This easy arroz con pollo is made in one pan and the perfect weeknight dinner your whole family will love!

Chicken and rice cooked in one large white pan with onions and peppers on top

Raise your hand if you like easy one pan meals!

Easy Arroz Con Pollo

I’ve been making this dish for years and years and it has served me well.

I might be a little bias because I have a thing for white rice. I love the nutty, sweet smell it has as its cooking, the way each grain is a little firm, but as a spoonful is fluffy, and the way you can add a little or a lot of flavor to it.

It’s the only food I can remember loving as a picky 8 year old, and now in my ripe old age of 31 years, things have not changed.

If I was to be stranded on a desert island and could only bring one food, white rice would be it.

Obsessed? Maybe.

But try this easy pan arroz con pollo and you might just understand why!

Chicken and rice cooked in one large white pan with onions and peppers on top

What is Arroz con Pollo?

It translates to chicken and rice! The best thing about this chicken and rice dish is that it is a one pan meal that cooks completely in the oven. No stovetop needed.

How to make Arroz Con Pollo

Pour the rice on the bottom of a dish, place bone-in chicken on top, spice, add some veggies and then chicken broth or water. Could that be easier?!

About an hour and a half later, when your house smells like heaven, you will have this pretty thing to dig in to.

Chicken and rice cooked in one large white pan with onions and peppers on top

The chicken will be crispy on top, but soft and juicy underneath. The rice will soak up all the liquid, and the juices from the chicken will give it that extra boost of flavor.

Not sure if that is my favorite part, or if its the crispy rice edges, which are similarly coveted like the corner piece of a pan full of brownies.

White rice versus brown rice

Stick with a long grain white rice for this recipe. I don’t suggest substituting brown rice for it- the consistency just isn’t the same. If you REALLY want to, and have to try it, then do it with long grain brown rice.

One of my favorite brands of rice is Lundberg, or Carolina Rice. Don’t use instant rice or it will turn to mush!

Can I use white meat?

No. You need chicken on the bone here. White meat cooks a lot quicker and if you use it, it will be completely dried out.

Other toppings:

I love the combo of onions and peppers but you can totally make this with other veggies like:

  • zucchini
  • garlic
  • red onion
  • mushrooms

How long will this last?

This will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. The best way to reheat it is covered in the oven for 15 minutes on 375° F.

I have to use every bit of self control when I make this, because I can easily polish off half of it by myself, no shame included.

Winner winner easy one pan arroz con pollo dinner.

For more easy weeknight dinners, check out these recipes:

Easy Noodle Bowls

Easy Italian Wedding Soup

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An easy one pan arroz con pollo recipe in a white dish served on a table.
5 stars (1 rating)

Arroz Con Pollo

This easy one pan arroz con pollo is the perfect weeknight dinner your whole family will love!

Ingredients

  • Cooking spray or 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups of jasmine rice
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 6-8 skin on, bone in chicken thighs and legs
  • 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 onion peeled, halved, and sliced
  • 1 red pepper seeded and sliced
  • 3 cups chicken stock or water
  • olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Spray a large roasting pan or oven to table dish with oil spray or coat with olive oil.
  • Pour the rice into the pan, spread evenly, and season with salt.
  • Place the chicken pieces on top of the rice, leaving about 1 inch or so of space in between.
  • Season with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper.
  • Scatter the sliced vegetables all over the chicken and rice.
  • Pour the chicken stock (recommended) or water around the sides of the dish, not on top of the chicken or else it will wash away the spices.
  • Spray the chicken with the cooking spray or drizzle more olive oil on top of the chicken pieces.
  • Cover and bake for 45 mins, then uncover, raise the oven temperature to 425 degrees and bake for another 15-20 mins.
  • Dig in!

Notes

***Definitely recommend using chicken stock instead of water for more flavor, but water can be used as a substitute
Do not substitute brown rice
Serving: 1g, Calories: 118kcal, Carbohydrates: 28g, Protein: 2g, Sodium: 185mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 14g
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