Arroz con Pollo

Ingredients

• 3 pounds chicken thighs and drumsticks, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon saffron threads, optional
• 1 cup green peas
• 0.5 cup sliced green olives
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large paella pan or deep skillet over medium-high heat
2. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then brown on all sides, about 8 minutes total. Remove and set aside
3. In the same pan, sauté diced onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes
4. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant
5. Stir in rice and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to coat with oil
6. Add cumin, oregano, and saffron if using, stirring to combine
7. Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices, then return chicken to the pan
8. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed
9. Stir in peas and olives, then cook uncovered for 3-5 more minutes
10. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes
11. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges

Notes

• Use a paella pan or large shallow skillet for even cooking and better rice texture
• Do not stir the rice after the liquid is added to allow it to develop a slightly crispy bottom layer called 'socarrat'
• Saffron is traditional but optional; it adds color and subtle flavor
• Chicken thighs work better than breasts as they stay moist during cooking
• Prepare all ingredients before starting to cook for efficient execution
• Leftover arroz con pollo can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of chicken broth
• For a one-pan meal, ensure your skillet or paella pan is at least 12 inches wide