That’s exactly what happened recently when I peeked into my pantry and freezer expecting to throw together a quick, uninspired dinner. But instead, I ended up making something so delicious and so simple that I had to share it: Creamy Arroz con Pollo.
This dish is everything I love in a weeknight meal: comforting, flavorful, one-pan, and full of ingredients I already had on hand. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in veggies and protein, and the kids actually ate it (that’s the real test, isn’t it?).
Whether you’re a busy working parent, a stay-at-home multitasker, or somewhere in between, this is a meal you can get on the table with minimal stress and maximum satisfaction.
Why Creamy Arroz con Pollo Works for Families
This dish is inspired by the traditional Latin American comfort food “Arroz con Pollo,” which translates to “rice with chicken.” It’s usually a seasoned mix of chicken, rice, vegetables, and spices, simmered until everything is tender and flavorful. This version adds a creamy twist thanks to a garlic-infused cooking sauce, and it all comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
Here’s why I think every parent should have this meal in their back pocket:
One pan = less cleanup.
Balanced nutrition: You get protein, grains, and veggies all in one dish.
Kid-friendly flavors that can easily be customized.
Uses pantry staples, so you can whip it up without a grocery run.
Leftovers reheat beautifully for next-day lunches.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You probably have most of these on hand already. Here’s what you’ll need:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1¼ lbs)
1 cup white long-grain rice (converted or regular)
2 tablespoons taco seasoning (from a seasoning packet or homemade)
1 can (18 oz) creamy roasted garlic with chicken stock cooking sauce
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup frozen corn
Sliced ripe olives (optional but delicious)
Sliced green onions (for a pop of color and flavor)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Even on a hectic evening, this dish comes together pretty effortlessly. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large 12-inch skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, turning once, until nicely browned. Don’t worry if it’s not cooked through yet, it’ll finish cooking later. Remove the chicken from the skillet and cover it to keep warm.
Step 2: Build the Base
To the same skillet (no need to wash!), add the rice and taco seasoning. Stir well to coat the rice in all those flavorful bits left behind from the chicken. Add the creamy garlic cooking sauce and ½ cup of water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
Step 3: Add the Good Stuff
Stir in the drained black beans and frozen corn. Bring the mixture back to a gentle boil. Nestle the chicken breasts back into the skillet, cover, and reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp should reach 165°F).
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is done, sprinkle the top with sliced olives and green onions if you’d like. The olives add a nice briny contrast to the creamy, savory base, and the green onions give it a fresh crunch.
Tips for Busy Parents
Use rotisserie chicken: If you’re really in a pinch, shred a store-bought rotisserie chicken and stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add a can of drained chickpeas instead for a meatless Monday option.
Prep ahead: Chop the veggies and measure your seasonings in the morning or during nap time.
Double the batch: This meal freezes well! Store leftovers in freezer-safe containers for a future no-effort dinner.
Real Talk: Did the Kids Eat It?
Yes, they did and even asked for seconds! The creamy texture, the mild spice from the taco seasoning, and the sweet corn made it super kid friendly. If your little ones are picky about beans or green onions, you can always leave them out or serve them on the side.
Final Thoughts
As parents, we all need a few dependable recipes we can count on when the day gets away from us. This Creamy Arroz con Pollo is just that: easy to make, full of flavor, and built for busy family life.
Next time you find yourself staring blankly into your pantry wondering what to make, I hope you remember this one-skillet wonder. Trust me, it’ll become a weeknight favorite in no time.
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Wow, that looks really yummy! I'll have to try it.
ReplyDeleteBobi
http://onedailymoneytip.blogspot.com
You should! It was very easy. And very yummy. I think I might go and dig into the left overs. :)
DeleteWow, this looks delicious! I'm always on the lookout for great weeknight dinners! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIf you decide to make this, let me know how it turns out. :)
DeleteThat looks great! I'm trying to get more meal ideas lately because we are stuck in a rut - I'll have to check this one out! :-)
ReplyDeleteI love trying out new recipes. Before I stayed at home, we would either eat out or I would cook the same things. Which is probably one of the main reasons I hated cooking. My mom was never very good and so I've had to learn as I go. But now that I have a few years of cooking for my family under my belt (literally, HA!), I enjoy it more and more. :)
DeleteThanks for commenting and if you like what you see, I have more where this came from! Please follow. ♥
K cant wait to make this tonight I tots have all the ingredients! Nice to meet ya chicky! Stop by my blog when you get a second and lets be friends? Maybe we could follow each other??
ReplyDeleteXOX
Ash@ABpetite
http://abpetite.blogspot.com/
I will make sure to check out your blog. :)
DeleteHi Diana,
ReplyDeleteYour Creamy Arroz Con Pollo looks yummy! Hope you are having a great week and thanks for sharing.
Miz Helen
Thank you for dropping by. :)
DeleteMade sure to make this we all loved it!! Excited to be your newest follower!!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it. )
DeleteThank you. I will definitely check this website for new ideas.
ReplyDeleteyour meal look wonderful!
I truly suggest this site. This wasnt the first thing I made from there. :)
DeleteThis looks delicious!! Following from the GFC hop!
ReplyDeleteLeslie
http://sincerely-leslie.blogspot.com
Checking out your site as well. :)
DeleteThis recipe looks amazing! New follower via the blog hop. :)
ReplyDeleteRachel
http://www.postcardsfromrachel.com
Thank you for the follow. And returned. :)
DeleteHi Diana! I'm a new follower from the GFC blog hop!
ReplyDeleteThis recipe looks delicious! I make a similar one that my whole family loves!
Thats awesome. You should share onetime. :)
DeleteChecking your blog out now...
Oh this looks AMAZING!! I love mexican food but just plain tacos gets so old!! Trying this asap!
ReplyDelete