Arroz Con Pollo Cheesy Chicken

Arroz Con Pollo Cheesy Chicken is the perfect blend of comfort and flavor; a creamy, cheesy twist on the classic Latin dish “rice with chicken.” It’s hearty, full of vibrant spices, and loaded with tender chicken, golden rice, and melty cheese. Think of it as a one-pot meal that brings all the warmth of home cooking with a gooey, irresistible finish.

This dish is great for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings, satisfying enough for adults yet kid-approved thanks to its cheesy goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A comforting fusion of classic Arroz Con Pollo and cheesy casserole flavors
• One-pan recipe, minimal cleanup
• Packed with protein, rice, and veggies for a full meal
• Melty, flavorful cheese that enhances the savory spices
• Easy to customize with your favorite ingredients

Time Taken

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Calcium: 25% DV

(Values may vary depending on ingredients used.)

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Rice:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for extra spice)

For the Cheesy Finish:

• 1 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack or Mexican blend cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (for garnish)
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Sear the chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin. Cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics:
   In the same pan, add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant.
3. Toast the rice:
   Stir in the rice and toast for 1–2 minutes to coat it in the flavorful oil.
4. Add liquids and simmer:
   Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits. Return the chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, or until rice is tender.
5. Add peas and cheese:
   Stir in peas, then sprinkle both cheeses evenly over the top. Cover and cook for another 3–5 minutes until cheese is fully melted.
6. Finish and serve:
   Garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Serve warm straight from the pan.

You Must Know

• Toasting the rice before adding liquid enhances the nutty flavor.
• Use Colby Jack or Mexican blend cheese for a perfect melt without overpowering the spices.
• Don’t lift the lid too often while cooking, steam is essential for fluffy rice.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
• Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Rice: Substitute with brown rice (increase cook time) or quinoa for a healthier option.
• Cheese: Use Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or mozzarella.
• Veggies: Add corn, zucchini, or black beans for extra texture and flavor.
• Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp or turkey.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Arroz Con Pollo Cheesy Chicken with:

• A side of avocado slices or guacamole
• Fresh salad or grilled corn
• Warm tortillas or crusty bread
• A drizzle of sour cream or salsa verde for extra zest

Cultural and Historical Context

Arroz Con Pollo meaning “rice with chicken” is a beloved Latin American and Spanish dish known for its comforting, homey flavors. Traditionally simmered with saffron or annatto for golden color, it’s a staple in many households. This version adds a cheesy, American-inspired twist, blending Latin spice with creamy indulgence, a perfect example of how cuisines evolve deliciously through fusion cooking.

Seasonal Adaptations

• Summer: Add fresh corn and diced tomatoes.
• Fall: Mix in roasted red peppers or pumpkin puree for a rich twist.
• Winter: Use extra cheese and a baked finish for cozy comfort.
• Spring: Add peas, green onions, and herbs for freshness.

Success Stories

“My family devoured this, the cheesy topping took it to another level!”
“I made this for a weeknight dinner and my kids asked for seconds, it’s now a staple in our house.”
“Such an easy one-pan meal the flavors were spot on, and cleanup was minimal.”

Freezer Meal Conversion

Assemble the cooked chicken, rice, and sauce mixture, but don’t add the cheese yet. Cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight, reheat in a skillet, and add the cheese right before serving.

Pro Tips

• Use short-grain rice if you want a creamier, risotto-like texture.
• For extra depth, add a splash of white wine or tomato paste to the broth.
• Layer the cheese for maximum meltiness, half mixed in, half on top.
• If baking, top with extra cheese and broil for a golden crust.

Chef’s Special Tips

• Stir in a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess.
• Use smoked paprika or chipotle powder to deepen the flavor.
• Garnish with fried onions or crispy tortilla strips for crunch.

Final Thoughts

Arroz Con Pollo Cheesy Chicken is a one-pan wonder that brings together the bold, comforting flavors of Latin cooking and the rich indulgence of cheesy goodness. It’s simple, hearty, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd, proof that a classic can always get a delicious, modern upgrade.

FAQs