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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