Arroz Con Pollo

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This has been a staple recipe in our house for almost 15 years now. It's really kid friendly as you can melt the veg into the rice and chicken (and omit the peas if needed). It makes enough to easily feed a family of 5 with plenty of leftovers.

The sauce should be drizzled on top and is healthy-ish by mixing half fat free greek yogurt with mayonnaise.

You can also socarrat the rice at the end by turning the heat up and gently crisping the bottom which will give it Paella vibes.

Ingredients

• 1 Chorizo link, cubed
• 3 cups of medium grain rice (rinsed)
• 6 cups of water, seasoned with 2 tablespoons of Better than Bouillon, 1 Sazon packet,1 bay leaf, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, Adobo seasoning and 1 tsp of sea salt
• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers
• 1 onion, diced
• Bunch of parsely, chopped (some stem ok)
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 1 can of pigeon peas, drained
• 1 lb of chicken thighs or breasts, marinated with lemon juice, olive oil, salt pepper, garlic powder, paprika
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• Sauce: equal parts: fat free Greek yogurt, mayonnaise: +lemon juice, Cholula hot sauce Lemon wedges

Preparation

In a small pot, simmer 6 cups of water, chicken bouillon, 1 packet of Sazon seasoning, bay leaf, paprika, cumin, Adobo, sea salt and garlic powder. When the chicken bouillon has dissolved, taste for saltiness. Add extra salt to ensure the broth is flavored well which will be absorbed by the rice. I tend to go the limit of saltiness knowing the rice will mellow it out.

Saute chorizo in a dutch oven with 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil. When browned, removed and set aside.

Pat chicken dry and saute in same pot. Add more olive oil if need. Brown both sides, but it does not need to cook 100% through at this point. Set aside with chorizo.

Saute garlic for 30 seconds. Do not let burn. Add onions, red pepper and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Saute until onion is softened.

Add tomato paste and mix with veg mixture. While that is cooking, cube chicken.

Add rinsed rice and coat with the veg/tomato paste mixture. The rice will turn slightly red now. Allow the rice to toast slightly.

Add broth (remove bay leaf), chicken, chorizo and pigeon peas to dutch oven. Lightly mix together to incorporate flavors.

Bring to near boil. Cover pot and reduce heat to LOW simmer for 25 minutes. Do not open lid to check. Do not stir.

Check rice for doneness or cook longer if needed. If rice is not cooked and there is no liquid, add about 1/4 cup of water and continue to cook. Let sit in covered pot for 10 minutes before serving.

Serve with lemon wedges, mayo sauce, chopped parsley and hot sauce.

If you made this recipe, please let us know!

Next Recipe: Chicken Biryani

Date Added: 11/20/2022