Flavors of Puerto Rico: Simplified Arroz Con Pollo
This simplified recipe for Puerto Rican Arroz Con Pollo brings rich flavors and comforting textures to your table with minimal effort. Inspired by Bobby Flay's cherished version, this dish combines succulent chicken thighs with aromatic sofrito, vibrant peppers, and perfectly cooked rice, all simmered together in a savory chicken stock. Ideal for a family meal or a gathering with friends, this one-pot wonder is sure to impress without overwhelming your kitchen workload. Enjoy a touch of tropical flair with every bite!
6
Servings
400
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Red Bell Pepper
1 (diced)
Green Bell Pepper
1 (diced)
Cilantro
1 bunch (coarsely chopped)
Onion
1/2 medium (diced)
Chicken Stock
4 cups (warm)
Chicken Thighs
6 (skin-on, bone-in)
Adobo Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon (season to taste)
Oregano
2 tablespoons (dried)
White Rice
2 cups (rinsed)
Smoked Sausage (optional)
1 lb (sliced)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky during cooking.
2
Dice the red and green bell peppers, as well as the onion, into small 1/8" pieces, or larger if preferred. Coarsely chop the cilantro and set everything aside.
3
In a mixing bowl, season the chicken thighs generously with adobo seasoning and dried oregano. Ensure every piece is well-coated.
4
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat a touch of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down, browning them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they have a golden-brown color. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
5
In the same pot, add the diced peppers, onion, and chopped cilantro to create a sofrito. Add a pinch of adobo seasoning, and sauté the mixture for about 5 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
6
Stir in the rinsed rice, ensuring it's well-coated with the sofrito mixture for flavor absorption.
7
Pour the warmed chicken stock into the pot, followed by the browned chicken thighs. If you're opting for smoked sausage, add it at this stage as well.
8
Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook undisturbed for 40 minutes. Remember, do not lift the lid during cooking to maintain moisture.
9
After the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork, mixing in the chicken and flavors evenly, revealing a beautiful Puerto Rican Arroz Con Pollo.
10
Serve hot, and enjoy with your choice of side dishes or toppings, such as avocado or lime wedges.
Nutrition Information
40g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Puerto Rican Arroz Con Pollo?
It is a traditional one-pot dish combining succulent chicken thighs with aromatic sofrito, vibrant peppers, and perfectly cooked rice simmered in chicken stock.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
How many calories are in one serving of this Arroz Con Pollo?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 6 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs for the best flavor and texture.
Why do I need to rinse the white rice?
Rinsing the rice under cold water removes excess starch, which helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky during the cooking process.
How long does the rice need to simmer?
The rice should be covered and simmered undisturbed for exactly 40 minutes.
Can I add other meats to this dish?
Yes, you can optionally add 1 lb of sliced smoked sausage when you add the chicken stock and chicken thighs.
What ingredients make up the sofrito base in this recipe?
The sofrito is created by sauteing diced red and green bell peppers, onion, and chopped cilantro with a pinch of adobo seasoning.
What seasoning is used for the chicken?
The chicken thighs are seasoned generously with adobo seasoning and 2 tablespoons of dried oregano.
Should I lift the lid while the rice is cooking?
No, you must not lift the lid during the 40-minute simmering period to ensure moisture is maintained for perfectly cooked rice.
Who inspired this specific version of Arroz Con Pollo?
This recipe is inspired by Bobby Flay's cherished version of the traditional dish.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 25g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 40g of carbohydrates per serving.
How should the bell peppers be prepared?
The red and green bell peppers should be diced into small 1/8 inch pieces.
How long do you brown the chicken thighs?
Brown the chicken thighs skin-side down for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden-brown.
How much chicken stock is required?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of warm chicken stock.
What kind of rice should I use?
The recipe specifically requires 2 cups of white rice.
When do I add the cilantro?
The cilantro is chopped and added to the pot along with the peppers and onions to create the sofrito.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, it is a simplified, one-pot recipe designed to be impressive without an overwhelming workload.
What should I do after the 40-minute cook time is up?
Carefully remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork to evenly mix the chicken and flavors.
How do I prep the onion?
Use 1/2 of a medium onion and dice it into small pieces.
What temperature should the chicken stock be when added?
The chicken stock should be warmed before being poured into the pot.
What are some recommended toppings for serving?
It is recommended to serve the dish with avocado or lime wedges.
How long do I saute the sofrito mixture?
Saute the vegetables for about 5 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
How do I ensure the rice absorbs the most flavor?
Stir the rinsed rice into the sofrito mixture before adding the liquid to ensure every grain is coated.
Do I need to cook the rice at a high heat?
Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil first, then immediately reduce it to a gentle simmer for the remainder of the time.
How much adobo seasoning is needed for the chicken?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of adobo seasoning, or season to your personal taste.
What size should the cilantro pieces be?
One bunch of cilantro should be coarsely chopped.
Can I use bone-out chicken?
While you can, the recipe specifically calls for bone-in thighs to provide the succulent texture and rich flavor characteristic of this dish.
Is this a traditional Puerto Rican dish?
Yes, it is a simplified version of a classic Puerto Rican staple, Arroz Con Pollo.