Cauliflower Arroz Con Pollo Recipe
Almost every Sunday growing up, my mom would make arroz con pollo (Cuban-style chicken + rice). Arroz con pollo was a staple in my Cuban family and became almost like a special occasion type of meal. I would see my mom make a big ol’ pot of arroz con pollo for the family. It always smelled cozy and warm and, the dish was full of intense flavor. Every time she invites us over for arroz con pollo now, it always feels like my childhood.
With that in mind, I wanted to turn this classic recipe into a quick, weeknight meal. A flavorful meal anyone can enjoy on any day of the week. Because why should we limit ourselves to just Sundays?! Also, I’ll never frown upon rice (my family would disown me and let’s be real, it’s delicious), but turning this classic into a low carb option by adding cauliflower rice was a good idea. Now, my family and I won’t feel guilty for enjoying a part of our upbringing on a weeknight!
To bring this weeknight cauliflower arroz con pollo recipe to life, I used a bag of Green Giant Riced Veggies that I purchased in the frozen aisle at Publix, my favorite grocery store. Publix is one of the reasons I could never move out of South Florida! Their stores are always clean, staff is always helpful, and shopping truly is a pleasure.
How To Make Cauliflower Arroz Con Pollo
I know what you’re thinking. WHY on Earth would I make arroz con pollo with cauliflower rice?! I know, I know. Cauliflower rice has a reputation for not being the tastiest. But listen, don’t worry, you won’t notice the difference in this recipe. I made sure to use all the same ingredients in this recipe that make Cuban-style arroz con pollo taste amazing. You will be surprised at how good this tastes! Here’s what I did.
I heated some olive oil in a skillet with chopped onions and garlic. I cooked that for about 1 minute or so. Next, I added the chopped red pepper and chicken breast. I cooked that for 5 minutes until the chicken was almost cooked. It’s ok if it’s a little pink; it will continue to cook as you add the rest of the ingredients.
Now we’re ready for all the good stuff. Add the tomato sauce, chicken broth, peas, pimientos, oregano, cumin, salt and pepper. Mix it up, then add the Green Giant Riced Cauliflower. You will see the cauliflower change to a red-orange color. That’s what you want! Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 more minutes. That’s it, guys! How easy was that? It’s a super flavorful, low-carb option that I know you will add to your rotation.
Can’t wait for you guys to try it!
Cauliflower Arroz Con Pollo Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/3 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup chopped red pepper
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut in cubes
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup sliced jarred red pimientos
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt + pepper to taste
- 1 bag Green Giant Riced Cauliflower, (12 ounces)
Instructions
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until translucent about 1-2 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
- Next, add the red pepper and chicken breast. Cook for 5 minutes until chicken is almost cooked. (It will continue to cook as you add the rest of the ingredients)
- Stir in tomato sauce, chicken broth, peas, pimientos, oregano, cumin, salt and pepper. Add Green Giant Riced Cauliflower and mix to combine.
- Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium. Simmer uncovered for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and chicken is cooked through. Serve and enjoy!
I can’t wait to try this! I have a silly question because I’m a terrible cook…is the cauliflower rice frozen or thawed when you add it?
Thawed works best!
This was absolutely terrific! I made this with boneless skinless chicken breasts, so I had to adjust the cooking time. I had some already-made cauliflower rice, so I seared the seasoned chicken and set it aside, then sauteed the veggies and herbs. I added some boxed diced tomatoes, because we love lots of tomato flavor in ours, and cooked down the sauce.Then I added the already cooked cauli-rice and the chicken and simmered until the chicken was cooked through and the rice was thoroughly infused with flavor
I made DH the traditional version, cooking Basmati rice in the pot with the veggies and broth and chicken. He took one bite of mine and said he not only couldn’t tell that it wasn’t actual rice, but he liked mine better!
So happy you loved it! :)