Instant Pot Arroz Con Pollo: Puerto Rican Rice and Chicken

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If there is one dish I love in this lifetime, it’s Instant Pot Arroz Con Pollo. This is a traditional dish of Spain and Latin America. What’s better than a delicious and satisfying one-pot meal that is simple and easy to prepare? I love making my Instant Pot for just this reason – it makes it so much easier to keep my kitchen clean and tidy.

One of my all-time favorite one-pot dinners is this amazing rice dish that is full of great flavors and textures. It’s hearty, packed with protein, and most importantly, our kid loves it!

The next time you’re craving something yummy to make, make sure you make this delicious Authentic Arroz Con Pollo Instant Pot recipe.

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What Is Arroz Con Pollo?

Arroz Con Pollo translates to rice and chicken. It’s a very traditional dish in Latin American countries and Spain, but each country has their own variation. This dish includes chicken breast, rice and veggies!

The flavor is also pretty awesome and it’s definitely different from your traditional chicken and rice dish.

In Puerto Rico, it’s very common to see this dish prepared with a sofrito base (an aromatic mixture of diced onions, peppers, and garlic) and tomato sauce or tomato paste. The traditional Puerto Rican Arroz Con Pollo also includes olives, capers, and cilantro.

Like most traditional dishes, each family has their own variation and secret ingredients that they add to make it their own.

This Instant Pot Arroz Con Pollo recipe is my version – but feel free to add whatever veggies or protein you want to make it your own!

In Arroz Con Pollo Healthy?

This Instant Pot Arroz Con Pollo has chicken breast, veggies and rice. It’s a well-balanced meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Chicken is a great source of lean protein and veggies add in a good amount of fiber.

How To Pronoune Arroz Con Pollo

Arroz Con Pollo is pronounced as ah-rohs con poh-yo

Why Instant Pot Arroz Con Pollo?

I love using my Instant Pot for this dish because it cooks the chicken breast and rice perfectly, without drying them out. Plus, it’s pretty hands-off cooking as well! The Instant Pot does all the work for you.

Arroz Con Pollo Instant Pot Ingredients

Here are the ingredients for this Puerto Rican easy one pot meal.

• 5-6 boneless chicken tenders
• 2 tsp. paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup green pepper, diced
• 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1 tbsp. minced garlic
• 2 cups basmati rice
• 3 cups chicken broth or chicken Stock
• 1/2 tsp Saffron
• ½ tsp. Curry
• 1 bag of frozen mixed vegetables (corn, carrots, peas and green beans)
• Green onions

HOW TO MAKE INSTANT POT ARROZ CON POLO

Step One: Turn Instant Pot On To Saute Function

Turn on the Instant Pot ON and select “sauté”. Add half the olive oil. 

Step Two: Saute Chicken In Instant Pot

Add the diced chicken and paprika to inner pot and cook for 5 – 8 minutes until lightly browned.

Step Three: Saute Onions And Peppers

Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and set to the side. Add half of the olive oil, onions, peppers and garlic to the inner pot. Saute for 3-5 minutes, stirring often.

Step Four: Add Rice, Saffron And Vegetables To Instant Pot

Next add the chicken broth, rice, saffron, frozen vegetables, and reserved chicken to a pan and mix to combine. Then saute for 5 minutes.

Step Five: Pressure Cook Arroz Con Pollo for 10 Minutes

Secure the Instant Pot lid and select a manual cooking time of 10 minutes at high-pressure cook on pressure. Pressure release on its own for 10 minutes.

Step Six: Quick Release Pressure

Turn the valve to the Vent to release pressure. Then remove the lid. Press “cancel”. Garnish with diced onions.

Step Seven: Garnish And Serve

Garnish your Instant Pot Arroz Con Pollo with fresh cilantro. Chopped cilantro adds a nice freshness to the dish. Enjoy!

The next time you don’t want to spend too much time cooking, but want a delicious meal, make this easy Arroz Con Pollo Instant Pot dish. This is one Instant pot meal you don’t want to miss out on. 

Using Rice In Arroz Con Pollo

As any cook knows, rice is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes.

One of the most popular ways to prepare rice is to mix it with chicken broth, saffron, and frozen vegetables.

This dish is a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken, and it can be on the table in just a few minutes.

Can I Use Chicken Thighs For Instant Pot Arroz Con Pollo Recipe?

Yes, whilst this particular arroz con pollo recipe uses chicken tenders you can easily switch these out for skinless chicken thighs or even boneless skinless chicken breasts.

Chicken thighs or breasts would need to be cooked the same way the tenders are cooked in this recipe – sauteed at the start.

You could choose to use rotisserie chicken or seasoned chicken which has been cooked if you prefer – simply skip the saute step and transfer chicken once the veggies are cooked.

Can I Use Bone In Chicken?

Whilst this Instant Pot Arroz Con Pollo recipe calls for boneless chicken, you can also use bone-in chicken thighs or breasts.

Just note that cooking time may vary slightly as the Instant Pot will take longer to come to pressure with the added weight of the bones.

You may also want to increase cook time by a couple of minutes to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Rice In Instant Pot Arroz Con Pollo?

This Puerto Rican Arroz Con Pollo uses basmati rice , but feel free to use any type of rice that you have on hand. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Jasmine, brown rice or long-grain white rice will work well in this dish.

Long grain rice may require a couple extra minutes of cook time, whilst brown rice will need about 10 additional minutes of cook time.

You may also want to increase the amount of chicken broth used if using a different type of rice as they may have varying absorption rates.

Why Is The Rice Yellow?

You’ll find yellow rice in this dish because we are using saffron. Saffron adds a beautiful yellow color as well as depth of flavor.

Can I Add Other Protein In Instant Pot Arroz Con Pollo?

If you don’t have chicken on hand, feel free to use any protein that you have on hand. Shrimp, pork, or beef would all work well in this Instant Pot Arroz Con Pollo dish.

Be sure to add bite-sized pieces of meat when adding extra protein to this satisfying meal in one pot.

Can I Make Instant Pot Arroz Con Pollo Vegetarian?

To make Instant Pot Arroz Con Pollo vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth.

You can also add extra vegetables, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or tofu for added protein.

What To Serve With Arroz Con Pollo

This Instant Pot Arroz Con Pollo dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some plantains for added flavor.

Other sides that go well with arroz con pollo are black beans, grilled vegetables, or avocado slices.

Pressure Cooker Arroz Con Pollo Is great served with sour cream, green olives and hot sauce.

Arroz Con Pollo Leftovers

This Instant Pot Arroz Con Pollo dish can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I Freeze Arroz Con Pollo?

Yes, Instant Pot Arroz Con Pollo can be frozen for up to 2 months in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Some rice dishes may have a slightly different texture after being frozen, but the flavors will still be just as delicious.

Can I Make Arroz Con Pollo In The Slow Cooker?

To make Instant Pot Arroz Con Pollo in the slow cooker, follow all of the same steps as the Instant Pot version.

Transfer to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Make sure that the chicken is cooked through before serving.

If using frozen chicken, you may need to cook for an additional hour.

Can I Double The Instant Pot Arroz Con Pollo Recipe?

Yes, this Instant Pot Arroz Con Pollo recipe can easily be doubled or even tripled. Just make sure to not exceed the maximum fill line on your Instant Pot and adjust cooking time accordingly when you pressure cook.

You may also need to add a few extra minutes of natural release time before quick releasing any remaining pressure.

Can I Make Instant Pot Arroz Con Pollo Gluten-Free?

To make Instant Pot Arroz Con Pollo gluten-free, use a gluten-free broth and check the labels on any other ingredients used to ensure they are also gluten-free.

Different Types Of Arroz Con Pollo

There are lots of versions of Arroz con pollo depending on which country you are from. Some use beer or white wine, and others add olives or green peas.

Despite the small differences, all Arroz con pollo dishes have chicken and rice and you can find difference versions below:

• Arroz Con Pollo Puerto Rico
• Arroz Con Pollo Colombiano
• Arroz Con Pollo Cubano
• Arroz Con Polli Peruano
• Mexican Arroz Con Pollo

Do Some Countries Add Diced Tomatoes To This Dish?

Some countries, such as Mexico, may add diced tomatoes to their Instant Pot Arroz Con Pollo dish for a slight acidity and added flavor.

Feel free to add canned diced tomatoes or fresh diced tomatoes to your Instant Pot Arroz Con Pollo dish if desired.

Can I Add Different Colored Bell Peppers To This Puerto Rican Dish?

Yes, feel free to add different colored bell peppers or other vegetables, such as diced zucchini or carrots, to this delicious recipe for added flavor and texture.

Can I Add Hot Sauce To This Arroz Con Pollo Chicken Recipe?

Yes, hot sauce or red pepper flakes can be added to Instant Pot Arroz Con Pollo for a spicy kick. You could also add white pepper, black pepper or cayenne pepper depending on your preference.

INSTANT POT ARROZ CON POLLO: SIMPLE AND DELICIOUS PUERTO RICAN RICE AND CHICKEN

So if you had one dish to make ever, this is the one – this delicious Arroz Con Pollo Instant Pot dish! Your family will be asking you for seconds and thirds and it’ll soon turn into a family favorite. Pressure cooking has never been easier!

More Delicious And Easy Instant Pot Recipes

• Instant Pot Chicken Wings
• Honey Chicken in the Instant Pot
• Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken
• Healthy Instant Pot Chicken and Quinoa
• Instant Pot Chicken Stew
• Instant Pot Pork Tacos
• Instant Pot Cajun Jambalaya
• Instant Pot Potato Soup
• Instant Pot Coconut Curry Soup

Do you have a unique and creative spin for this Instant Pot Arroz Con Pollo Puerto Rican dish? Leave it in the comments!