Spicy Rice & Chicken - Arroz con Pollo - Another Day in Paradise Ingredients 3-4 chicken things - I used boneless, skinless for faster cooking, you can sub bone in - just need to cook them longer at the beginning. 6 garlic cloves, skinned and smashed 2 dried chillies de arbol - optional 2 large white onions, thinly sliced 250 tomatoes copped/diced - I used cherry but any will do 1 tbsp tomato paste 2 cups washed white rice (I used basmati) 2 cups water / chicken stock 2-4 dried bay leaves - I used dried cinnamon leaves Spice Mix - you can use Sazon if you have it. 1 tbsp smoked paprika 2 tbsp hot chilli powder - sub mild if you prefer less heat 1 tbsp garlic poder 1 tbsp cumin 1tsp dried oregano 1tsp turmeric This rushed version of Arroz con Pollo comes together in about 30 minutes. This was my go to family meal, as it feeds the whole team and has punchy flavours while still being comforting. You can chop and change the ingredients depending on what you have on hand. Steps Ideally cooked in a large sauté pan, or dutch oven. Brown the chicken thighs in a generous amount of neutral oil. About two minutes on high heat and set aside. Don’t worry about cooking all the way through / they will finish with the rice. Add the garlic, and dried chillies to the same pan and cook on a medium heat - about 1-2 minutes. Add the onions and cook for 2-3 minutes or until just starting to soften. Season with a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Add the spice mix and tomato paste - cook for 1-2 minutes making sure that everything is coated. Add the tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes. Turn up the heat and add the rice. Stir the rice through until evenly coated - about 1-2 minutes. Add the water/stock and mix well making sure to scrape the bottom of the pan as you go. Add the chicken thighs and bay leaves. Bring to a boil then turn down to a simmer. Cover with a layer of tin foil and a lid. Simmer for 12 minutes, then turn off the heat and wait for an additional 5 minutes before uncovering. Mix well and check for seasoning. Great with fresh lemon/lime and lots of herbs - cilantro, parsley, and mint are all great. I had mine with a simple cumber yogurt sauce - salted cucumbers, garlic, lemon juice and yogurt. #fyp #arozconpollo #foryoupage