Venezuelan chicken and rice is a very complete dish that is well known in the rest of Latin America and the Caribbean and that, depending on its preparation, has a taste of home for many Venezuelans. It is a fairly simple and quick dish if you have several diners at your table.
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Its origin is uncertain, although many assure that it is an adaptation of the Spanish paella, since in its presentation and preparation method they are very similar. Many Spanish-speaking countries have their own recipe for arroz con pollo, so there are very few rules when preparing it
Ingredients to make Venezuelan Chicken Rice:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 onion
- 1 paprika
- 1 tomato
- 1 can of peas
- 1 cup of rice
- 1 pinch of salt, pepper and garlic to taste
- 1 pinch of turmeric
How to make Venezuelan Chicken Rice:
- Wash the paprika, onion and tomato very well to cut them into small pieces.
- You should also wash the chicken well and cut it into not so small pieces to season it with what you like the most. We recommend using salt, pepper, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce and oregano powder.
- Place a pot over medium heat with a splash of oil, sauté the vegetables with a pinch of salt.
- When the vegetables are soft, add the seasoned chicken and sauté for a couple of minutes, just until it turns a whitish color.
- Add the cup of rice, peas, and turmeric to this stir fry, mix well, then add 1 1/2 cups of water. Leave it over low heat without a lid until it dries.
- Tip: Use hot water so as not to interrupt the cooking process of the ingredients.
- Serve while hot. You can sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on top to give your Venezuelan chicken rice dish a special touch.
Other chicken rice recipes
- For many Venezuelans, arroz con pollo reminds us fondly of our homes, as it is one of those classic preparations that our parents and grandparents cooked since we were little. There is even an expression to call someone who thinks they are superior to others: “believing yourself the queen of chicken and rice”. The expression comes from an old commercial for a beer brand and, thanks to the iconic nature of the dish, it permeated the Venezuelan language.
- But rice with chicken is not just a Venezuelan recipe, as each region in Latin America has its own special way of preparing it. There are no limits, we can use the spices, vegetables or legumes that we have at home and make our own homemade chicken rice recipe, one that our family will remember for generations
