One of our favorites is this easy, one-pot chicken and rice dish that is perfect for the Instant Pot. I usually have leftover broth when I make paella, so this dish is typically a favorite after a paella in our home! It gets earthy herbal notes from the sofrito, a fragrant puree of onions, green bell peppers, garlic, and cilantro.
What is great about Arroz Con Pollo?
Arroz Con Pollo is a delightful blend of tender chicken, aromatic rice, and a medley of seasonings like saffron, paprika, and cumin. This combination results in a harmonious and well-balanced flavor profile that's both comforting and satisfying.
It's a one-pot meal, which means minimal cleanup. All the ingredients cook together in a single pot, simplifying the cooking process and allowing the flavors to meld.
Arroz Con Pollo is the epitome of comfort food. Its warm and hearty nature makes it ideal for chilly days or when you're seeking a filling and nurturing meal.
This dish is highly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, peas, or olives, to suit your taste. Some variations even include seafood or sausage.
Arroz Con Pollo is a budget-friendly meal that makes the most of humble ingredients like rice and chicken. It's a great option for feeding a family or a group of people without breaking the bank.
Tips
Chicken thighs are often preferred for Arroz Con Pollo because they are more flavorful and tend to stay moist during cooking. However, you can use a combination of chicken thighs and drumsticks for variety.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika before browning it in the pan. This helps build flavor right from the start.
When browning the chicken, make sure to achieve a nice golden sear on the skin. This adds flavor and creates a visually appealing presentation.
Sauté the onions, garlic, and bell peppers until they are soft and aromatic. This forms the flavor base of the dish, so take your time with this step.
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps prevent the rice from becoming too sticky.
Arroz Con Pollo
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 Servings
Ingredients:
1.5lbs boneless chicken thighs (preferred) or breasts, cubed
2 tsp adobo seasoning
4 Tbsp of olive oil
1/4 cup sofrito
1/4 tsp of saffron (pinch), or a packet of Spanish yellow rice seasoning.
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic
1/2 cup pimiento-stuffed Spanish olives
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1/4 cup water
2 cups white rice
2 3/4 cups chicken stock or broth
1 1/2 tsp sazón seasoning (optional but recommended)
1/2 cup frozen green peas (optional)
1/4 cup cilantro (optional garnish, but you really should!)
Salt and pepper to taste.
Directions:
Place the chicken in a shallow bowl or the Instant Pot and mix inhalf theoil and the adobo seasoninguntil all the chicken is evenly coated. Place in the refrigerator, uncovered, and allow to marinate for at least thirty minutes.
Once the chicken has been marinated, set a Dutch oven on medium-high heat or the Instant Pot on “Sauté”mode, and add the remaining oil to the pot. Once the oil startsto bubble slightly and starts to shimmer, add the chicken to the pot, and sear all the chicken until golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the chickenfrom the pot and set aside.
Add the sofrito, onion, garlic, and half of the red pepper to the pot. Sauté until the onion and garlic are translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the tomato paste, water, and olives. Combine until the tomato paste is completely incorporated. Sauté the mixture until it's fragrant and most of the liquid has reduced.
Add the rice and sazón seasoning and stir to ensure every grain of rice is covered in the mixture. Add the chicken stock and bringthe mixture to a boil. Allow the mixture to boil for about 6 to 8 minutes, such that the rice is visible on the pot's surface and steam vents are also created.
Add salt and pepper to taste, but be careful, as manyother ingredients already contain salt. Lower the heat to low and coverCook for about 20 minutes until allthe liquidhas evaporated and the rice has thoroughly cooked. If using the Instant Pot, cover and use the “Rice”mode.
Once the rice is ready, stir in frozen peas if using, and fluff the rice. Garnish with cilantro.
Suggested Pairing
This dish pairs well with a delicious Chardonnay or Pinot Gris wine.
Comments