Con Pollo

Ingredients:

5 chicken pieces

3 cups of washed rice

1 onion, cubed

1/2 bell pepper, diced or in strips

1 diced carrot

1/2 cup shelled peas

1 shelled corn

3 cups of chicken broth

1/2 cup stout

3/4 cup blended coriander

4 tablespoons of ground yellow chili

1 tablespoon minced garlic

Salt

Pepper

Cumin

Vegetable oil

Instructions:

Season the Chicken: Begin by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and cumin.

Heat the Oil: Place a pot over medium heat and add a generous amount of vegetable oil.

Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces and brown them on both sides. Once browned, remove them from the pot and set aside.

Sauté the Onion: In the same pot, without adding more oil, add the cubed onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.

Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional couple of minutes.

Incorporate Spices: Add the ground yellow chili and cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Then, mix in the blended coriander and cook, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes or until the color slightly changes. Season with pepper and cumin.

Return Chicken: Put the chicken pieces back in the pot, ensuring they are well coated in the coriander mixture. Pour in the stout and season with salt to taste.

Simmer with Broth: Allow the alcohol to evaporate for a few minutes, then add the chicken broth. Mix everything well, cover the pot, and cook for 20 minutes.

Cook the Rice: Once the chicken is cooked, remove the pieces from the pot and add the washed rice along with the peas, corn, and diced carrot. Adjust the salt as needed and cook on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Final Steps: After the rice is fully cooked, return the chicken pieces to the pot. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serve: Enjoy your Arroz Con Pollo with salsa criolla or huancaína on the side!

Enjoy your meal!

Notes:

Chicken Options: You can use bone-in chicken pieces for added flavor, but boneless cuts will also work if you prefer a quicker cooking time.

Rice Variety: Long-grain rice is traditional, but you can experiment with different varieties like jasmine or basmati for unique textures and flavors.

Vegetable Additions: Feel free to customize the vegetables. Bell peppers, green beans, or even diced tomatoes can enhance the dish.

Stout Substitution: If you prefer not to use stout, you can substitute it with white wine or omit it altogether, adding a little extra chicken broth instead.

Spice Level: Adjust the amount of ground yellow chili to suit your taste. For a milder dish, reduce the quantity; for more heat, add a bit more.

Resting Time: Allowing the dish to rest after cooking lets the flavors meld together even more, making it taste even better!

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with a fresh salad or a side of avocado slices for a refreshing contrast.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Arroz Con Pollo in advance?

Yes! You can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator.

Just reheat gently before serving.

The flavors often deepen when allowed to sit overnight.

What can I substitute for chicken if I want a vegetarian version?

You can replace the chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.

For a heartier texture, consider using chickpeas or lentils along with vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To increase the heat, add more ground yellow chili or include fresh chili peppers.

You can also serve it with a spicy salsa on the side for extra kick.

What should I serve with Arroz Con Pollo?

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, avocado slices, or a fresh salsa like salsa criolla or pico de gallo for added freshness.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze Arroz Con Pollo. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving.

How do I ensure the rice cooks evenly?

To ensure even cooking, make sure the rice is well-rinsed before adding it to the pot.

Also, avoid lifting the lid too often while it cooks, as this can release steam and affect the cooking time.

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces are ideal for flavor and moisture, but you can use boneless cuts if you prefer a quicker cooking time. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook.

You may need to increase the liquid and cooking time, so adjust the recipe accordingly.

What if I don’t have stout beer?

If you don’t have stout, you can substitute it with white wine or simply use additional chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.

How can I make this dish more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the chicken in spices or herbs a few hours before cooking.

You can also add saffron or bay leaves during the simmering stage for extra depth.