In hunger emergencies I will sometimes make quick, tiny meals like this Single Serving Arroz con Pollo. It’s fast, delicious, and super easy on the wallet — does it get any better than that? Here's how to make it...
I usually start by brining the chicken, but keep in mind that you can skip the brine for an even faster meal. Add 1/4 cup Kosher or sea salt to a mixing bowl along with a quart of cold water. Stir to dissolve the salt and let the chicken rest in this mixture for 30-60 minutes. I used a bone-in chicken breast for this batch, but feel free to use your preferred cut of chicken.
As the chicken brines I usually roast the tomato to sweeten it up -- my default is to plop it in the oven at 400F. Feel free to skip this step for a faster meal.
When you’re getting hungry remove the chicken from the brine and pat dry. Heat a glug of oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Then add the chicken, skin side down, and brown the chicken on both sides for a few minutes.
Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. Then we’ll add 1/2 cup uncooked rice. There should be some fat and oil leftover in the pan to cook the rice, but if not you can add another glug of oil. Cook the rice over medium heat, stirring regularly, until it’s turning light brown in color.
As the rice cooks, grab the tomato from the oven and add it to a blender along with: 1/4 small onion 1 peeled garlic clove 1/4 jalapeno Combine well. Feel free to add a splash of water if it’s not combining readily.
Add the tomato-jalapeno mixture to the rice and cook it for a couple minutes over medium heat. Then we’ll add: 1 cup stock 2 teaspoons Mexican oregano pinch of cumin (optional) freshly cracked black pepper salt to taste
Once you’re happy with the salt level, add the browned chicken. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes. (I use ‘low’ setting on my stove to simmer when covered.)
Take a look after 20 minutes or so. If all the liquid is absorbed you can remove it from the heat, cover, and let it sit in its own steam for a few minutes. If there’s still liquid in the pan then let it cook for a few more minutes.
And now it’s time to eat! It’s such a great meal and there’s something really satisfying about eating absolutely everything that you just cooked. Like…everything :) Click the 'Get the recipe!' button to see the full instructions. Enjoy!!