When I tried Arroz Con Pollo Recipe for the first time, I was blown away by how comforting and flavorful it turned out. The aroma of simmering spices filled my kitchen, and every bite transported me to a place of warmth and tradition.

This dish is like a hug in a bowl, combining tender chicken with perfectly seasoned rice, veggies, and a delightful mix of spices. It’s one of those meals where the effort is minimal, but the payoff is huge.

Whether you’re hosting friends or just feeding your family, I promise this one-pot recipe will make everyone come back for seconds (or thirds). It has easily become one of my go-to recipes, and I can’t wait to share every detail with you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This Arroz Con Pollo recipe isn’t just another chicken and rice dish; it’s packed with incredible flavors and benefits. Here are a few reasons why it deserves a spot in your recipe collection.

Quick and Easy to Prepare

Even if you’re new to cooking, this recipe is beginner-friendly. It’s a one-pot wonder that simplifies cleanup, and most of the work is just layering ingredients in the right order. You’ll have a flavorful, impressive dinner ready with minimal effort.

Bursting with Flavor

The combination of spices like cumin and paprika, along with the richness from sautéed chicken and sofrito, guarantees a meal that’s both vibrant and cozy. Every ingredient contributes to a unique balance of savory, aromatic, and slightly tangy goodness.

Versatile and Customizable

You can get creative with the ingredients! Don’t have saffron or olives? No problem. Want to make it with brown rice for a healthier twist? Go ahead. This dish adapts to suit dietary needs and preferences.

Family-Friendly

This recipe is ideal for picky eaters and adventurous palates alike. Kids love the tender chicken and flavorful rice, while adults appreciate its complexity. Plus, it’s perfect for sharing at family gatherings or potlucks.

Diet-Friendly Options

Arroz Con Pollo can easily accommodate various diets. Swap the chicken for a plant-based protein for a vegetarian version or omit certain ingredients for a gluten-free or low-sodium option. It’s both inclusive and satisfying.

Cooking Time

Here’s what to expect in terms of the cooking timeline:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on): 4 thighs
Chicken drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on): 4 drumsticks
Salt and pepper: To taste
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
Onion, finely chopped: 1 medium
Red bell pepper, finely chopped: 1 large
Green bell pepper, finely chopped: 1 large
Garlic, minced: 4 cloves
Tomato, diced: 1 large
Frozen peas: 1 cup
Pimento-stuffed green olives: 1/2 cup
Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
Paprika: 1 teaspoon
Saffron threads (optional): 1/4 teaspoon
Long-grain white rice: 2 cups
Chicken broth: 4 cups
White wine (optional): 1/2 cup
Bay leaves: 2 leaves
Fresh cilantro and lime for garnish: A handful of cilantro, 1 lime

Variations

Custom Proteins: Substitute chicken with turkey, shrimp, or tofu for variety.
Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and skip the chicken. You can add more veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for texture.
Healthier Alternative: Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa for added fiber.
Spice Level: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for extra heat.

Equipment You Need

Large skillet or paella pan: Perfect for browning chicken and simmering the dish.
Cutting board and knife: For prepping vegetables.
Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the sofrito and rice.
Lid for the skillet: Essential for cooking the rice evenly.

How to Make Arroz Con Pollo?

With just a few steps, you’ll have a world-class dish on your table. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Brown the Chicken 🍳

Start by seasoning the chicken thighs and drumsticks with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken until it’s golden brown on both sides. This step locks in the flavor and creates a rich base for the dish. Once done, remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sofrito 🧅

Add onions and bell peppers to the same skillet, sautéing until soft and aromatic. Stir in minced garlic and diced tomatoes, allowing the mixture to blend for a couple of minutes. The sofrito is the flavor backbone of this recipe.

Step 3: Cook the Rice 🍚

Stir in the rice, ground cumin, paprika, and saffron threads (if using). Coat the rice well in the sofrito mixture before adding the chicken broth and white wine. This ensures the grains soak up all that wonderful seasoning.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer 🥘

Nestle the browned chicken back into the skillet. Toss in frozen peas, pimento-stuffed olives, and bay leaves. Give it another sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked. If needed, add more broth to keep the dish from drying out.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve 🌿

Remove the bay leaves and garnish the dish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. The fresh herbs and citrus bring an amazing final zing to your Arroz Con Pollo. Serve it straight from the skillet for a warm, communal experience.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Bone-In Chicken: This adds extra flavor to both the meat and the rice.
Rice Selection: Stick to long-grain white rice for the best texture. Sticky or short-grain rice may alter the dish’s consistency.
Spices: Don’t skip paprika; it adds depth and a smoky note. For a more authentic taste, use saffron if you can.
Stir Moderately: Avoid over-stirring the rice once it starts cooking. This helps it cook evenly and retain its fluffy texture.

How to Serve Arroz Con Pollo?

Presentation matters! Serve your Arroz Con Pollo in a wide, shallow dish to highlight its vibrant colors. Garnish with cilantro sprigs and lime wedges. You can also sprinkle on a few sliced olives for an added touch of elegance. Pair the dish with a simple side salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional value per serving:

Calories: Approximately 450
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 18g

Make Ahead and Storage

Arroz Con Pollo is just as delicious the next day, making it a great make-ahead dish.

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to revive the consistency.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Pack it in individual portions and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Now that you know all the secrets, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and treat your family to this incredible Arroz Con Pollo. You’ll see how quickly it becomes a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy!

Check out this step-by-step video walkthrough: