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Mideastern Arroz Con Pollo

Mideastern Arroz Con Pollo recipe image
This Mideastern Arroz Con Pollo blends Spanish and Middle Eastern influences into a comforting, aromatic meal. Tender chicken pieces bake alongside long-grain rice, absorbing juices rich with lemon, garlic, and warm cinnamon. The dish is studded with colorful vegetables like carrots, celery, and peas, finished with a crunchy topping of toasted pine nuts. It&# 226;ÂÂs a hearty, family-friendly dinner that feels special yet remains simple to prepare. Perfect for weeknight suppers or casual gatherings, this recipe delivers robust flavors and tender textures in every bite, making it a reliable favorite for home cooks seeking something beyond the ordinary.
Cooking Method: , ,
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6
Calories: 174.2
Dietary: Gluten-free
Description
This Mideastern Arroz Con Pollo blends Spanish and Middle Eastern influences into a comforting, aromatic meal. Tender chicken pieces bake alongside long-grain rice, absorbing juices rich with lemon, garlic, and warm cinnamon. The dish is studded with colorful vegetables like carrots, celery, and peas, finished with a crunchy topping of toasted pine nuts. It&# 226;ÂÂs a hearty, family-friendly dinner that feels special yet remains simple to prepare. Perfect for weeknight suppers or casual gatherings, this recipe delivers robust flavors and tender textures in every bite, making it a reliable favorite for home cooks seeking something beyond the ordinary.
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup Pine nuts
  • 3 tablespoon Olive oil, divided
  • 1 To 4 pound chicken, cut up
Directions
  1. 1
    Preheat oven to 350ðF (175ðC).
  2. 2
    In a small skillet, toast pine nuts in 1/2 tablespoon olive oil over medium-low heat until lightly golden, about 1 minute. Set aside.
  3. 3
    Place chicken pieces in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and juice of 3 lemons. Sprinkle with white pepper. Cover tightly with foil.
  4. 4
    Bake chicken for 45 to 55 minutes, until juices run clear. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly.
  5. 5
    In the same saucepan, sauté 2 chopped onions, 3 minced garlic cloves, 3 chopped carrots, 3 chopped celery stalks, and 1 diced green bell pepper in 1 tablespoon olive oil until softened, about 6-8 minutes.
  6. 6
    Stir in 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce, 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon, salt to taste, and 1 (16 oz) bag frozen peas. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then cover and set aside.
  7. 7
    Once chicken is cool enough to handle, remove meat from bones and chop into bite-sized pieces. Skim fat from pan juices.
  8. 8
    Pour pan juices into a measuring cup and add enough water or chicken stock to make 4 cups total liquid.
  9. 9
    In the 9x13-inch baking dish, combine rice, vegetable mixture, and chopped chicken. Pour the 4 cups of liquid over the mixture and stir gently.
  10. 10
    Cover tightly with foil and bake at 350ðF (177ðC) for 30 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  11. 11
    Remove from oven, uncover, and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 174.2kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 14.3g22%
Saturated Fat 2.4g12%
Cholesterol 22.2mg8%
Sodium 20.8mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 3.9g2%
Dietary Fiber 0.4g2%
Sugars 3.0g
Protein 6.9g14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.

Substitutions: You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a richer flavor. If pine nuts are unavailable, slivered almonds or walnuts make a good alternative.

Variations: Add dried oregano or cumin for an extra layer of Middle Eastern flavor. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Tips: To ensure the rice cooks evenly, use long-grain white rice. If you prefer a firmer texture, reduce the liquid slightly.

Keywords: arroz con pollo, chicken and rice, mediterranean chicken, one pan dinner, lemon chicken, cinnamon rice, pine nuts, easy chicken recipe, family dinner, spiced chicken, rice casserole, middle eastern style, weeknight meal, comfort food, herb chicken, vegetable rice
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/mideastern-arroz-con-pollo/