Arroz con Pollo Venezolano
A classic one-pot Venezuelan dish featuring tender chicken simmered with rice, vegetables, and a hint of beer for depth of flavor. Perfect for a comforting family meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 large Onion
- 2 medium Bell peppers
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 cups Rice
- 1 can (355 ml) Beer
- 3 cups Chicken broth
- 1 cup Frozen peas
- 0.5 cup Fresh cilantro
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat (around 200°C / 400°F). Sear the chicken pieces in batches until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Do not overcrowd the pot. Remove the browned chicken to a plate and set aside.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 2
Reduce the heat to medium (around 180°C / 350°F). Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the pot. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and ground cumin, and cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
⏱️ 11 minutes - 3
Stir in the rinsed rice, coating it with the vegetables and spices. Pour in the beer and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Let the beer bubble and reduce slightly for about 2 minutes. Return the seared chicken pieces to the pot, nestling them amongst the rice and vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Bring the liquid to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low (around 150°C / 300°F), cover the pot tightly, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Avoid lifting the lid during this time. Stir in the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Once the rice is cooked, remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes before serving.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 5
Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, if desired, before serving.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using bone-in, skin-on chicken adds more flavor and moisture to the dish.
- ✓Rinsing the rice is crucial to remove excess starch, preventing the final dish from becoming gummy.
- ✓The beer adds a subtle malty flavor and helps tenderize the chicken. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute with more chicken broth.
- ✓This is a true one-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze.
- ✓Arroz con Pollo is a beloved dish often served for Sunday lunches and special family gatherings.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a richer flavor, use a dark beer instead of a lager.
- Add other vegetables like corn, carrots, or green beans along with the peas.
- Stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste with the garlic and cumin for a touch of acidity and color.