RecipesPanamaArroz con Pollo Panameño

Arroz con Pollo Panameño

A flavorful one-pot rice dish cooked with chicken, vegetables, and a blend of aromatic spices, representing a staple in Panamanian cuisine.

Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time70 minutes
Servings6
DifficultyMedium
Arroz con Pollo Panameño - Panama traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 1.5 kg Chicken pieces(bone-in, skin-on thighs and drumsticks)
  • 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
  • 1 large Yellow onion(chopped)
  • 2 medium Bell peppers(any color, chopped)
  • 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
  • 2 tbsp Tomato paste
  • 2 packets Sazón seasoning with achiote
  • 1 tsp Ground cumin
  • 1 tsp Dried oregano
  • 4 cups Chicken broth
  • 2 cups Long-grain white rice(rinsed)
  • 1 cup Frozen peas
  • 0.5 cup Pimiento-stuffed green olives(sliced)
  • 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
  • to taste Salt and black pepper

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Season chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.

    💡 Tip: Ensure even seasoning for best flavor.
  2. 2

    Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown chicken pieces on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Remove chicken and set aside.

  3. 3

    Add chopped onion and bell peppers to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

    💡 Tip: Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  4. 4

    Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

  5. 5

    Add tomato paste, Sazón seasoning, cumin, and oregano. Cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

  6. 6

    Return chicken to the pot. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.

    💡 Tip: Ensure chicken is mostly submerged in the liquid.
  7. 7

    Stir in the rinsed rice and sliced olives. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

    💡 Tip: Taste the broth and adjust seasoning before adding rice.
  8. 8

    Bring the mixture back to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

    💡 Tip: Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to trap steam.
  9. 9

    Stir in frozen peas and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes to allow peas to heat through.

  10. 10

    Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

    💡 Tip: Serve hot.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Using Sazón with achiote gives the dish its characteristic yellow-orange color.
  • Don't overcook the rice; it should be tender but not mushy.
  • Adjust the amount of liquid if your rice cooks faster or slower.

🔄 Variations

  • Add diced carrots or corn along with the peas.
  • For a spicier version, add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
  • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for quicker cooking.

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