Locrio de Pollo con Vegetales
A flavorful one-pot rice dish where chicken is cooked with rice, vegetables, and aromatic seasonings, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Chicken pieces(bone-in, skin-on, cut into serving pieces)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(any color, chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 packet Sazón seasoning with achiote
- 1 tsp Adobo seasoning
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1 whole Bay leaf
- 2 cups Long-grain white rice
- 3 cups Chicken broth
- 0.5 cup Green peas(frozen or fresh)
- 0.25 cup Pimento-stuffed olives(sliced)
- 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
- to taste Salt and black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and adobo seasoning.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken pieces until golden brown on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
⏱️ 8-10 minutes - 3
Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 1 minute - 5
Add the Sazón packet, oregano, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
💡 Tip: Sazón with achiote provides color and flavor. - 6
Return the seared chicken to the pot. Add the rice and stir to coat with the seasonings.
- 7
Pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
⏱️ 20 minutes💡 Tip: Do not lift the lid during this time. - 8
Stir in the green peas and sliced olives. Cover and continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes💡 Tip: The rice should be tender and fluffy. - 9
Remove bay leaf. Fluff rice with a fork. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
💡 Tip: Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. - 10
Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in adobo and garlic for at least 30 minutes before searing.
- ✓You can add other vegetables like carrots or corn kernels along with the peas.
- ✓Ensure you use enough liquid for the rice to cook properly; adjust broth if necessary.
🔄 Variations
- Add a splash of white wine when sautéing the aromatics for added depth.
- Use different types of meat like pork or a combination of meats.
- For a spicier version, add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes.