Tessa’s Recipe Rundown
Taste: Pretty much just like Grandma’s! Or should I say Abuela’s? If you’ve never tasted arroz con pollo the flavors are actually pretty simple, just take a look at the basic ingredients. They all work well together and don’t worry, it’s not spicy! Unless you want it to be. Texture: Usually my favorite part of arroz con pollo is the crunchy rice stuck to the bottom of the pot but since this recipe is made with brown rice, every bite of rice has a nice little crunch and chew about it. You can’t beat that when combined with shreds of meaty and tender chicken thighs. Ease: Very easy! Just takes time to cook. Pros: Easy, healthy, and delish. Cons: Takes at least an hour. Would I make this again? Absolutely, I grew up eating variations of this dish.This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.
This version of Arroz con Pollo, a simple yet beloved Latin chicken and rice dish, is made healthier with brown rice.
If you don’t know me very well than you’d probably be surprised to learn that despite my very fair complexion and blue eyes, I am half Dominican. My dad is Dominican, spent years of his childhood living there, and speaks Spanish fluently. Unfortunately I don’t speak Spanish, though I came pretty close after taking 4 years of Spanish in high school.
My dad’s mother has lived in the Dominican Republic mostly, but spent some time here in Arizona when I was younger. My grandma doesn’t really cook much and there’s a funny story about a time when the two of us tried to make a cake when I was a kid that turned out to be the most disgusting thing on the face of the planet. Something she does make, however, is a mean Arroz con Pollo. It’s always been one of my dad’s favorite dishes and he would always request she make a batch whenever possible. It’s simple enough to make and the leftovers taste even better. My grandma’s Arroz con Pollo was always very simple, though I’ve never really known the recipe because she doesn’t use one and she moved back to the D.R. by the time I started to become interested in cooking. Recently, though, I got to watch my dad’s childhood friend from the D.R. make Arroz con Pollo and I was inspired to make it myself. This particular recipe from America’s Test Kitchen is a little healthier as it’s made with brown rice but it tastes just as good. Also, I just had to add some saffron in it! If you want to cut the fat in this recipe even more, use skinless (and boneless, if you want) chicken thighs.
*Please note I am not claiming this is the only way or the right way to make Arroz con Pollo. I know every family makes it a little differently! This is how I like it and similar to how I grew up eating it.
Products used in this post:
Arroz con Pollo (Chicken with Rice)
Ingredients
- 8 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 5 to 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon canola oil
- 1 onion, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 cup long-grain brown rice, rinsed (do not substitute white rice)
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Spanish olives (Manzanillo), halved
Instructions
- Adjust an oven rack to the lower third of the oven and preheat to 300°F. In a large bowl combine half the garlic, vinegar, oregano, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add the chicken thighs and stir to coat.
- Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven set over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the rice, red pepper flakes, and the remaining garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the saffron, tomatoes with their juices, and the chicken broth.
- Lay the chicken over the rice. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and transfer to the oven. Cook until the rice is tender and the liquid is almost completely absorbed, 50 to 65 minutes.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate. Cover the pot and let the rice steam for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones. Stir the shredded chicken and olives into the rice. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve.
Just wanted to let you know how much my husband and I loved this dish. I usually peruse the internet for different recipes to try at least once a week and I’m so glad I decided on this one. Followed the recipe almost exactly as is (had 4 large thighs which was still plenty of meat) and it was delicious! Thank you for posting it. It’s a keeper.
Tessa, if I increased the rice to 2 cups how much broth would I add?
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No canola oil we use olive oil in Spain. No brown or long grain, cal rose rice or bomba. Pepper flakes? Nope. Cider vinegar? Use lemon for surge fixity or white wine,
This is a good recipe, just definitely not from Spain.
Cat, I never claimed this to be a recipe traditional from Spain. In fact, I even specifically mention that it was inspired by my Dominican grandma’s variation and that there are many variations by country and even by family.
My husband and i have tried to make arroz con pollo, but the brown rice either doesn’t cook and or burns! Any tips?
I spent 6 weeks in the Dominican Republic this summer and could not seem to get sick of Arroz con pollo when I ate it everyday! Dominican women know how to cook-no question! This looks delicious, can’t wait to try it. 🙂
I’m so jealous! I haven’t been in years. I have a great aunt who lives there and is the best home cook I know!
This sounds good! Reminds me of cajun rice & chicken just with different seasonings, and not out of a box! I’ve added this to my things to make for dinner, Thank you!
I can’t wait to try this, Tessa! Looks so hearty and perfect as we head into fall!
Mmmm…looks and sounds delish! I’ve pinned it and will try it soon! Cooking with saffron threads will be a new experience for me, but I’m always open to new kitchen endeavors. Thanks!
I have never had arroz con pollo, but I no I would love it! The flavors sound so good and it’s chicken and rice. That is a staple meal around here! I would have never of guessed you were half Dominican. If fun to fin out these little things and I am so happy to have been reminded of this recipe. I have to try it!
We also have this in Spain, but your version with brown rice sounds much better! I love it and your pictures are stunning 😉