Arroz Con Pollo

I absolutely loved this meal. No one else did. C said that it tasted too smoky (paprika?) and then Miss F chimed in with the same complaints. They were both happy to have the chicken only, but both refused the delicious rice, which was infuriating since I had made a huge pot full.  I am tempted to try it again and really cut down on the paprika and amp up the tomato flavor, maybe with some tomato paste.  The leftovers were just as good as the night I served it, which was great since I had a ton of leftovers to eat.  This recipe was adapted from Gourmet magazine.

Arroz Con Pollo

8 bone-in chicken pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, cut into ½ inch pieces
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons paprika
2 cups long-grain white rice
1 ¼ cups dry white wine
1 ¾ cups chicken broth
¾ teaspoon crumbled saffron threads
1 bay leaf
1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes including juice
1 cup frozen peas

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a medium Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid, over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then brown chicken on all sides, about 12 minutes total. Transfer chicken with tongs to a plate.

Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from skillet and add the onion, bell pepper, and salt to taste. Cook over moderate heat, stirring, until softened, about 7 minutes. Add garlic, paprika, and rice, then cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add wine and boil, uncovered, for 2 minutes. Stir in the chicken broth, saffron, and bay leaf. Nestle chicken in rice, adding any juices from plate. Cover and put the whole pan in the oven, bake for 45 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and peas, uncover and bake for 15 minutes more.

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