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Mama’s Puerto Rican Chicken and Rice (Arroz con Pollo) Recipe

Mama's Puerto Rican Chicken and Rice (Arroz con Pollo) Recipe

4.9 from 29 reviews

Mama’s Puerto Rican Chicken and Rice, also known as Arroz con Pollo, is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines seasoned chicken with fragrant rice, vegetables, and spices. This traditional recipe is a beloved staple in Puerto Rican cuisine, perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

For the Adobo Seasoning:

  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ¾ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon coriander
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Sofrito & Rice:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup finely diced green pepper
  • ¼ cup finely diced white onion
  • ¼ cup finely diced cilantro
  • Optional: 1 jalapeño, diced
  • ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 ¼ cups water
  • 1 cup basmati white rice
  • ⅔ cup frozen peas
  • Optional: ½ cup pitted green olives

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine chicken thighs, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and all the adobo seasoning ingredients. Toss the chicken to coat evenly. Marinate for 30 minutes.
  2. Brown the Chicken: Heat remaining olive oil in a skillet, brown the marinated chicken, and set aside.
  3. Make the Sofrito: Sauté garlic, green pepper, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño. Add spices and cook briefly.
  4. Add Liquids and Rice: Stir in tomato sauce and water, then add rice, peas, and olives. Place browned chicken on top.
  5. Cook the Arroz con Pollo: Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender.
  6. Serve: Garnish with cilantro and lime juice before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Puerto Rican, Chicken and Rice, Arroz con Pollo, Sofrito, Traditional, Flavorful