Arroz con pollo chicken and rice –Today, I’m excited to share a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion: Spanish Arroz con Pollo, or Chicken with Rice. This classic recipe is not only flavorful but also simple to prepare. Let’s dive into the details and create a meal that your family will love!
Spanish Arroz con Pollo
This traditional Spanish dish combines succulent chicken with flavorful rice, all cooked together in a savory broth. It’s a one-pot wonder that brings happiness to the dinner table.

Ingredients
To prepare this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 cups of parboiled rice
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) of diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of saffron threads (optional)
- 1 cup of frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Spanish Arroz con Pollo:
- In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent and the peppers soften, about 5 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), smoked paprika, and saffron (if using) to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the rice, stir to distribute it evenly, and season with salt and pepper. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- In the last 5 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the frozen peas over the rice without stirring them in. This will give the dish pops of color.
- Once cooked, fluff the rice gently with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoy your delightful Spanish Arroz con Pollo with family and friends. It’s truly a dish that brings everyone together!