Classic Arroz con Pollo

Classic Arroz con Pollo Recipe from Spain

Region / culture: Spain | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Arroz con Pollo, or rice with chicken, is a classic Latin American dish that is loved for its flavorful combination of chicken, rice, and vegetables. This dish is perfect for a family meal or a gathering with friends, as it is hearty, delicious, and easy to make.

History

Arroz con Pollo has its origins in Spain, where it was traditionally made with saffron-infused rice and chicken. As Spanish explorers traveled to the Americas, they brought this dish with them, where it evolved to include local ingredients such as peppers, tomatoes, and peas. Today, Arroz con Pollo is a popular dish in many Latin American countries, each with its own unique twist on the recipe.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 cut-up chicken
2 cups uncooked rice
1 cup chopped onion
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1.5 tsp salt, divided
0.5 tsp dried basil
4 cups chicken broth
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
0.13 tsp ground saffron or 0.5 tsp ground turmeric
1 bay leaf
2 cups chopped tomatoes
0.5 tsp ground black pepper
1 cup fresh or frozen green peas
Fresh basil for garnish

How to prepare

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until hot. Add chicken and cook for 10 minutes or until browned, turning occasionally. Remove chicken and keep warm.
Add rice, onion, red pepper, green pepper, garlic, 0.75 tsp salt, and basil to the pan. Cook and stir for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and the rice is browned.
Add broth, lime juice, saffron, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil and stir in tomatoes.
Arrange the chicken on top and sprinkle with the remaining 0.75 tsp salt and black pepper. Cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 20 minutes more.
Stir in peas, cover, and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the chicken is fork-tender and the juices run clear (not pink). Remove the bay leaf.
Garnish with basil and serve immediately.

Variations

Add olives and capers for a salty kick.
Use quinoa instead of rice for a healthier twist.
Add corn and carrots for extra sweetness and color.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To add extra flavor to the dish, marinate the chicken in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and spices before cooking.

- Use a mix of chicken thighs and breasts for a more flavorful and tender dish.

- For a crispy texture, brown the chicken before adding it to the rice mixture.

- Stir the rice occasionally while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Arroz con Pollo with a side of avocado slices, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken before adding it to the rice mixture adds depth of flavor.

- Cooking the rice in chicken broth instead of water enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of cut-up chicken for a quicker cooking time.

- Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth for a vegetarian version of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

Arroz con Pollo can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Arroz con Pollo in a large serving dish garnished with fresh basil leaves for a colorful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Arroz con Pollo with a side of black beans, plantains, and a refreshing glass of sangria for a complete Latin American meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Arroz con Pollo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Arroz con Pollo contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Arroz con Pollo contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Arroz con Pollo contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Arroz con Pollo contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Arroz con Pollo is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

Arroz con Pollo contains gluten from the rice and may contain allergens from the chicken and vegetables.

Summary

Arroz con Pollo is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Arroz con Pollo is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family meal or a gathering with friends. With its flavorful combination of chicken, rice, and vegetables, this classic Latin American dish is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Classic Arroz con Pollo. It was a warm summer day in my small hometown in Mexico, and I was visiting my aunt Maria. She was known for her amazing culinary skills and always had a new dish to share with me. That day, she had prepared a pot of Arroz con Pollo—a delicious combination of chicken, rice, and vegetables that filled the air with mouth-watering aromas.

As I watched her cook, I was mesmerized by her skillful hands as she chopped, seasoned, and simmered the ingredients together. I asked her where she had learned to make such a wonderful dish, and she smiled and said that it was a recipe passed down from her own mother, my grandmother. She explained that Arroz con Pollo was a traditional family recipe that had been perfected over generations.

I was determined to learn how to make it myself, so I asked her to teach me. She agreed, and we spent the afternoon cooking together, with her guiding me through each step of the process. I watched and listened intently as she shared her tips and tricks, teaching me the importance of using fresh ingredients, proper seasoning, and patience when cooking.

After several hours of simmering and stirring, the dish was finally ready. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product. As I took my first bite, I was transported back to my childhood, to family gatherings and festive celebrations where Arroz con Pollo was always the star of the table.

From that day on, Arroz con Pollo became one of my favorite dishes to cook and share with my own family. I made it for special occasions, holidays, and just as a comforting meal on a cold winter night. Each time I cooked it, I felt a connection to my roots and to the women who had passed down this recipe through the generations.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks and adjustments to the recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own. I have shared it with friends, neighbors, and even strangers who have become fast friends after tasting a spoonful of my Arroz con Pollo. It has become a symbol of my love for cooking and for preserving the traditions of my family.

As I write this, I am reminded of all the memories and moments that this dish has brought into my life. From the laughter and chatter of family gatherings to the quiet moments of solitude in my kitchen, Arroz con Pollo has been a constant companion, a reminder of my heritage and the strong women who came before me.

I am grateful for the gift of this recipe, for the knowledge and skill that has been passed down to me through generations. I will continue to cook and share this dish with others, keeping the tradition alive and honoring the legacy of my ancestors. And as I watch my own grandchildren learn to make Arroz con Pollo, I know that the bond of our family and the love of food will continue to be passed down through the years.