Sign Up for the Recipe Publishing Newsletter
Arroz con Pollo Recipe
There are a wide variety of different cuisines which feature some variation on the idea of chicken and rice cooked together as a sort of casserole. It is a kind of comfort food which seems to transcend all boundaries and cultures; and everyone has their favorite, usually regional, variation.
Mexico is definitely no exception and Mexican-style chicken and rice (or arroz con pollo in Spanish) is an incredibly popular dish in Mexico as well as one which is becoming more so in the US. It is a far cry from the familiar mushroom-soup laden version so often seen in American kitchens, but one which makes a wonderful change of pace.
Try this south of the border spin on chicken and rice and you will be amazed at just how exciting that this classic comfort food can be.
Mexican Style Chicken with Rice
Ingredients -
8 chicken thighs, skin removed and trimmed of fat
1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
1 white onion (8 oz.), peeled and chopped
3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
2 fresh jalapenos, thinly sliced
2 cups chicken broth
1 14 ounce can stewed tomatoes
1 ¾ cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Preparation:
Heat oil in a skillet or frying pan and brown the chicken on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and place on a plate. Sauté the onion, garlic and jalapenos until tender, stirring regularly to prevent burning. Reduce heat to medium and add the rice, continuing to stir until the rice changes color, about 2-3 minutes. Add the cumin, oregano, broth, tomatoes and corn and bring to a boil.
Place the chicken on top of the rice mixture and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook, covered, until rice is tender and the chicken is thoroughly cooked (cut into a piece to test); this should take about half an hour. Remove from heat and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
(Serves 8)
Chicken and rice is a great comfort food, whether it is the US or Mexican version of the dish. As it happens, it translates perfectly well into just about any language - so whether you like to call it chicken and rice or arroz con pollo, this is a recipe which you should definitely give a shot. No matter how much you love the traditional American version, this arroz con pollo recipe is one which you will also want to cook - and eat on a regular basis as soon as you give it a try for the first time.
