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Arroz Con Pollo (Cheesy Chicken and Rice)


  • Author: Sophia
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Rice

  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric (optional, for color)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cheese Topping

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

  1. Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice Base

  1. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, diced bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
  2. Toast the Rice: Add the rice to the skillet and stir for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to toast lightly.
  3. Add Liquids and Seasoning: Stir in the chicken broth, turmeric, oregano, diced tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.

Step 3: Combine and Simmer

  1. Return the Chicken: Place the cooked chicken pieces back into the skillet, nestling them into the rice mixture.
  2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Cheese

  1. Add Peas: Stir in the frozen peas and let them heat through for 2-3 minutes.
  2. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken and rice. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Garnish: Optional garnishes include chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream.
  2. Plate: Serve the cheesy arroz con pollo warm with a side of tortillas or a simple green salad.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 generous portion
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 34g