Get ready to transport your taste buds to the sunny Caribbean with this irresistible Arroz con Pollo recipe that promises to be the most flavorful and easiest meal you'll ever cook! Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned chicken nestled in creamy, coconut-infused rice that's bursting with aromatic spices – this isn't just a dish, it's a culinary escape that will make your kitchen feel like a tropical paradise.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Caribbean
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups rice
- 1 lb chicken thighs
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can coconut milk
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by patting the thighs dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika on both sides.
- Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Brown the chicken thighs for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add rice to the skillet and toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and allow rice to absorb the flavors.
- Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth, stirring to combine and scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the rice mixture. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes.
- Check rice for doneness, ensuring liquid is absorbed and chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust that locks in maximum flavor.
- Toast the rice briefly before adding liquids to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent mushiness.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven for even heat distribution and prevent burning.
- Don't rush the cooking process – low and slow is the key to tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice.
- Let the dish rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld and the rice to absorb any remaining moisture.
- For extra authenticity, use bone-in chicken thighs which provide more flavor than boneless varieties.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions to add a burst of freshness and color to your final dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 95mg
