RecipesNicaraguaArroz con Pollo y Vegetales

Arroz con Pollo y Vegetales

A hearty and flavorful one-pot Nicaraguan rice dish cooked with tender chicken pieces and a colorful medley of fresh vegetables.

Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Servings6
DifficultyEasy
Arroz con Pollo y Vegetales - Nicaragua traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 8 pieces Chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks)(about 2 lbs)
  • 2 cups Long-grain white rice
  • 1 large Yellow onion(chopped)
  • 3 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
  • 1 medium Green bell pepper(chopped)
  • 1 medium Red bell pepper(chopped)
  • 1 medium Carrot(diced)
  • 1 medium Potato(diced)
  • 1 cup Corn kernels(fresh or frozen)
  • 0.5 cup Green peas(fresh or frozen)
  • 0.5 cup Tomato sauce
  • 4 cups Chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
  • 1.5 tsp Salt
  • 0.5 tsp Black pepper
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 100 g Optional: Smoked sausage(sliced)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.

    💡 Tip: Browning the chicken adds depth of flavor to the dish.
  2. 2

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

    ⏱️ 7 minutes
  3. 3

    Stir in the diced carrot, diced potato, and corn kernels. Cook for another 3-4 minutes.

    ⏱️ 4 minutes
  4. 4

    Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir to coat it with the vegetables and oil. Toast the rice for about 1-2 minutes until slightly fragrant.

    ⏱️ 2 minutes
  5. 5

    Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce. Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

    💡 Tip: Using good quality chicken broth will enhance the flavor.
  6. 6

    Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. If using, add the sliced smoked sausage. Bring the mixture to a boil.

    💡 Tip: Ensure all ingredients are well distributed in the pot.
  7. 7

    Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Stir in the green peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

    ⏱️ 25 minutes
    💡 Tip: Avoid lifting the lid too often, as this releases steam and can affect cooking time.
  8. 8

    Once cooked, let the arroz con pollo rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes before fluffing with a fork and serving.

    ⏱️ 10 minutes

💡 Pro Tips

  • You can adjust the types and quantities of vegetables based on preference.
  • For a richer flavor, you can use a combination of chicken broth and water.
  • Ensure the rice is rinsed before adding to remove excess starch, which can make the dish gummy.

🔄 Variations

  • Add a pinch of saffron for a beautiful golden color and subtle flavor.
  • Incorporate other spices like cumin or paprika for a different flavor profile.
  • Use different types of rice, such as basmati or jasmine, adjusting cooking time as needed.

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