Arroz con Pollo
Cuisine: Mexican Type: Entree

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Rice
1 cup (240)
Chicken
2 pounds (907)
Tomatoes
4 medium (400)
Onion
1 medium (110)
Garlic
3 cloves (9)
Bell Pepper
1 medium (120)
Peas
1 cup (160)
Carrots
2 medium (120)
Chicken Broth
2 cups (480)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (28)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (5)
Paprika
1 teaspoon (2)
Cumin
1 teaspoon (2)
Oregano
1 teaspoon (2)
Bay Leaves
2 leaves (1)
Cilantro
2 tablespoons (4)
Lime
1 medium (67)
Totals
94 oz
(2,662 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Rice
206
Chicken
335
Onion
44
Garlic
4
Tomato
25
Bell Pepper
25
Peas
62
Carrots
41
Olive Oil
119
Chicken Broth
10
Cumin
8
Paprika
6
Salt
0
Black Pepper
2
Cilantro
1
Totals
888 kcal
Steps
1. Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add diced onions and bell peppers to the pot and sauté until they become soft and translucent.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Add the chicken pieces to the pot, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides.
5. Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Add the rice to the pot, ensuring it is evenly distributed, and gently stir to combine with the other ingredients.
7. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the rice to cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until it is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
8. While the rice is cooking, season the chicken pieces with additional spices such as cumin, paprika, and chili powder, if desired.
9. In a separate skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat and cook the seasoned chicken until it is thoroughly cooked and browned.
10. Once the rice is cooked, remove the lid and gently fluff it with a fork.
11. Place the cooked chicken pieces on top of the rice, cover the pot again, and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
12. Serve the Arroz con Pollo hot, garnished with chopped cilantro or green onions if desired. Enjoy!
Substitutions
- Instead of chicken, you can use turkey, pork, or beef. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the meat you choose.
- If you don't have saffron, you can substitute it with turmeric or paprika for color.
- If you don't have long-grain rice, you can use medium-grain or short-grain rice, but the texture may be slightly different.
- If you don't have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or water with bouillon cubes or powder.
- If you don't have tomato sauce, you can use diced tomatoes or tomato paste diluted with water.
- If you don't have bell peppers, you can use other types of peppers like poblano or Anaheim peppers, or omit them altogether.
- If you don't have peas, you can use green beans, corn, or any other vegetable you prefer.
- If you don't have garlic cloves, you can use garlic powder or granulated garlic, adjusting the quantity to taste.
- If you don't have onions, you can use shallots or scallions as a substitute.
- If you don't have white wine, you can use dry sherry or apple cider vinegar diluted with water.
- If you don't have cumin, you can use chili powder or a combination of ground coriander and paprika.
- If you don't have fresh cilantro, you can use dried cilantro or substitute it with parsley or fresh basil.
Note: Adjust the quantities of the substitute ingredients according to your taste preferences and the amount of arroz con pollo you are preparing.
Pairings
- Guacamole and tortilla chips
- Refried beans
- Mexican rice
- Salsa verde or salsa roja
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges
- Mexican-style street corn (elote)
- Queso fresco or cotija cheese
- Pico de gallo
- Mexican-style pickled onions (escabeche)
- Mexican hot sauce or chili peppers
- Horchata or tamarind agua fresca
Upgrades
1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro leaves, thinly sliced jalapenos, and a squeeze of lime juice for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve the Arroz con Pollo in individual bowls or on a platter, arranging the chicken pieces on top of the rice for an attractive presentation.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Toast the rice in a bit of oil before adding the liquid to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Add a handful of chopped roasted red bell peppers or fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky and slightly sweet flavor.
- Incorporate a small amount of saffron threads or turmeric powder to add a vibrant yellow color and a subtle earthy taste.
3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Replace regular chicken with succulent pieces of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even tender chicken breast for a more refined experience.
- Use high-quality homemade chicken stock or a premium brand for a richer flavor base.
- Add a touch of elegance by including a handful of plump, juicy shrimp or scallops, cooked separately and gently folded into the dish just before serving.
Remember, these enhancements are meant to be used selectively to maintain the essence of Arroz con Pollo while adding a touch of sophistication and visual appeal.
Diet Restrictions
1. Use brown rice instead of white rice to increase fiber content and promote better blood sugar control.
2. Replace chicken thighs with lean chicken breast to reduce saturated fat and calorie content.
3. Use low-sodium chicken broth or homemade broth to control sodium intake for individuals with high blood pressure.
4. Increase vegetable content by adding bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes for added fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
5. Reduce oil usage by sautéing ingredients with cooking spray or minimal oil to lower overall fat content.
6. Opt for skinless chicken to reduce saturated fat and cholesterol levels.
7. Use herbs and spices like cumin, oregano, and paprika for flavor instead of excessive salt or high-sodium seasoning packets.
8. Serve smaller portions or pair the dish with a side salad to control calorie intake for weight management.
9. Add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice instead of extra salt for a tangy flavor boost.
10. For vegetarian or vegan preferences, replace chicken with plant-based alternatives like tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Healthy Choices
- Use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients.
- Use skinless chicken breast or lean chicken thighs instead of dark meat or chicken with skin to reduce saturated fat content.
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the dish, such as bell peppers, onions, and carrots, to boost the nutritional value.
- Reduce the amount of oil used for cooking the chicken and sautéing the vegetables.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth or homemade broth instead of regular chicken broth to control sodium intake.
- Opt for homemade tomato sauce or salsa instead of store-bought versions to avoid added sugars and preservatives.
- Season the dish with herbs and spices instead of excessive salt to enhance flavor.
- Serve the dish with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables to increase the overall nutrient content.
- Consider using lean protein alternatives like turkey or tofu as a substitute for chicken to reduce saturated fat.
- Limit the use of high-fat toppings such as sour cream or cheese and opt for healthier alternatives like Greek yogurt or avocado.
Shortcuts
1. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of a whole chicken to save time on preparation and cooking.
2. Opt for pre-packaged Mexican rice mix to save time on measuring and seasoning the rice.
3. Use canned diced tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes to save time on chopping and cooking them.
4. Substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs to save money without compromising flavor.
5. Use frozen mixed vegetables instead of fresh vegetables to save time on chopping and preparation.
6. Cook the rice and chicken together in a single pot to save time and reduce dishes.
7. Use store-bought chicken broth instead of homemade to save time on simmering and straining.
8. Utilize a pressure cooker to significantly reduce cooking time while still achieving flavorful results.
9. Consider using store-bought rotisserie chicken as a shortcut for even quicker preparation.
10. Double the recipe and freeze leftovers for future meals to save time and money in the long run.