Recipe: Arroz Con Pollo In A Pot

This classic Spanish recipe works great as a one-pot meal! To make it even simpler, prepare the chicken (clean and skin), and dice the vegetables ahead of time. Try adding 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes if you like it spicy, or add a fresh, chopped jalepeno with the other ingredients - or use a can of tomatoes & green chilies in place of the plain tomatoes.

Arroz Con Pollo
(Serves 4-6.)

Ingredients:

Arroz con Pollo. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

6 pieces naturally raised chicken, bones and skin removed
salt and pepper to taste
2 Tbsp cooking oil
1 1/2 cups long grain rice
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups water
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup frozen peas

Directions:

1. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper to taste. 
2. Get out a large Dutch oven or other large pot, put over medium-high heat, add oil, and when the oil is hot add the chicken pieces (don't crowd pot) and brown on both sides, removing the chicken as it's finished cooking; continue browning chicken until it's all done, removing all to a plate.
3. Now that the pot is empty, add the rice, onion, and garlic; cook, stirring until rice has browned slightly.
4. Add the water, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, turn heat to low.
5. Lay the cooked chicken on top of this mixture, cover the pot, and simmer slowly for 35 to 40 minutes, until the chicken is tender and no pink remains.
6. Add the peas to the pot, around the chicken, and push them into the rice. Cover pot, and remove from heat; let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe: Autumn Squash Baked Chicken And Rice

This tasty fall casserole uses yummy fresh fall veggies from the farmer's market or your garden to add a healthy twist to a standard chicken and rice dish. It's a simple dish with mild flavors, so feel free to add some red pepper or a fresh Anaheim if you want to spice it up a little. Otherwise, it's a tasty fall dish for the kids or those who don't like a lot of spice to their food.

Autumn Squash Baked Chicken And Rice
(Serves 4-6)

Ingredients:

 (Photo credit: Darice)

8 free-range chicken drumsticks or thighs (1 1/4 lb), skin removed
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 package (6 oz) long-grain and wild rice mix
1 small butternut squash, peeled and cut in 1 inch cubes
1 medium zucchini, cut in half lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 1 inch slices
1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
2 cups water
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 425 degrees and grease a 9x13 baking pan.
2. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat; when hot add chicken, cook about 3 minutes, turn and cook 3 more minutes, or until chicken is browned slightly. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Put rice, contents of seasoning packet, squash, zucchini and bell pepper in baking pan.
4. Turn heat on under skillet, add water and bring to boiling, then pour the hot water over rice and veggies in baking pan and stir to mix.
5. Add the cheese and stir, then arrange the chicken on top of the rice mixture. 
6. Cover pan with foil and bake 25 to 30 minutes or until rice absorbs the liquid and is tender and chicken is no longer pink at all.
7. Remove and let sit for 3 minutes, then take off foil and serve hot.