RecipesParaguayPastel de Pollo y Arroz

Pastel de Pollo y Arroz

A savory pie or casserole featuring tender chicken and rice baked in a flavorful sauce, often with vegetables. It's a comforting and complete meal.

Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Servings6
DifficultyMedium
Pastel de Pollo y Arroz - Paraguay traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 500 g Chicken breast(cut into small cubes)
  • 3 cups Cooked rice
  • 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
  • 1 medium Bell pepper (any color)(chopped)
  • 2 minced Garlic cloves
  • 2 cups Chicken broth
  • 0.5 cup Milk
  • 2 large Eggs
  • 1 cup Grated cheese (e.g., mozzarella or Paraguayan cheese)
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
  • 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
  • 1 tsp Curry powder or turmeric(optional, for color and flavor)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish.

  2. 2

    In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add the cubed chicken breast, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and curry powder (if using). Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through.

  4. 4

    Stir in the cooked rice and mix well to combine with the chicken and vegetables.

  5. 5

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, milk, and eggs. Pour this mixture over the chicken and rice mixture in the skillet and stir gently.

  6. 6

    Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top.

  7. 7

    Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.

  8. 8

    Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

💡 Pro Tips

  • You can use leftover cooked chicken and rice for this recipe.
  • Add other vegetables like peas or corn for extra flavor and texture.
  • If you don't have Paraguayan cheese, mozzarella or a mild white cheese works well.

🔄 Variations

  • Add a layer of béchamel sauce for a creamier pie.
  • For a crust, you can line the baking dish with a simple pastry dough before adding the filling.

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