Best Easy Arroz con Pollo Recipe

Chicken and rice cooked together in a savory tomato broth with vegetables and spices. This high protein, chicken one-pot family meal is healthy, satisfying, and easy to prepare.

Cook 60 min Difficulty NORMAL 410 kcal
#high protein #diabetic friendly #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • bone-in, skinless chicken thighs 2 lbs
  • long grain white rice 2 cups
  • yellow onion 1 medium
  • red bell pepper 1 large
  • frozen peas 1 cup
  • garlic cloves 3 cloves
  • chicken broth 3 cups
  • Roma tomato 2 medium
Seasonings/Sauce
  • olive oil 3 tbsp
  • ground cumin 1 tsp
  • smoked paprika 1 tsp
  • dried oregano 1 tsp
  • kosher salt 1.5 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 44 g 43%
Protein 26 g 25%
Fat 13 g 32%
Serving size 330g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season evenly with 1 tsp of kosher salt and pepper.

  2. 2

    Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down until browned, about 3 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.

  3. 3

    Lower heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, diced onion, red bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic; cook 1 minute until fragrant.

  4. 4

    Stir in rice, cumin, paprika, and oregano; cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the rice, stirring continuously for even toasting.

  5. 5

    Add chopped tomatoes and chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Return chicken on top (skin-side up), bring to a simmer, cover, then reduce heat to low and cook for 25 minutes without lifting the lid.

  6. 6

    After 25 minutes, check rice doneness. Scatter frozen peas over rice, re-cover, and steam on lowest heat for an additional 5 minutes until rice is tender and peas are bright green.

  7. 7

    Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Fluff rice gently with a fork and serve hot.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The core ingredient in Arroz con Pollo is bone-in, skinless chicken thighs. Combined with long grain rice, they provide the defining flavor and texture of this one-pot dish. The chicken releases savory juices into the rice as it cooks, making the broth rich and aromatic.
Q. Which seasoning gives Arroz con Pollo its signature taste?
Smoked paprika and cumin are the standout seasonings here. They add depth and warmth, while oregano lends earthiness. Together with olive oil and garlic, they infuse the rice and chicken with classic Spanish-inspired flavor.
Q. What’s the best way to ensure tender chicken and fluffy rice?
Start by searing the chicken to develop flavor, then cook everything covered over low heat. Timing is important: do not lift the lid during the main cook, as steam is needed to cook the rice evenly. Resting the dish for 5 minutes off heat before serving makes the chicken tender and rice perfectly separated.
Q. How many calories and protein does each serving have?
Each serving (330g) contains about 410 kcal and 26g of protein. This means Arroz con Pollo is a high-protein dish, with protein contributing roughly 25% of its total calories.
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