Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this wholesome and flavorful Brown Arroz Con Pollo, a Latin-inspired one-pot wonder that's as nourishing as it is delicious. Featuring tender, juicy chicken thighs nestled in a bed of perfectly seasoned brown rice, this healthy twist on a classic dish is packed with vibrant ingredients like red bell peppers, garlic, turmeric, smoked paprika, and a touch of fresh cilantro. The earthy nuttiness of brown rice pairs beautifully with the savory spices, while sweet pops of peas and a squeeze of lime add brightness to every bite. Ready in just an hour, this hearty, gluten-free meal is ideal for family dinners or meal prep. Experience the comfort of homemade Spanish-style chicken and rice, now enriched with nutritious whole grainsβan irresistible balance of flavor, health, and tradition!
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken thighs with half of the salt and pepper, then sear them in the skillet for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. SautΓ© the chopped onion and diced red bell pepper for 5 minutes, or until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the brown rice to the skillet and toast it for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to coat it in the spices.
Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their juice). Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the rice mixture. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas and allow them to heat through.
Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top.
Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for a burst of fresh flavor.
Calories |
436 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 19.5 g | 25% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.0 g | 20% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 94 mg | 31% | |
| Sodium | 807 mg | 35% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33.2 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.3 g | 23% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.4 g | ||
| Protein | 32.1 g | 64% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 77 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 3.4 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 738 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.