Embark on a culinary journey to Peru with our easy-to-follow recipe for Arroz Con Pollo, a vibrant and flavorful chicken and rice dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. This recipe simplifies the traditional methods, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. Arroz Con Pollo, meaning “rice with chicken,” is a staple in Peruvian cuisine, known for its rich green hue derived from cilantro and its savory, comforting flavors. This version retains all the authentic taste while streamlining the process, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to experience the taste of Peru in your own home!
Recipe Overview
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 25 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 45 minutes |
| Servings | 6 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Nutrition per serving (approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken pieces (bone-in, skin-on preferred) | 2 lbs | Thighs and drumsticks work best for flavor |
| Long-grain rice | 2 cups | Washed thoroughly |
| Yellow onion | 1 medium | Finely chopped |
| Garlic | 4 cloves | Minced |
| Cilantro | 1 bunch | Roughly chopped |
| Green bell pepper | 1 medium | Diced |
| Peas | 1 cup | Frozen or fresh |
| Carrots | 1 medium | Diced |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups | Low sodium preferred |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tablespoons | For sautéing |
| Aji Amarillo paste | 2 tablespoons | Available at Latin American grocery stores. Can substitute with yellow bell pepper pureed for milder flavor. |
| Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon | |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon | |
| Salt | To taste | |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano. Make sure to coat all sides of the chicken for even flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces until golden brown on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor to the Arroz Con Pollo. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, garlic, and green bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. The aroma should be fragrant and the vegetables slightly translucent.
- Add Aji Amarillo Paste: Stir in the Aji Amarillo paste (or yellow bell pepper puree) and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. This allows the paste to release its flavor and adds a unique Peruvian touch to the dish.
- Blend Cilantro with Broth: In a blender, combine half of the chopped cilantro with 1 cup of chicken broth. Blend until smooth. This cilantro broth is what gives Arroz Con Pollo its signature green color.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the cilantro broth mixture into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Add the remaining chicken broth, rice, carrots, and peas. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Return Chicken to Pot: Nestle the seared chicken pieces into the rice mixture. Ensure that the chicken is partially submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer and Cook: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid too often, as this can release steam and affect the cooking time.
- Rest and Fluff: Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes. This allows the rice to fully absorb any remaining liquid and prevents it from becoming mushy. After resting, fluff the rice with a fork.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the Arroz Con Pollo with the remaining fresh cilantro before serving. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of Peru! This Arroz Con Pollo is a complete meal in itself, but it can be accompanied by a simple salad or plantain chips for a more elaborate feast.
Arroz Con Pollo is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of Peruvian flavors and culinary traditions. Its vibrant color and comforting taste make it a perfect meal for family gatherings, special occasions, or a simple weeknight dinner. This recipe captures the essence of traditional Arroz Con Pollo while simplifying the preparation process, making it accessible to cooks of all levels. Experiment with different vegetables and spices to customize the dish to your liking, but always remember the key ingredients: chicken, rice, cilantro, and Aji Amarillo (or a suitable substitute). Enjoy this taste of Peru!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of Salsa Criolla (Peruvian onion salsa).
- Accompany with fried plantains (platanos maduros).
- Add a dollop of Peruvian aji sauce for extra spice.
- Enjoy with a refreshing Inca Kola or chicha morada.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to make your Arroz Con Pollo even more amazing:
- Use Bone-In Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces provide the most flavor to the dish. Consider using chicken thighs and drumsticks for the best results.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the pot. Be cautious, as a little goes a long way.
- Vegetarian Option: To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with mushrooms or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as corn, lima beans, or zucchini to the dish.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro is essential for the authentic flavor of Arroz Con Pollo. Don’t skimp on the herbs!
- Make it Ahead: Arroz Con Pollo can be made ahead of time and reheated. The flavors actually meld together even more when it sits overnight.
- Proper Rice Washing: Washing the rice removes excess starch, preventing the Arroz Con Pollo from becoming sticky or mushy.
- Adjust Liquid Ratio: The amount of liquid may need to be adjusted depending on the type of rice you use. Start with the recommended amount and add more if necessary.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooking the rice will result in a mushy dish. Keep an eye on the rice and remove it from the heat as soon as it’s cooked through.
This Arroz Con Pollo recipe is a celebration of Peruvian cuisine, blending simplicity with bold flavors. The combination of tender chicken, fragrant rice, and vibrant cilantro creates a dish that is both comforting and exciting. The Aji Amarillo paste adds a unique touch, providing a mild heat and a distinctive Peruvian flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to enjoy a taste of Peru right in your own kitchen. Arroz Con Pollo is a testament to the power of simple ingredients and careful preparation, resulting in a dish that is both satisfying and memorable. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations and make it your own, but always stay true to the core flavors of this beloved Peruvian classic. Remember to season generously, sauté the aromatics until fragrant, and simmer the rice until perfectly cooked. With a little practice, you’ll be making Arroz Con Pollo like a pro in no time!
Enjoy this Flavorful Peruvian Arroz Con Pollo. Bon appétit!
