Arroz con Pollo, or Puerto Rican Style Rice with Chicken, is a classic dish that is loved by many. Not only is it delicious, but it is also packed with nutrition. With boneless, skinless chicken breast and brown rice, this dish offers a high protein and high fiber meal that is sure to keep you full and satisfied. One serving (1 cup, with bone) of Puerto Rican Style Rice with Chicken contains approximately 441 calories.

In addition to being a filling meal, Puerto Rican Style Rice with Chicken is also full of vitamins and minerals. Brown rice is a great source of fiber, vitamin B, and minerals such as zinc and magnesium. Chicken breast is an excellent source of protein, vitamin B6, and niacin.

If you're looking for a tasty and nutritious meal that will keep you full, Puerto Rican Style Rice with Chicken is a great choice. In this article, we'll explore the ingredients, nutrition facts, and tips for cooking this dish.

How to Make Puerto Rican Style Rice with Chicken

To make Puerto Rican Style Rice with Chicken, you will need the following ingredients: - 1 lb bone-in, skinless chicken breast - 1 tbsp olive oil - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 red bell pepper, chopped - 2 cups brown rice - 4 cups chicken broth - 1/2 tsp salt - 1/4 tsp black pepper - 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped Follow these steps to make Puerto Rican Style Rice with Chicken: 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). 2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 3. Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. 4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. 5. Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. 6. Add the brown rice, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and stir to combine. 7. Place the chicken on top of the rice mixture. 8. Cover the skillet with a lid and transfer it to the oven. 9. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. 10. Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Ingredients for Puerto Rican Style Rice with Chicken

- 1 lb bone-in, skinless chicken breast - 1 tbsp olive oil - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 red bell pepper, chopped - 2 cups brown rice - 4 cups chicken broth - 1/2 tsp salt - 1/4 tsp black pepper - 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped These ingredients will yield approximately 6 cups of Puerto Rican Style Rice with Chicken (1 cup, with bone) per serving. Note: You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breast if you prefer.

Healthy Variations of Puerto Rican Style Rice with Chicken

There are many ways to make Puerto Rican Style Rice with Chicken healthier without sacrificing flavor. Here are a few suggestions: - Use brown rice instead of white rice to increase fiber and nutrient content. - Use boneless, skinless chicken breast to decrease fat and calorie content. - Add extra vegetables such as carrots, peas, or corn to increase nutrient content. - Use low-sodium chicken broth to decrease sodium content. By making these simple changes, you can create a healthier version of this classic dish.

Puerto Rican Style Rice with Chicken Nutrition Facts

One serving (1 cup, with bone) of Puerto Rican Style Rice with Chicken contains approximately: - calories: 441 - Total Fat: 10.4g - Saturated Fat: 1.8g - Cholesterol: 63mg - Sodium: 556mg - Total Carbohydrates: 55.2g - Dietary Fiber: 3.1g - Sugars: 2.8g - Protein: 30.5g These values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the method of preparation.

Tips for Perfecting Puerto Rican Style Rice with Chicken

Here are a few tips to help you perfect your Puerto Rican Style Rice with Chicken recipe: - Brown the chicken well before adding it to the rice mixture to ensure it stays moist during baking. - Use a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven to cook the rice and chicken together. - Add extra chicken broth if the rice seems dry halfway through the baking time. By following these tips, you can create a delicious and perfectly cooked Puerto Rican Style Rice with Chicken recipe every time.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Puerto Rican Style Rice with Chicken

To make Puerto Rican Style Rice with Chicken, follow these steps: 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). 2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 3. Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. 4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. 5. Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. 6. Add the brown rice, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and stir to combine. 7. Place the chicken on top of the rice mixture. 8. Cover the skillet with a lid and transfer it to the oven. 9. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. 10. Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

The History Behind Puerto Rican Style Rice with Chicken

Arroz con Pollo, or Puerto Rican Style Rice with Chicken, is a popular dish in many Latin American countries. However, its origins are debated, with some attributing it to Spain and others to the Caribbean. Regardless of its origins, Arroz con Pollo has become a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine. Traditionally, Puerto Rican Style Rice with Chicken is made with saffron, which gives the dish its distinct yellow color. However, this recipe uses red bell pepper instead of saffron to add color and flavor.

Popular Side Dishes That Go with Puerto Rican Style Rice with Chicken

Puerto Rican Style Rice with Chicken is a filling and satisfying dish on its own, but it can also be paired with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few popular options: - Fried plantains - Black beans - Avocado salad - Tostones (fried green plantains) - Coleslaw These side dishes add flavor and variety to the meal and make it a complete Latin-style spread.

Puerto Rican Style Rice with Chicken vs. Other Latin Rice Dishes

There are many variations of rice dishes throughout Latin America. While they may have similar ingredients and cooking methods, each dish has its own unique flavor and cultural significance. Here are a few other popular Latin rice dishes and how they compare to Puerto Rican Style Rice with Chicken: - Mexican Rice: Made with tomato sauce, onion, and garlic, Mexican rice has a reddish-orange color and a slightly sweet flavor. - Cuban Yellow Rice: Made with saffron and chicken broth, Cuban Yellow Rice has a bright yellow color and a rich, savory flavor. - Peruvian Arroz con Pollo: Made with cilantro, beer, and a variety of spices, Peruvian Arroz con Pollo has a bold, aromatic flavor. While each of these dishes is delicious in its own right, Puerto Rican Style Rice with Chicken is a unique and flavorful option that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Easy Puerto Rican Style Rice with Chicken Recipe for Beginners

If you're new to cooking or don't have a lot of experience in the kitchen, this easy Puerto Rican Style Rice with Chicken recipe is a great place to start. - Use boneless, skinless chicken breast instead of bone-in chicken to simplify the recipe. - Use canned diced tomatoes instead of fresh red bell pepper to save time. - Cook the rice and chicken separately on the stove instead of baking them together to make it easier to monitor the cooking process. By making these simple changes, you can create a quick and easy version of this classic dish.