Craving a taste of Puerto Rico? Dive into the flavors of Puerto Rican Chicken and Rice, a delightful dish that’s sure to satisfy your savory cravings. This one-pot meal boasts tender chicken thighs seasoned with adobo, paired with fragrant sofrito-infused rice. Whether you’re new to Puerto Rican cuisine or a seasoned fan, this recipe will transport your taste buds to the Caribbean.
Ingredients List
For the Chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
For the Adobo Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ¾ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon red cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon coriander
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
For the Sofrito & Rice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup finely diced green pepper
- ¼ cup finely diced white onion
- ¼ cup finely diced cilantro
- Optional: 1 jalapeno, diced
- ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 ¼ cups water
- 1 cup basmati white rice (don’t use brown, it will take too long to cook)
- ⅔ cup frozen peas (or rinsed and drained pigeon peas)
- OPTIONAL: ½ cup pitted green olives
Required Kitchen Tools
When preparing Puerto Rican Chicken and Rice, having the right kitchen tools can make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here are the essential tools you will need:
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: A large skillet or Dutch oven is perfect for cooking the chicken and rice together in one pot.
- Sharp Knife: To efficiently chop and dice the vegetables for the sofrito.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board for all your chopping needs.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and combining ingredients evenly.
Having these tools on hand will set you up for a successful Puerto Rican Chicken and Rice cooking experience.
Preparing the Chicken
Mixing the Adobo Seasoning
To start, let’s prepare the adobo seasoning, which is the heart of the dish’s flavor. In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of cumin, ¾ teaspoon of paprika, ½ teaspoon of chili powder, ½ teaspoon of red cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon of coriander, ½ teaspoon of salt, and a few grinds of freshly ground black pepper. Mix these spices well until they are fully integrated.
Seasoning and Cooking the Chicken
Now, take the boneless skinless chicken thighs and generously rub the adobo seasoning all over them, ensuring each piece is well-coated. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they are nicely browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Making the Sofrito
Sautéing the Aromatics
In the same skillet or Dutch oven where you cooked the chicken, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Keep the heat at medium-high. Now, add the minced garlic, finely diced green pepper, finely diced white onion, and finely diced cilantro. If you like a bit of heat, toss in the optional diced jalapeno. Stir these ingredients together, allowing them to sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until they become fragrant and the onions turn translucent.
Adding the Spices
To the sautéed aromatics, add ¼ teaspoon of ground coriander, ¼ teaspoon of cumin, ¼ teaspoon of ground turmeric, ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon of oregano, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spices. Let this mixture cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom and enhance the flavors.
Cooking the Rice
Combining the Ingredients
With the sofrito base ready, it’s time to add the remaining ingredients. Pour 1 cup of tomato sauce into the skillet, stirring to combine it with the sautéed aromatics and spices. Then, add 1 ¼ cups of water to the mixture. Stir in 1 cup of basmati white rice, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the liquid. If you’re using olives, now is the time to add ½ cup of pitted green olives.
Bringing It All Together
Return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the rice mixture. Scatter ⅔ cup of frozen peas (or rinsed and drained pigeon peas) over the top. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes. During this time, the rice will cook and absorb the flavors of the sofrito and spices, while the chicken becomes tender and juicy.
Final Touches
After the simmering time, check to ensure the rice is fully cooked and the liquid has been absorbed. If the rice needs a bit more time, you can add a splash of water and continue cooking for a few more minutes. Once everything is perfectly cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest, covered, for about 5 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serving and Enjoying
Plating the Dish
After the resting period, your Puerto Rican Chicken and Rice is ready to be served. Gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and distribute the peas and olives evenly. Carefully transfer the chicken thighs onto a serving platter or individual plates. Spoon the flavorful rice mixture around the chicken, ensuring each plate has a generous portion of both the chicken and the sofrito-infused rice.
Garnishing
For a final touch, garnish your Puerto Rican Chicken and Rice with freshly chopped cilantro. This adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness to the dish. If you prefer, you can also add a few slices of lime on the side for an extra zesty flavor.
Enjoying the Meal
Now, it’s time to dig in and enjoy the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rico. The tender, seasoned chicken pairs perfectly with the savory, aromatic rice. Each bite is a delightful combination of spices and textures, making this dish a true comfort food classic. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, Puerto Rican Chicken and Rice is sure to be a hit.
Conclusion
Mastering Puerto Rican Chicken and Rice brings the rich culinary traditions of Puerto Rico to your kitchen. This flavorful dish, with its perfectly seasoned chicken and aromatic rice, is a wonderful way to explore new flavors and cooking techniques. By following these detailed steps, you can recreate an authentic taste of Puerto Rican cuisine and share it with your loved ones. Enjoy this delicious meal, and don’t forget to savor every bite of this delightful Caribbean treat.