Arroz con Pollo (Colombian Rice with Chicken)

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs Chicken thighs, boneless, skinless
• 2 cups Long-grain rice
• 4 cups Chicken broth
• 1 medium Onion, chopped
• 1 medium Bell pepper (red or yellow), chopped
• 1 cup Peas, frozen
• 1/2 cup Carrots, diced
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Annatto powder (Achiote)
• 1 tsp Ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper
• 1/4 cup Cilantro, chopped

Instructions

1. 1Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, which is 350°F (175°C).
2. 2Season the 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder. Add the seasoned chicken to the hot pot and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned all over. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
3. 3Add the 1 medium onion (chopped), 1 medium bell pepper (chopped), and 1/2 cup of diced carrots to the same pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
4. 4Stir in the 1 teaspoon of annatto powder and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the 2 cups of long-grain rice to the pot and stir for 1-2 minutes to coat the grains with the vegetables and spices.
5. 5Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, return the browned chicken thighs to the pot, nestling them down into the rice mixture. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. 6Stir in the 1 cup of frozen peas and the 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro. Cover the pot again and let it sit off the heat for 5 minutes to allow the peas to heat through and the flavors to meld.
7. 7Fluff the rice gently with a fork and serve the Arroz con Pollo hot.

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