Description
This Peruvian Chicken and Rice (Arroz con Pollo) is a flavorful, one-pot meal featuring tender chicken thighs, vibrant green rice, and a rich blend of spices and herbs inspired by traditional Peruvian cuisine.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup parsley leaves
- 1 jalapeño, seeded
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (or a pinch of saffron)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them skin-side down until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In a blender, combine onion, garlic, cilantro, parsley, jalapeño, and chicken broth. Blend until smooth.
- In the same pan, pour in the blended green mixture and cook for about 5 minutes, until it reduces slightly.
- Stir in cumin, paprika, and turmeric. Add rice and mix to coat the grains with the green sauce.
- Add peas, carrots, bell pepper, and corn (if using), then return the chicken to the pot, nestling it into the rice.
- Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice helps prevent it from becoming sticky.
- You can substitute boneless thighs or drumsticks if desired.
- Add more jalapeño if you prefer it spicier.
- Serve with lime wedges for a fresh citrus finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
