Arroz con Pollo – #1 National Dish of Cuba

Name: Arroz con Pollo - #1 National Dish of Cuba - National Dishes of the World
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 65 min
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Cuban

Arroz con Pollo is a classic Cuban rice dish cooked with chicken, fresh herbs, vegetables, and aromatic spices. In Cuba, it is commonly prepared in homes as both a comforting family meal and a flavorful dish for dinner gatherings.

Main Dish

Cuba

Medium

Tags: Arroz con Pollo, National Dish of Cuba, National food of Cuba

Servings

8 Person

Prep Time

15 Min

Cook Time

65 Min

Total Time

80 Min

Chicken legs or thighs

2 cups

Rice

1 large

Onion (diced)

1 ½ tsps.

Salt

½ tsp.

Black pepper

Cloves garlic (crushed)

2 tsps.

Oregano

1 (8 oz.) can

Tomato sauce

2 cups

Chicken broth

2 tsps.

Cumin powder

bay leaf

½ cup

Frozen green peas

1 large

Red pepper (diced)

½ cup

Olive oil

½ tsp.

Annatto condiment

Arroz con Pollo

Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and cumin powder.
Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and lightly fry the seasoned chicken until browned on all sides. Then remove the chicken, set it aside, and keep the oil in the pan.
In the same pan, sauté the diced onion and red pepper until tender. Add the crushed garlic and sauté for 2 minutes, then add the browned chicken to the pan.
Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce, and stir in the annatto, bay leaf, oregano, and the remaining cumin powder. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
Rinse the rice with water, then add it to the pan, making sure it is fully submerged in the liquid, and stir gently.
Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat, and stir occasionally.
Once most of the liquid has been absorbed, cover the pan and simmer for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
Before the dish is fully cooked, you can stir in the frozen green peas, cover the pan, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Arroz con Pollo is always better when served hot.

Ingredient Substitutions & Equivalents

Original Ingredient	Substitute	Measurement Change	Flavor Impact	Texture Impact
Chicken thighs/legs	Chicken breast	Same	Leaner, milder flavor	Less juicy, firmer
White rice	Brown rice	+½ cup liquid, longer cook time	Slightly nutty	Chewier texture
Olive oil	Vegetable oil	Same	More neutral taste	No major change
Tomato sauce	Fresh blended tomatoes	+¼ cup	Fresher, slightly tangy	Slightly thinner base
Annatto condiment	Turmeric + paprika mix	½ tsp turmeric + ½ tsp paprika	Similar color, less earthy	No major change
Chicken broth	Vegetable broth	Same	Lighter, less rich	Slightly less depth
Green peas	Green beans (chopped)	Same	Earthier flavor	Firmer bite
Red bell pepper	Pimiento or green pepper	Same	Slight bitterness (green)	Similar

Flavor & Texture Notes for Arroz con Pollo

Component	Description
Overall Flavor	Savory, aromatic, mildly spiced with earthy undertones from cumin and annatto
Aroma	Warm and inviting with garlic, oregano, and bay leaf dominance
Rice Texture	Tender, fluffy grains infused with broth and spices
Chicken Texture	Juicy and fall-off-the-bone (especially with thighs/legs)
Color Profile	Golden-yellow rice from annatto with red and green accents
Balance	Harmonious blend of protein, starch, and vegetables
Mouthfeel	Rich but not heavy; slight oil coating enhances flavor delivery

Arroz con Pollo is one of Cuba’s most beloved traditional dishes and a cornerstone of Cuban cuisine. It is a one-pot rice and chicken dish with deep Spanish-Caribbean flavors.

The dish traces its roots to Spanish culinary influence, especially rice-based dishes introduced during the colonial period. Over time, Cuban cooks adapted the dish into their own version by adding local ingredients and Caribbean seasonings.

In Cuba, Arroz con Pollo is known for its rich blend of garlic, onions, peppers, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, and annatto, which gives the dish its signature golden color and savory aroma.

Prepared for both everyday family dinners and festive gatherings, Arroz con Pollo has become a symbol of Cuban hospitality and culinary identity. Its simplicity, warmth, and hearty character have made it a lasting favorite across generations.