- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total time
- 50 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- EASY
- Calories
- 510 kcal
Quick summary
“Arroz con pollo is a classic Latin American combination of long-grain rice with golden chicken breast, red bell pepper, garlic, and fragrant turmeric in chicken broth. It is worth preparing for the practicality of single-pot cooking that delivers a moist, colorful, and very aromatic main dish.”
What you need to know
- Brown the chicken breast cubes in very hot oil before sautéing the seasonings to create a golden layer at the bottom of the pan.
- Sauté the raw rice along with the onion, garlic, and saffron for 2 minutes so that the grains absorb the seasoned fat.
- Add the boiling chicken broth and keep on low heat with the pan tightly covered during the 30 minutes of cooking.
Ingredients
Main
- 2 cups of rice
- 500 g of chicken breast cut into cubes
- 1 chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Principal
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil.
- Sauté the onion and garlic until golden.
- Add the chicken and cook until slightly golden.
- Add the bell pepper and sauté for another 2 minutes.
- Add the rice and mix well, allowing it to absorb the flavors.
- Add the saffron and mix again.
- Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let it cook over low heat and covered for approximately 30 minutes.
- At the end of cooking, check if the rice is soft and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Turn off the heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Chef's tips
- Do not stir the rice during cooking to avoid breaking the grains and releasing excessive starch, ensuring a loose consistency.
- Use well-heated homemade chicken broth to speed up the process and maintain a constant temperature inside the pot.
- Respect the 5-minute rest with the heat off and the pot covered before fluffing the rice with a fork.
Variations
- Arroz con pollo with peas and corn: add half a cup of fresh peas and drained sweet corn in the last 10 minutes.
- Version with light beer: substitute one of the cups of chicken broth with pilsner beer or dry white wine during cooking.
- Touch with olives and capers: add sliced green olives and a tablespoon of washed capers to the vegetable sauté.
Substitutions
- Chicken breast: replace with boneless chicken thigh cubes, golden chicken drumettes, or previously cooked shredded chicken.
- Turmeric: use ground annatto (colorau), hydrated saffron threads, or sweet paprika to color.
- Red bell pepper: can be swapped for yellow bell pepper, finely diced carrots, or fresh peas.
How to store
Keep leftovers in a tightly sealed container under refrigeration for up to 3 days. To reheat while maintaining moisture, place over low heat in a covered pot with two tablespoons of water or broth.
Can it be frozen?
It can be frozen in individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 60 days. To consume, thaw slowly in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave with a lid or in a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil.
What to serve with
Serve with a fresh green leaf salad with persimmon tomato, simple pinto beans, and slices of fried banana or crunchy farofa. A light red onion vinaigrette brings acidity that balances the rice.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use parboiled rice in this recipe?
Yes, parboiled rice keeps the grains even more whole and loose, requiring the same proportion of broth and cooking time.
How to prevent the chicken from drying out?
Cut the cubes into a uniform size of about 3 cm and just sear on the outside at the beginning; the final cooking along with the rice will keep the meat moist.
Should the chicken broth be added hot or cold?
Always use the broth very hot; if you add cold broth, you interrupt the cooking and the rice may become mushy or take longer to cook.
Why does the rice need to rest 5 minutes after the heat is turned off?
Resting allows the residual steam to finish softening the center of the grains evenly without sticking to the pan.
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