Arroz Con Pollo

by Laura Altamirano

December 25, 2025

Prep15 min
Cook1.75 hours
Servings10-12

One of the most delicious casseroles, it is worth the effort.

Ingredients

Poached Chicken

Chicken Breast (raw)3 Lbs
Onion (chopped)1 medium
Celery (chopped)2 medium sticks
Carrots (chopped)2 medium
Garlic (chopped)2 cloves
SaltTo taste
PepperTo taste

Rice Mix

Long White Grain Rice (dry)4 Cups
Paprika2 tsp
Broth (from this recipe's poached chicken)8 Cups
Mayonnaise1/2 Cup

Chicken Mix

Bacon (slivered)6 pieces
Olive Oil1 Tbsp
Onion (chopped)2 medium
Bell Pepper (chopped)1 medium
Green Onions (chopped)4 medium
Oregano1/2 tsp
Bay Leaf1 medium
Garlic (chopped)6 cloves
Tomato Sauce3 oz
Sherry Wine2 Tbsp
Chicken (from this recipe's poached chicken)All of it
Frozen Peas1/2 Cup
Pimiento (chopped)4 oz
Lime Juice1 lime
Olives (chopped)1/4 Cup

Casserole

Rice Mix (from this recipe)All of it
Chicken Mix (from this recipe)All of it
Parmesan Cheese (shredded)1/4 Cup + 1/4 Cup
Monterey Jack Cheese (shredded)2 Cups

Directions

Poached Chicken

  1. In a large pot, put the chicken breast and cover in water.

    You will need at least 8 cups of broth for the rice mix, so make sure you have used at least that much water.

  2. Add all other ingredients.

  3. Cook uncovered until the chicken is fully cooked/falling apart.

  4. Remove the chicken and shred into small pieces. Set aside.

  5. Save the broth!

Rice Mix

  1. In a rice cooker (or covered pan, if you don't have one), cook the rice, broth, and paprika.
  2. Mix the mayonnaise with the cooked rice.

Chicken Mix

  1. In a large frying pan, saute the bacon. Drain most of the fat. Leave the bacon in the pan.
  2. Add the olive oil and saute the onions, bell pepper, green onions, oregano, and bay leaf
  3. Add the garlic and saute for 1 more minute.
  4. Add the tomato sauce, sherry wine, and the chicken. Cover and simmer for ~15 minutes. (see step below)
  5. In the last 5 minutes of the simmer, add the frozen peas, pimientos, lime juice, and olives.

Casserole

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°.
  2. In a large casserole dish (~13"x9") layer in this order: 1) 1/3 rice mixture, 2) chicken mix, 3) 1/3 rice mixture, 4) 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, 5) remaining rice mixture, 6) the rest of the parmesan cheese and all the monterey jack.
  3. Bake for 20 minutes.