Arroz con Pollo (Puerto Rican Chicken and Rice)

Chicken and Rice!! Arroz con Pollo is comfort food at its finest, a one-pot wonder that never fails to please. No matter where you hail from, simple chicken and rice knows just how to hit the spot.

Now today’s Latin recipe is bursting with flavors that are both familiar and exotic. This dish has something for everyone.

Tender and flavorful fall off the bone chicken and fluffy rice, all simmering together in a pot of savory, spiced glory. This dish transcends borders, appearing in various forms across Latin America and Spain.

Its widespread love comes as no surprise. After all, who could resist a meal that effortlessly marries protein, grain, and an array of vibrant veggies?

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish has universal appeal. And let me tell you, once you lift that pot lid and the aroma fills your kitchen, you’ll know you’ve made the right choice. So, tie on your apron and learn how to make authentic Puerto Rican Arroz con Pollo.

Chicken and Rice

Every culture has some form of rice dish that is pretty iconic. From Biryani from South East Asia, to Paella and Spanish Chicken and Rice from Spain, Jambalaya from NoLa and Jollof Rice from west Africa, these are some of the best man made creations in the culinary world.

Arroz con Pollo holds a special place in the hearts of many Latin communities. Making authentic Arroz con Pollo needs some special ingredients, and some tips and tricks. But once you master this easy recipe, the result is a flavor bomb that you can create with few very simple ingredients.

You’ll Love Puerto Rican Arroz con Pollo for…

• One-Pot Wonder: The convenience of having both your protein and grain along with veggies cooked together in a single pot makes both cooking and cleanup a breeze.
• Comfort Food: It’s the epitome of soul-warming dishes, ideal for cozy family dinners, and it’s always a hit with the kids!
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices, chicken, and rice creates a mouth-watering synergy that keeps you coming back for more.
• Visual Appeal: The burst of colors from bell peppers, peas, and olives makes it as feast for the eyes as it is for the palate.
• Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are relatively inexpensive, making it a cost-effective meal without compromising on taste.
• Cultural Significance: It’s not just a dish, it’s a culinary tradition celebrated across Latin American and Spanish households, adding a layer of nostalgia or discovery.
• Nutrition: With protein from the chicken, fiber from the rice, and vitamins from the veggies, it’s a balanced meal in a bowl.

What is Arroz con Pollo?

Arroz con Pollo is a classic dish that hails from Latin American and Spanish cuisines. The name literally translates to “rice with chicken,” and that’s exactly what you get – a scrumptious, one-pot meal featuring tender chicken and flavorful rice.

Its roots trace back to the Spanish dish paella, but over time, it’s been adapted by different Latin American countries, each adding its own flair. Whether you’re enjoying it in a Cuban household with a splash of beer in the rice, or in a Puerto Rican home where a sofrito base is essential. In Peru, you might even find it tinged green due to cilantro-infused rice.

One thing is for sure: Arroz con Pollo is comfort food at its finest, a one-pot wonder that never fails to please.

Each region or household might have its own variation, but the essence remains the same where the chicken and rice are cooked together, allowing their flavors to meld beautifully. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings.

What Cut of Chicken is Best?

Most people prefer using chicken thighs or drumsticks for their Arroz con Pollo, often opting for bone-in, skin-on cuts to maximize flavor and juiciness. These cuts hold up well during the cooking process and infuse the rice with a rich, savory taste.

Some people prefer using a combination of thighs, drumsticks, and even wings to create a varied texture and flavor profile.

Skin-on chicken can add richness and flavor, but it does add extra fat. If you’re looking for a lighter dish, you might choose skinless cuts.

We don’t recommend chicken breasts for this recipe, as they tend to dry out with longer cooking time and wouldn’t be as juicy or tender as dark meat.

Ingredient Notes

• Chicken – Today we are using bone-in, skin on chicken thighs, but in the past we’ve used boneless, skinless chicken thighs, and they work very well.
• Sofrito – Many Puerto Rican dishes start with sofrito as base. It’s basically a quick blend of cilantro + culantro (optional) + onion + garlic + green peppers. You can check my Sofrito post for more details.
• Chicken Bouillon – Adds a deep, savory note to the marination, upping the flavor quotient of the chicken.
• Spices and Seasonings – Cumin, Sazon seasoning (cilantro y achiote), oregano, salt, pepper.
• Lime Juice – Zests up the chicken, tenderizing it while also giving it a citrusy kick.
• Olive Oil – Used for both marination and sautéing. You can also use any other light, neutral flavored oil.
• Veggies – Onion and bell peppers. A medley of colors that not only add visual appeal but also a sweet, crunchy element.
• Garlic – A flavor powerhouse that brings a rich, garlicky aroma and taste.
• Tomato Sauce – Adds a tangy richness that balances out the spices and creates a mouth-watering base for the rice.
• Rice – Whether you choose medium-grain or basmati, the rice soaks up all the delicious flavors like a sponge.
• Chicken Broth – Enhances the overall savoriness and keeps the rice moist and flavorful.
• Green Olives – Another must in Latin Cuisine. These little gems add a burst of briny tanginess, a perfect contrast to the other flavors.
• Frozen Peas – These give a slight sweetness and a pop of green, rounding out the dish.
• Cilantro – For garnish. Its freshness cuts through the rich, hearty flavors, brightening up the entire meal.
• Lime Wedges – Serving with lime allows for a final spritz of citrus, elevating the dish to perfection.

Puerto Rican Arroz Con Pollo Recipe

1. Marinate Chicken: Combine chicken with sofrito, bouillon, cumin, Sazon seasoning, oregano, lime juice, and olive oil. Refrigerate for 2-4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.

2. Sear Chicken: Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a heavy-bottom pot. Sear chicken on both sides for about 8-9 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

3: Sauté Veggies: In the same pot, sauté diced onions and bell peppers. Season with salt and pepper. Add garlic, then stir in tomato sauce and reserved marinade.

4. Toast Rice: Add rice to the pot and toast for 2-3 minutes, mixing well with the sautéed ingredients.

5: Assemble & Cook: Add chicken broth, olives, and peas. Place chicken back in, skin-side up.

Cook uncovered until water bubbles, then cover and cook for 25-35 minutes or until rice is cooked. Time will vary depending on the type of rice or the bottom thickness of the pot.

If you want crispy brown rice known as pegao, cook additional 4-5 minutes, making sure the rice is crispy brown at the bottom, but not burnt.

6: Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.

What is Pegao?

Pegao is that delightful layer of crispy, golden-brown rice that forms at the bottom of the pot when you’re cooking dishes like Arroz con Pollo. The term “pegao” is derived from the Spanish word “pegar,” which means “to stick,” and it’s considered a culinary treasure in many cultures.

This crunchy layer is rich in flavor, having absorbed all the wonderful seasonings and chicken juices during the cooking process.

Achieving the perfect pegao involves a bit of finesse, you want it crispy and browned but not burnt. To get it, you may need to cook the dish a few minutes longer, carefully monitoring to make sure it doesn’t turn from a delicious crunch to a burnt layer.

For many, discovering the pegao at the bottom of the pot is like finding a hidden gem, making the meal even more satisfying!

Alpana’s Tips and Tricks

1. Use the Right Rice: Medium-grain rice is often recommended for its ability to absorb flavors well while maintaining structure. Saying that we have cooked this with basmati rice too, and it works wonderfully.

2. Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the spices. The Sazon seasoning, cumin, and oregano are key players that give your dish its distinct flavor.

3. Marinate Longer: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it becomes. Overnight is ideal, but a minimum of 2-4 hours will still do wonders.

4. Toast the Rice: Toasting the rice before adding the liquid helps to develop its flavor and keeps it from getting mushy.

5. Layering is Key: Make sure to layer the chicken on top of the rice, skin-side up, to keep it moist and succulent during cooking.

6. Rice-to-Chicken Broth Ratio: The rice-to-chicken broth ratio is a key element for perfect Arroz con Pollo, and the general guideline is a 1:1 ratio. However, this can vary based on the type of rice, the cooking vessel, and even the climate. Medium-grain rice is often used and retains moisture well, but long-grain like Basmati may require slightly less broth. If you’re using a heavy-bottomed pot, it may retain moisture better, allowing for less broth. Don’t forget to account for additional liquids like tomato sauce and marinade when measuring. Nailing this ratio ensures your rice will absorb all the delicious flavors without becoming mushy.

7. Aim for the Pegao: For that delightful crispy bottom layer, you may need to cook the dish an additional 4-5 minutes after the rice is done. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.

8.Use Fresh Garnishes: Fresh cilantro and lime wedges are more than just garnish, they enhance the flavors and add a burst of freshness.

9. Adjust Heat Accordingly: If you’re using a heavy-bottomed pot, you may need to adjust the heat and cook longer to ensure even cooking and to achieve the desired pegao.

10.Taste and Adjust: Before serving, give it a quick taste to see if additional salt, pepper, or lime juice is needed.

Variations

• Cuban style Arroz con Pollo: Its close to Puerto Rican style, except they do not use sofrito in the beginning.
• Colombian Style: Features other vegetables like carrots, corn and potato along, with a unique blend of spices.
• Peruvian Style: Features aji amarillo, a Peruvian yellow pepper, and often uses beer in the broth for added depth.
• Spanish style: Uses unique Spanish seasoning along with saffron.

Leftovers and Storing

Arroz con Pollo tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld. Place your fully cooled leftovers in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

If you’re thinking longer-term, you can also freeze it. Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, and you’ve got a meal that can last up to 3 months.

When it comes to reheating, the stovetop is your best bet. Add a splash of chicken broth or water, cover, and warm it up on low heat. This method revives the rice and chicken, keeping them moist and flavorful.

Microwaving works too, but a sprinkle of water over the rice is a good idea to prevent it from drying out.

Make this classic Puerto Rican Chicken and Rice the next time you are hunting great ethnic flavors and in the mood for home made comfort food.

Check out our other Puerto Rican Recipes too for some amazing flavors. Its one of our favorite Latin cuisines for good reason.

Arroz con Pollo, on our Gypsy Plate… enjoy!

More Great Puerto Rican dishes:
Bistec Encebollado
Asopao de Camarones
Habichuelas Guisadas
Arroz con Gandules
Carne Guisada
Sancocho
Pernil
Picadillo