Arroz Con Pollo (chicken with rice)

Experience the flavors of Latin cuisine with this arroz con pollo recipe - a perfect blend of savory chicken, aromatic spices, and fluffy rice!

Arroz con pollo is a flavor packed one-pot meal and a popular comfort food from Spain to every corner of Latin America. Each region has their own interpretation of the dish, which is, in essence, a simpler version of paella. My version is pared down family dinner style, and definitely a gringa version, but retains much of the flair that makes this dish famous. It’s not a meal you’re gonna throw together in 30 minutes, for sure. But that little bit of extra effort pays off big time.

Ingredients:

• 8 chicken legs (about 2 – 21/2 pounds)
• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, rough chopped
• 5 cloves garlic
• 1 green pepper, seeded and rough chopped
• 1 jalapeño, rough chopped
• large handful cilantro leaves and stems
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp anatto
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups long grain rice (uncooked)
• 1/2 cup smoked ham, cut in small cubes
• 3 cups hot chicken stock or broth