Irresistible Arroz Con Pollo: Cheesy Chicken And Rice Recipe

Weeknight dinners find their perfect match in this savory arroz con pollo that melts hearts faster than cheese bubbles.

Comfort practically oozes from every single bite of this classic Latin dish.

Generations have perfected these flavor combinations across kitchens in Cuba and Puerto Rico.

Rich golden-brown chicken nestles into fluffy rice, creating a harmonious blend of textures and spices.

Fragrant herbs and warm seasonings dance through each forkful, promising a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Crispy chicken skin and creamy rice create a magical combination you won’t be able to resist.

Let’s uncover the secrets to making this irresistible one-pot wonder that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Everything in Arroz Con Pollo

Main Ingredients:

• Rice: White rice perfect for a hearty meal.
• Chicken: Boneless chicken strips for easy cooking.

• Sazon: Traditional Latin seasoning blend.
• Bouillon: Flavor-enhancing chicken granules.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasoning duo.

• Tomato Sauce: Rich and tangy base.
• Water: Essential for rice cooking.
• Butter, Cooking Oil: For sautéing and preventing sticking.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth and creamy base.
• Shredded Cheese: Melty and rich topping.
• Milk: Helps create smooth sauce consistency.

• Onion, Garlic: Flavor-building base ingredients.

Directions for Making Arroz Con Pollo

Step 1: Prepare the Aromatic Rice

Toast rice in oil over medium-high heat, stirring continuously for 3-4 minutes.

Add onion and garlic, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Incorporate Sazon, bouillon, tomato sauce, and water.

Bring to a boil, cover with lid, reduce heat to low simmer, and cook for 15 minutes without stirring.

Remove from heat and let sit for another 15 minutes.

Gently stir to reveal perfectly cooked rice.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Slice chicken into thin strips.

Heat butter and oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Add chicken and sprinkle with spices.

Cook and stir constantly until chicken is thoroughly cooked, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Sauce

Combine all cheese sauce ingredients in a saucepan.

Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until cheese melts completely.

Allow sauce to rest for a few minutes to thicken.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Layer rice on a plate, top with cooked chicken, and drizzle generous amounts of cheese sauce.

Optional: Warm tortillas for wrapping the delicious mixture.

Enjoy your mouthwatering Arroz Con Pollo!

Smart Moves for Arroz Con Pollo Success

• Toast rice in oil before adding liquid to enhance its nutty, rich taste and prevent clumping.
• Use very low heat when simmering rice to avoid burning and ensure perfect texture without stirring.
• Cut chicken into thin, uniform strips for faster, more even cooking and better texture in each bite.
• Stir cheese sauce constantly over medium heat to prevent burning and achieve a silky, creamy consistency.
• Warm tortillas for a fun wrap option or serve as an open-faced dish, allowing personal preference in presentation.

Storing and Reheating Arroz Con Pollo

• Store leftover arroz con pollo in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe containers, where it can stay good for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water to prevent drying, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Stir gently and cook until heated completely, which takes about 5-7 minutes.

Good Pairings for Arroz Con Pollo

• Savor Spicy Margarita Pairing: Craft a zesty margarita with jalapeño-infused tequila to complement the dish's rich, spicy flavors and cut through the creamy cheese sauce.
• Enhance Citrus Salad Side: Prepare a bright, tangy citrus salad with orange segments, lime juice, and fresh cilantro to balance the hearty chicken and rice, adding refreshing contrast.
• Match Bold Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Spanish Tempranillo or Rioja wine that stands up to the robust chicken and cheese sauce, highlighting the recipe's Latin American roots.
• Create Crisp Slaw Accompaniment: Whip up a crunchy cabbage slaw with green onions and a light vinaigrette to provide a cool, crisp texture that offsets the dish's creamy elements.

Fun Spins on Arroz Con Pollo

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Edition: Replace traditional rice with grated cauliflower for a lighter, low-carb alternative that maintains the classic flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cheese Sauce: Swap regular cheese sauce with a coconut milk and nutritional yeast blend, creating a creamy dairy-free version perfect for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, marinated in the same spices for a meat-free protein option.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all spices and sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free, and use gluten-free Sazon seasoning to make the entire dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the rice from burning while cooking?

Keep the heat on the lowest possible setting and avoid stirring during the cooking process. Covering the skillet with a tight-fitting lid helps distribute heat evenly and prevents burning.

• Can I use a different type of cheese for the sauce?

Yes, you can substitute the recommended cheese with similar melting cheeses like monterey jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella. Choose cheeses that melt smoothly for the best sauce consistency.

• What makes the rice so flavorful in this recipe?

The rice gets its rich flavor from toasting it in oil before adding liquid, which enhances the nutty taste. Additionally, the sazon, bouillon, and tomato sauce contribute depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.

• Is it necessary to slice the chicken very thin?

Thinly slicing the chicken helps it cook quickly and evenly, ensuring each piece is tender and well-seasoned. Thin strips also absorb the spices more effectively and create a more uniform texture throughout the dish.

Reasons to Love Arroz Con Pollo

• Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up this delicious Arroz Con Pollo in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy home cooks who want a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor-Packed Delight: Combine toasted rice, perfectly seasoned chicken, and a creamy cheese sauce that brings exciting layers of taste to every single bite.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Enjoy as a standalone dish or stuff into warm tortillas, making it an ideal option for family dinners, casual gatherings, or a satisfying weeknight meal that everyone will love.
• Minimal Cooking Skills Required: Even novice cooks can master this recipe with straightforward instructions and basic cooking techniques that guarantee delicious results every single time.

Arroz Con Pollo (Cheesy Chicken And Rice) Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Delightful arroz con pollo blends tender chicken and creamy rice in a Latin American culinary embrace. Savory spices and melted cheese create a comforting dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 chicken (whole or parts)

Grains and Spices:

• 2 cups long grain white rice (basmati rice)
• 1 packet sazon seasoning
• 1 tablespoon chicken flavored bouillon

Liquid and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons cooking oil (avocado oil)
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 4.5 garlic cloves, minced
• 16 ounces (454 grams) tomato sauce
• 4 cups (946 milliliters) water

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Instructions

1. Prepare the kitchen workspace by gathering all necessary utensils and ingredients for a smooth cooking process.
2. Select a large skillet and heat oil over medium-high temperature, creating a golden base for the rice.
3. Carefully toast rice grains, stirring constantly to achieve a light golden color and enhance the nutty flavor, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, releasing their aromatic essence.
5. Sprinkle Sazon seasoning and crumble bouillon, then pour in tomato sauce and water, creating a vibrant liquid base.
6. Bring the mixture to a robust boil, then immediately reduce heat to the lowest setting, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and allow rice to simmer undisturbed for 15 minutes.
7. Remove skillet from heat, letting the rice rest without stirring for an additional 15 minutes to ensure perfect texture and even moisture distribution.
8. Gently fluff rice with a fork, revealing light and fluffy grains.
9. Trim chicken into uniform, thin strips to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
10. Heat a combination of butter and oil in a separate skillet, creating a perfect searing environment.
11. Add chicken strips and season generously with selected spices, continuously stirring to prevent burning.
12. Cook chicken thoroughly, ensuring no pink remains, which typically takes 4-5 minutes of active cooking.
13. Simultaneously prepare the cheese sauce in a separate saucepan, combining all designated ingredients.
14. Maintain medium heat, stirring consistently until cheese melts completely into a smooth, creamy consistency.
15. Allow cheese sauce to rest briefly, enabling it to thicken naturally.
16. Plate the dish by creating a foundation of fluffy rice, topping with seasoned chicken strips.
17. Drizzle generous amounts of warm cheese sauce over the chicken and rice.
18. Optional: Warm tortillas to accompany the dish, creating a delightful wrap or side element.

Notes

• Toast rice carefully to develop a rich, golden color and prevent burning during the cooking process.
• Use low heat when simmering rice to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking or scorching at the bottom of the skillet.
• Let rice rest after cooking allows steam to distribute evenly, creating perfectly fluffy and separated grains.
• Slice chicken into uniform thin strips to guarantee quick and consistent cooking throughout the meat.
• Keep stirring chicken while cooking to prevent uneven heating and ensure each piece is thoroughly seasoned and cooked.
• Constantly stir cheese sauce to prevent burning and achieve smooth, creamy consistency without lumps.
• Warm tortillas briefly to enhance their flexibility and improve overall eating experience when wrapping the dish.
• Consider using low-fat cheese or dairy-free alternatives for a lighter version of the cheese sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Spanish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg