As the sun sets on a busy weekday, the smell of spices and sizzling chicken fills the air. It reminds me of my childhood in my abuela’s kitchen. The mix of tender chicken and fluffy yellow rice was always there, bringing us together.
Today, I’m excited to share a quick and easy version of this classic dish, Arroz con Pollo. It can be made in under 30 minutes. With a few simple ingredients and a one-pot method, you can enjoy a Spanish-inspired meal, even on the busiest nights.
This chicken and yellow rice recipe is loved by many, with a rating of 3.86 out of 14 votes. It can serve up to 12 people. It’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, impressing with its vibrant color, tender chicken, and fragrant rice.
Table of Contents
Quick and Easy One-Pot Spanish Cuisine
Arroz con pollo, or chicken and yellow rice, is a classic dish from Spain and Latin America. It shows how simple and tasty one-pot meals can be. This recipe mixes tender chicken, fragrant rice, and spices in one skillet. It’s easy to make and clean up, making it great for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
This Spanish dish is not only simple but also packed with flavor. Start by searing the chicken to keep its juices in. Then, sauté the aromatics to create a flavorful base. Add rice, broth, and spices, and simmer until the rice is tender and full of flavor.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | 25 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings |
This arroz con pollo recipe is very versatile. It can be changed to fit different diets, making it a hit for any meal. Whether you’re looking for a cozy, one-pot meal or want to try Spanish flavors, this dish will hit the spot.
“This one-pot Spanish cuisine is not only easy to make, but it also delivers an incredible depth of flavor.”
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Yellow Rice
Making the perfect yellow rice is all about the right ingredients and spices. This dish, a staple in Spanish cuisine, gets its color and flavor from a mix of ingredients.
Main Components
The base of this dish includes bone-in chicken thighs and fragrant basmati rice. It also has flavorful chicken broth and aromatic vegetables like onions, garlic, and peas. The rice soaks up the broth, making it tender and fluffy.
Spice Blend
The yellow color comes from turmeric or saffron, adding an earthy flavor. Paprika, cumin, and cardamom enhance the spice blend. This mix creates a dish that’s aromatic and balanced.
These ingredients come together to make a saffron rice dish that looks great and tastes amazing. The combination of tender chicken, fragrant rice, and vibrant spices makes it a comforting meal.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs | 4 |
| Basmati rice | 3 cups |
| Chicken broth | 3 cups |
| Frozen peas | 1.5 cups |
| Sazon Goya seasoning | 2 packets |
| Cooking oil | $0.02 |
| Chicken cost | $3.48 |
The ingredients and spices in this yellow rice dish make it both beautiful and flavorful.
Chicken and Yellow Rice Recipe
Get ready to enjoy a tasty chicken rice dish perfect for a busy weeknight. This Chicken and Yellow Rice recipe is both flavorful and easy to make. It’s ready in about 30 minutes.
Begin by seasoning chicken thighs with spices like cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika. Sear the chicken in a skillet until it’s golden brown. Then, take the chicken out and set it aside.
In the same skillet, cook onions and garlic until they smell great. Add basmati rice and toast it a bit. Then, pour in chicken broth and spices. Put the chicken back in, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. This makes the rice tender and the chicken cooked.
Just before serving, add frozen peas for color and flavor. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight. It’s easy and delicious.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs | 1.5 lbs |
| Basmati Rice | 2 cups |
| Chicken Broth | 4 cups |
| Onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Unsalted Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Frozen Peas | 1 cup |
| Cumin Seeds | 1 tsp |
| Dried Oregano | 1 tsp |
| Smoked Paprika | 1 tsp |
| Salt and Black Pepper | To taste |
Enjoy this chicken rice dish with fresh greens or pita bread. It’s a complete and satisfying easy weeknight recipe.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Value
The Chicken and Yellow Rice dish is not just tasty. It also has many health benefits and a high nutritional value. It’s full of good proteins, complex carbs, and spices. This makes it a complete and delicious meal.
Key Nutrients
Chicken is the main ingredient, offering lots of lean protein. This is key for building and fixing muscles. The yellow rice, with saffron and spices like cumin and turmeric, gives you energy all day.
Turmeric, a spice in the mix, is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Research shows it might prevent some cancers, lower heart disease risk, and help with Alzheimer’s and depression.
This dish also has important vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, iron, and zinc. This adds to its nutritional value.
Dietary Considerations
The Chicken and Yellow Rice recipe can fit different diets. It’s easy to make it gluten-free or dairy-free by removing gluten or dairy.
It’s a great choice for those who care about their health. It’s a tasty and healthy home-cooked dinner option.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Chicken and yellow rice is a tasty and filling meal. It’s also great for meal prep. You can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days, perfect for busy nights. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 1 month, so you can enjoy it later.
To freeze, let it cool completely and then put it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it in the oven at 380°F for 30-40 minutes. It’s a fantastic freezer-friendly meal for meal prep and budget-friendly cooking.
This chicken and yellow rice recipe is very versatile. The ingredients are cheap and can be made in big batches. It’s ideal for meal prep and feeding lots of people. It’s a great choice for saving time on busy nights or having a tasty, budget-friendly meal ready.
“Meal prep has been a game-changer for me. Being able to have a healthy, flavorful meal ready to go has saved me so much time and effort.”
So, if you’re looking for a comforting, freezer-friendly meal, try this chicken and yellow rice recipe. It’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for meal prep. It’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This chicken and yellow rice dish is perfect for any meal. It’s great on its own or with side dishes. The mild flavors make it a hit with everyone.
Try it with a fresh green salad or roasted veggies. The yellow rice is great for toppings. Add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra flavor.
For a fuller meal, pair it with beef and broccoli, chicken tenders, or turkey meatballs. Seafood like shrimp scampi or grilled salmon also go well.
| Suggested Pairings | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|
| Beef and Broccoli | Savory, Slightly Spicy |
| Chicken Tenders | Crispy, Tender |
| Turkey Meatballs | Hearty, Comforting |
| Shrimp Scampi | Buttery, Garlicky |
| Grilled Salmon | Fresh, Flavorful |
Whether you want a simple dinner or a big feast, this dish is flexible. You can change the spice, add veggies, or try different proteins. It’s all about making it your own.
Conclusion
The chicken and yellow rice recipe is a tasty, quick, and easy meal. It combines the flavors of Spanish and Latin American cuisine. It’s simple to make, nutritious, and great for meal prep.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s comforting and budget-friendly. Every bite is a joy, thanks to the savory chicken and fragrant yellow rice.
The recipe is also healthy and satisfying. It’s low in calories but packed with nutrients. You can customize it with your favorite chicken cut and add-ins.
Try this chicken and yellow rice recipe for a delicious, one-pot meal. It brings the flavors of Spanish and Latin American cuisine to your table. It’s an easy weeknight recipe that will become a family favorite.