Ingredients

The following ingredients have 6 Servings
  • 6 chicken thighs ((either skin-on or skinless, whichever you prefer))
  • 3 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, (divided)
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar ((or lime juice))
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano ((Mexican oregano preferred))
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 small yellow onion, (diced)
  • 1 green bell pepper, (diced)
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic ((about 4 cloves))
  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, (rinsed and drained)
  • 3 1/4 cups water ((or chicken broth))
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
  • 1 cup frozen green peas
  • chopped cilantro and lime wedges, (for garnish)

Instruction

  • In a large freezer bag (or bowl), add chicken, 3 tablespoons olive oil, white wine vinegar, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, ground coriander, salt, oregano and cumin. Seal the bag and toss until everything is completely coated with the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight.
  • Heat a large saute pan/deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the chicken thighs to the pan skin-side down and cook for about 6 minutes per side, until skin is is crispy and golden.
  • Transfer the chicken onto a plate and cook the remaining chicken the same way. The chicken won't be fully cooked yet - that's okay. It will continue cooking with the rice later.
  • In the same pan using the oil that's already in there, add the diced onions and bell peppers. Cook for 5 minutes until onions have softened and are translucent.
  • Add the garlic and rice. Saute for 1 minute until garlic is fragrant and rice begins to brown slightly.
  • Add the water, tomato paste and salt, Stir together to combine until the tomato paste has fully dissolved.
  • Add the browned chicken thighs to the pan skin-side up and bring the water to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 20-25 minutes until the rice is fully cooked through and the chicken registers an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the cooked chicken pieces to a clean plate. Add the frozen peas to the rice and fluff them in using a fork. The rice will be hot enough to thaw the peas out completely.
  • Serve the arroz con pollo immediately with a garnish of chopped cilantro and lime wedges.