Source: cookingwithmrcooper via Black Foodie Finder
A bold, savory one-pot chicken and rice dish full of flavor.
There’s nothing like a one-pot meal where every bite is layered with rich, savory flavor. This Arroz Con Pollo brings it all — juicy, seasoned chicken thighs, aromatic sofrito, fluffy rice, and briny green olives cooked together in one pot for maximum taste and minimal mess. The result? A dish that’s bold, comforting, and guaranteed to bring people back for seconds. With its fragrant spices and satisfying textures, this recipe hits every note — hearty, quick, and full of soulful flavor.
Ingredients List (What You Need)
For the Chicken
- 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 packet of Sazón
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Flavor Base
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp homemade or jarred sofrito
- 1 tsp dried oregano
For the Rice
- 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tsp chicken bouillon powder (or 1 cube)
- 1/4 cup green olives, sliced (optional)
- 2 cups water
- 2 bay leaves
- A few fresh cilantro stems
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
Toss chicken thighs with Sazón, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and olive oil; set aside.
2. Prep the Vegetables
Dice the onions and bell peppers, and mince the garlic; set aside separately.
3. Sear the Chicken
Sear the seasoned chicken thighs in a hot oiled pot until browned on both sides, then remove and set aside.
4. Sauté the Sofrito Base
Cook sofrito with a little oil for 2–3 minutes, then stir in oregano, cumin, and smoked paprika.
5. Cook the Aromatics
Add diced onions and peppers, sauté for 3–4 minutes, then stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
6. Layer in the Rice and Tomato
Stir in tomato sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes, then mix in rinsed rice, olives, bouillon, and any remaining Sazón.
7. Add Water and Herbs
Pour in water, add bay leaves and cilantro stems, and bring everything to a simmer.
8. Simmer with Chicken
Place chicken back in the pot, cover tightly, and cook on low heat for 20 minutes.
9. Steam and Serve
Turn off the heat, let it steam covered for 10 minutes, then remove chicken and fluff the rice.
Pro Tips and Serving Suggestions
- Rinse your rice to keep it fluffy and prevent clumping.
- Use chicken broth instead of water for extra depth of flavor.
- Don’t skip the sofrito and olives — they add classic, bold taste.
- Finish with fresh cilantro and lime juice for a bright, fresh pop.
- Serve with sweet plantains or avocado slices for a full, satisfying meal.
About the Creator
This recipe comes from @cookingwithmrcooper, a home cook known for bold, flavorful dishes rooted in culture and comfort. With a passion for easy, soulful meals that bring people together, his recipes celebrate the flavors of the diaspora in every bite.
Mr. Cooper | @cookingwithmrcooper