If you’re looking for a delicious fusion of comfort food with a twist of Latin flair, then Arroz Con Pollo Y Camarones (Cheesy Chicken, Shrimp and Rice) is your go-to dish. This recipe brings together the comforting textures of cheesy rice with the rich and savory flavors of chicken and shrimp, making it a true feast for the senses and a favorite on any dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich in Flavor: The combination of chicken, shrimp, and cheese creates a symphony of flavors.
- Easy to Prepare: Despite its gourmet appeal, it’s surprisingly simple to make.
- Customizable: Easily adjust spices and ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings and guaranteed to impress your guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Arroz Con Pollo Y Camarones (Cheesy Chicken, Shrimp and Rice) lies in its simple yet hearty ingredients. Each element contributes uniquely to the dish, from the aromatic spices to the creamy cheese, making every bite a delight.
- Long Grain White Rice: I prefer Jasmine for its fragrance and fluffiness.
- Cooking Oil: Avocado oil works well for its high smoke point.
- Yellow Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base layer of flavor.
- Garlic Cloves: Essential for that earthy depth.
- Chicken Bouillon & Sazon Seasoning: These give the rice a savory punch and vibrant color.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Easy to work with and absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Raw, Peeled, Deveined Large Shrimp: Adds a seafood twist that elevates the dish.
- Queso Blanco Velveeta & Pepper Jack Cheese: Melts into a smooth, luscious sauce.
- Evaporated Milk & Diced Chilies: Create a creamy, spicy cheese sauce.
Variations
This dish is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to customize the Arroz Con Pollo Y Camarones (Cheesy Chicken, Shrimp and Rice) to make it your own.
- Spice Level: Add more chilies or a splash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
- Protein Swap: Substitute the chicken or shrimp with your favorite seafood or tofu.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and add more seasonal vegetables for a veggie-packed version.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses for varied flavors and textures.
How to Make Arroz Con Pollo Y Camarones (Cheesy Chicken, Shrimp and Rice)
Step 1: Toast the Rice
In a skillet over medium-high heat, toast your rice with diced onion and minced garlic in oil. Stir constantly for about 5-6 minutes until the rice begins to brown slightly. This step locks in a nutty flavor that enhances the entire dish.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Shrimp
Heat oil and a bit of butter in a separate skillet. Add chicken, season well, and cook until done. Remove and set aside. Then cook the shrimp in the same pan until they’re pink and tender. Each protein brings its own unique flavor, infusing your dish with richness.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
Combine all sauce ingredients in a saucepan and stir over low heat until smooth. This creamy concoction will be drizzled over your rice mixture, adding a luscious finish.
Pro Tips for Making Arroz Con Pollo Y Camarones (Cheesy Chicken, Shrimp and Rice)
- Perfect Rice Texture: Let the cooked rice sit without stirring to ensure it remains fluffy and absorbs all the flavors.
- Even Cooking: Cut your chicken into even strips for uniform cooking and great texture.
- Sauce Consistency: Allow the cheese sauce to sit briefly to thicken before serving.
- Seasoning Mastery: Adjust the spice blend to your liking, especially if you love a hint of smokiness or additional heat.
How to Serve Arroz Con Pollo Y Camarones (Cheesy Chicken, Shrimp and Rice)
Garnishes
Top your dish with freshly chopped cilantro, slices of avocado, or a squeeze of lime for that extra burst of freshness and color contrast.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or warm tortillas to soak up every bit of that glorious cheese sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider layering the rice, chicken, and shrimp in individual bowls with sauce drizzled on top for an elegant, deconstructed presentation at dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in airtight containers. They should keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, retaining flavors brilliantly.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of the dish for up to 2 months. Consider storing the cheese sauce separately to preserve texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If needed, add a splash of milk or cream to the cheese sauce to restore its smoothness.
FAQs
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Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, keeping in mind it may require a longer cooking time and additional liquid to achieve the desired texture.
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What if I don’t have Queso Blanco Velveeta?
You can use any white American cheese or even Monterey Jack as alternatives, but expect slight variations in flavor and creaminess.
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How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?
Shrimp cook quickly, so ensure the pan isn’t too hot and flip them after a minute or two on each side.
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Is this dish very spicy?
While there is a mild spice, you can adjust the heat level by altering the amount of chilies or spice used to better suit your palate.
Final Thoughts
Arroz Con Pollo Y Camarones (Cheesy Chicken, Shrimp and Rice) is more than just a meal; it’s an experience—one that delights not just the taste buds but also warms the heart. I hope you and your loved ones enjoy every cheesy, seafood-rich bite as much as I do. Happy cooking!
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Arroz Con Pollo Y Camarones (Cheesy Chicken, Shrimp and Rice) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Latin American
Description
This flavorful and cheesy Arroz Con Pollo Y Camarones combines tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and aromatic rice all topped with a rich cheese sauce. Perfect as a hearty main dish, it offers a delightful mix of textures and vibrant flavors inspired by Latin cuisine. Easy to prepare, it’s a comfort food favorite for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For The Rice
2 Cups Long Grain White Rice (Jasmine)2 tbsp Cooking Oil (Avocado Oil)
1 Yellow Onion, Diced
4-5 Garlic Cloves, minced
1 tbsp Chicken Bouillon
1 packet Sazon Seasoning
19 oz Can of Red Enchilada Sauce
4 Cups Water
For the Chicken And Shrimp
1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into thin strips1 lb Raw, Peeled, Deveined and tail off Large Shrimp
1 tbsp Cooking Oil
2 tbsp Butter
1 tbsp Each Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Chili Powder and Cumin
1 packet Sazon Seasoning
1/2 tsp Each Salt and Pepper
For the Cheese Sauce
16 oz Queso Blanco Velveeta or any white American Cheese12 oz Can of Evaporated Milk
7 oz Can of Diced Chilies
8 oz Grated Pepper Jack Cheese
Instructions
- Toast the Rice: In a skillet over medium-high heat, toast the rice, diced onion, and minced garlic in the cooking oil, stirring continuously for 5-6 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Stir in the Sazon seasoning, chicken bouillon, enchilada sauce, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover with a lid, reduce heat to very low, and simmer for 15 minutes without stirring to prevent burning.
- Rest the Rice: Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for another 15 minutes. Do not stir during this time. After resting, gently stir the rice to fluff it up and ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, add all cheese sauce ingredients and cook over low to medium heat, stirring constantly until the cheese melts completely. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp of cooking oil and 1 tbsp of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly until thoroughly cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and then the shrimp. Cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, being careful not to overcook.
- Assemble the Dish: Plate the rice, top with cooked chicken and shrimp, then drizzle generously with the cheese sauce. Serve with warmed tortillas if desired for stuffing.
Notes
- Ensure to cook the rice on a very low heat to prevent burning and achieve fluffy texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more Sazon or spices if needed.
- Can be assembled ahead and kept warm before serving.
- For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños to the cheese sauce or rice.
- This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or plantains.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of dish (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1280 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
