Ultimate Peruvian Rice: The Best Arroz con Pollo Recipe

1. Place two large skillets over medium heat; pour 2 tablespoons oil into each skillet and heat until oil ripples. Season chicken thighs and drumsticks with salt and pepper. Divide chicken between the two skillets and fry until golden brown and crisp, about 15 minutes. Use screens over the skillets to control spattering if needed. Drain chicken on paper towels.

2. Blend cilantro leaves, garlic, aji pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and orange juice in a blender until smooth. Pour mixture into one of the skillets; Bring to a simmer, then cook and stir over medium-low heat until the mixture turns from bright to dark green, about 5 minutes.

3. Place chopped onions into the other skillet over medium-low heat; cook and stir until translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Add rice; cook and stir until it starts to turn opaque, about 5 minutes.

4. Pour wine into the blender and pulse a few times to rinse off any extra cilantro mixture from the sides; pour wine into the skillet containing the cilantro mixture. Bring back to a simmer over medium heat. Scrape the rice and onions into the cilantro mixture, then stir in the chicken broth and black pepper and bring to a boil. Place browned chicken pieces and carrots into the skillet, stir to combine, and cover. Reduce the heat and cook until the rice is separate and the chicken is no longer pink in the center, about 30 minutes.

5. Remove the lid, place the pepper rings on the rice, and sprinkle with frozen peas. Cover and cook, without stirring, until peppers and peas are tender, about 15 minutes. Uncover and allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

Peruvian aji peppers have a fruity taste and medium heat. They are available at some Hispanic food stores and farmers’ markets. If you can’t find a Peruvian aji pepper, you can substitute a jalapeño or serrano pepper.