Arroz con Pollo Salvadoreño
A comforting and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken pieces cooked with rice, vegetables, and a savory achiote-infused broth, giving it a beautiful golden hue and a distinct, mild flavor.
🧂 Ingredients
- 750 g Chicken thighs or drumsticks(bone-in, skin-on)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 medium Yellow onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 medium Red bell pepper(chopped)
- 100 g Green beans(trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 tsp Achiote powder or paste
- 3 cups Chicken broth
- 2 cups Long-grain white rice(rinsed)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
- 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces on all sides until golden brown. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
- 3
Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until fragrant and tender.
- 4
Stir in the achiote powder or paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the rinsed rice and stir to coat it with the achiote mixture and vegetables.
- 5
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Return the seared chicken pieces to the pot. Add the green beans, salt, and pepper.
- 6
Once boiling, 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. Avoid lifting the lid during this time.
- 7
Once the rice is cooked, let it rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Rinsing the rice helps remove excess starch, preventing mushy rice.
- ✓For a deeper flavor, you can marinate the chicken in achiote and spices for at least 30 minutes before searing.
- ✓Ensure the pot is tightly covered to trap steam for cooking the rice.
- ✓If the rice is not fully cooked after 25 minutes, add a little more broth and continue to cook.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add peas or corn kernels along with the green beans for extra color and sweetness.
- For a spicier version, add a chopped jalapeño pepper with the onions and bell peppers.
- Use chicken breast instead of thighs, but reduce cooking time to avoid drying out.