Nicaraguan Arroz con Pollo Recipe

Introduction

Nicaraguan Arroz con Pollo is a vibrant, one-pot dish that delivers bold flavors and a festive spirit to any table. Combining perfectly seasoned rice with juicy chicken and a medley of vegetables, this beloved Latin American classic is an effortless way to feed a family or delight a crowd. Its irresistible aroma and striking colors make it a true centerpiece for both weeknight dinners and special celebrations.

Why Make Nicaraguan Arroz con Pollo?

What sets this dish apart is its comforting, robust taste thanks to a blend of spices, tender chicken, and a rainbow of peppers and peas. Everything cooks together in one pot, meaning fewer dishes, less fuss, and flavors that meld beautifully as the rice soaks up all the goodness. It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser and an excellent choice whenever you want an easy yet impressive meal.

Perfecting the Nicaraguan Arroz con Pollo Method

The secret to authentic Nicaraguan Arroz con Pollo lies in building layers of flavor. Browning the chicken first creates a savory base, while a fragrant sofrito of onions, peppers, and garlic infuses every grain of rice with warmth. Sazonador seasoning (or a homemade blend), together with a splash of beer and chicken broth, gives the dish a signature depth. Fresh vegetables are added near the end to keep them vibrant and slightly crisp.

Serving Ideas for Nicaraguan Arroz con Pollo

Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a zesty finish. Serve alongside fried plantains (tajadas), a simple cabbage salad, or with a side of avocado slices to balance the heartiness of the rice and chicken. This dish is perfect for family-style serving and can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.

Nutritional Info & Servings

This recipe yields 6 generous servings. Each portion contains about 450 calories, featuring balanced carbohydrates, lean protein from the chicken, and plenty of fiber from the vegetables. It’s a complete meal in one bowl—filling, flavorful, and nutritious.

Classic Nicaraguan Arroz con Pollo (Recap)

Nicaraguan Arroz con Pollo combines gently spiced, tender chicken with fluffy, flavor-packed rice and colorful vegetables. It’s as easy to prepare as it is satisfying to eat—a perfect meal for daily dining or festive occasions alike.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate a sorted shopping list that groups ingredients by store section—making both shopping and meal planning a breeze!

Instructions

1. Pat chicken dry and season with half the salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown chicken pieces on both sides (about 3–4 minutes per side), then remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, lower heat to medium, add onions and both peppers. Sauté until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
3. Add tomatoes, annatto or paprika, cumin, oregano, bay leaf, and the remaining salt and pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, letting the mixture become fragrant.
4. Stir in rice and toast gently for 2 minutes, coating the grains with the sofrito and spices.
5. Pour in beer (if using) and let it bubble up for 1 minute. Add chicken broth and bouillon or sazonador (if using). Return browned chicken to the pot, nestling pieces into the rice.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and simmer for 20 minutes.
7. Lift the lid briefly, scatter peas, carrots, and corn over the top (do not stir), re-cover, and cook 10 minutes more until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
8. Remove from heat, keep covered, and let stand 10 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork, discard bay leaf, and gently mix in veggies. Serve with cilantro and lime wedges.

Weekly Meal Planning

This hearty Nicaraguan Arroz con Pollo is a top pick for weekly meal prep—its flavors develop even more over a day or two in the fridge, and leftovers make satisfying lunches. Save and schedule this recipe to seamlessly integrate it with your other weekly meals and generate a consolidated, store-sectioned shopping list.

Planning Benefits:

• Aggregates total ingredient needs across all planned recipes
• Organizes your shopping list for speedier grocery trips
• Prevents duplicate buys and ensures nothing is forgotten
• Keeps your meal prep routine convenient and waste-free

Pro tip: Schedule this recipe alongside other Latin-inspired dishes and instantly see how staple ingredients like peppers and rice overlap—optimizing your shopping and minimizing waste!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes