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Arroz Con Pollo Recipe Colombian

Arroz Con Pollo Recipe Colombian

This Arroz Con Pollo Recipe Colombian is a classic Colombian dish made with tender chicken, fluffy golden rice, vegetables, and a rich tomato-based sofrito. It is colorful, comforting, and full of traditional Latin flavor. Perfect for family dinners, celebrations, or weekly meal prepping.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Colombian, Colombian Arroz Con Pollo, Colombian Chicken and Rice, Traditional Colombian Rice Dish
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs or drumsticks
  • 2 cups long-grain white rice
  • 2 tbsp achiote oil or regular oil + 1 tsp achiote powder
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tomatoes chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 cup carrots diced
  • 1 cup peas
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Optional: 1 chicken bouillon cube for deeper flavor

Equipment

  • Large heavy pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Stove
  • Optional: Rice paddle for fluffing

Method
 

  1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and cumin.
  2. Heat achiote oil in a large pot and brown the chicken on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, tomatoes, and bell pepper to create a rich Colombian sofrito.
  4. Add the rice and stir to coat it fully in the sofrito.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth, carrots, peas, and return the chicken to the pot.
  6. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low heat for 25–30 minutes.
  7. Once the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, turn off the heat and rest for 10 minutes.
  8. Fluff gently, garnish with cilantro, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Rice too wet? Simmer uncovered for 3–5 minutes.
  • Rice too dry? Add ¼ cup warm broth and cover for 5 minutes.
  • Substitutions:
    • Turmeric or Sazón Goya can replace achiote.
    • Chicken breasts may be used but tend to be drier.
  • This dish freezes well for up to 2 months and reheats best with a splash of broth.
  • For deeper flavor, add 1–2 tbsp of homemade Colombian hogao to the sofrito.
  • Arroz Con Pollo Recipe Colombian