Arroz con Pollo & Green Sauce (Printer-Friendly Version)
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Chicken & Rice
01 -
2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks)
02 -
1 teaspoon salt
03 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
04 -
1 teaspoon ground cumin
05 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
07 -
1 small onion, diced
08 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
09 -
1 red bell pepper, diced
10 -
1 cup cilantro leaves, blended with 1/2 cup chicken broth
11 -
1 teaspoon ground turmeric (for color)
12 -
1 1/2 cups long-grain rice
13 -
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
14 -
1/2 cup frozen peas
15 -
1/2 cup chopped carrots
→ For the Green Sauce (Aji Verde)
16 -
1 cup fresh cilantro
17 -
2 jalapeños (seeds removed for less spice)
18 -
2 cloves garlic
19 -
1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
20 -
1/4 cup olive oil
21 -
2 tablespoons lime juice
22 -
1/4 teaspoon salt
23 -
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
# Let's Cook!:
01 -
Pat chicken dry, then season with salt, pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside
02 -
In the same pan, add diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the blended cilantro-broth mixture and turmeric
03 -
Add rice, stirring to coat with the flavorful mixture. Pour in remaining chicken broth, then nestle seared chicken back into pot. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked
04 -
Stir in frozen peas and chopped carrots, then cover and let the dish sit for 5 minutes to allow vegetables to soften without overcooking
05 -
Blend all ingredients for the Aji Verde sauce until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste
06 -
Serve the chicken and rice with the green sauce on the side or drizzled on top
# Cook's Notes:
01 -
For extra heat, add a fresh serrano or aji amarillo to the green sauce
02 -
Substitute bone-in chicken with boneless thighs for a quicker version
03 -
Leftover sauce works great as a dip for fries, grilled meats, or tacos