Name: Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 8 Servings
Ingredients: 1 pound Whole rice; 4 pound Chicken; 4 Unit Bell peppers; 1 Unit Onion; 3 tablespoon Fat or oil; Unit Olives and capers; 4 Unit Tomatoes; 2 Unit Garlic cloves; 1 can Tomato paste; 4 Unit Large peppers; Unit Parsley; 4 cup Water; 1 pinch Salt

Panamanian-style chicken and rice is a very popular traditional dish celebrated during Panama's national festivities. Its simple preparation and popularity make it a flavorful delight enjoyed across the country.

Here we teach you the art of preparing a delicious chicken and rice dish in Panama style.

This iconic dish combines cooked rice with seasoned chicken pieces and fresh vegetables such as peas, carrots, and peppers. Cooked with spices like annatto and cilantro, it gains its distinctive color and flavor.

It’s a comforting and popular dish throughout the country, perfect for sharing special moments with family.

Chicken and Rice

Main Course

1 hour

Boiled

8 Servings

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Ingredients

1 pound of Whole rice

4 pounds of Chicken

4 Bell peppers

1 Onion

3 tablespoons of Fat or oil

Olives and capers

4 Tomatoes

2 Garlic cloves

1 can of Tomato paste

4 Large peppers

Parsley

4 cups of Water

1 pinch of Salt

Preparation

Step 1 : Clean the chicken and cut into pieces.

Step 2 : In a hot skillet with oil or fat, sauté the chicken; add the tomatoes, onion, garlic, peppers, and capers previously chopped into small cubes.

Step 3 : Add the tomato paste and enough water to cover; season with salt to taste and cover to simmer for 20 minutes.

Step 4 : Remove the chicken from the sauce, remove the bones, and cut into small pieces.

Step 5 : Chop the peppers into thin juliennes.

Step 6 : Prepare the rice in the same sauce in which the chicken was cooked; cook over low heat until the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked.

Step 7 : Add the peppers, chicken, and peas.

Step 8 : Serve decorated with parsley and olives.

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How to Make Chicken and Rice

Here we present an alternative to cook delicious chicken and rice in the best Panamanian style. Follow the steps to prepare this delightful dish.

Main Course

1 hour

Boiled

6 Servings

Ingredients

4 Chicken pieces

1 Green bell pepper

1 Red bell pepper

1 Onion

2 Tomatoes

1 Cilantro bunch

4 Cloves of garlic

2 cups of Rice

1 Carrot in cubes

50 grams of Olives

50 grams of Green peas

1 tablespoon of Annatto (achiote)

Preparation

Step 1 : To add more flavor to the chicken with rice in the Panamanian style, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices.

Step 2 : Next, cut the onion, green and red peppers, tomatoes, and cilantro into small pieces, and crush or grate the garlic cloves.

Step 3 : In a skillet with hot oil, brown the chicken pieces until golden, then add the onion and peppers, reserving a little.

Step 4 : Stir with the chicken and, after a minute, add the tomatoes, cilantro, and garlic.

Step 5 : Once the vegetables release their juices, add the annatto and enough water to cook the rice, letting it boil for about 20 minutes.

Step 6 : Meanwhile, remove the chicken and reserve the broth.

Step 7 : In another skillet, toast the rice with turmeric until it colors.

Step 8 : Then, pour in the broth and add the remaining ingredients: cilantro, olives, carrots, peas, and the reserved peppers.

Step 9 : While the rice cooks, shred the chicken.

Step 10 : It is important to check the rice's doneness to prevent it from overcooking or becoming too dry.

Step 11 : When ready, mix the chicken with the rice and serve hot.

Panamanian Chicken and Rice Recipe

Prepare a delicious chicken and rice dish following these simple steps, in the most authentic Panamanian style.

Main Course

1 hour

Boiled

4 Servings

Ingredients

2 Bone-in, skinless chicken breasts

½ Onion

3 Garlic cloves

½ tablespoon of Ground cumin

1 Bay leaf

2 tablespoons of Olive oil

¼ cup of Chopped onion

¼ cup of Chopped red bell pepper

¼ cup of Chopped green bell pepper

1 cup of Rice

1 tablespoon of Tomato paste

2 ½ cups_plural of Chicken broth

½ teaspoon of Achiote powder

¼ teaspoon of Dried cilantro

½ cup of Green peas

½ cup of Chopped carrots

¼ cup of Green olives

1 pinch of Salt

1 pinch of Pepper

Preparation

Step 1 : In a large pot, place the water with the chicken, onion, garlic, cumin, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.

Step 2 : Bring to a boil over medium heat for approximately 25 minutes or until the chicken is well cooked.

Step 3 : Once cooked, let it cool and separate the chicken from the broth.

Step 4 : Shred the chicken into thick or thin strips according to your preference and reserve the broth for later use when cooking the rice.

Step 5 : In another pot, heat the olive oil and add the onions, bell peppers, and crushed garlic.

Step 6 : Sauté for 5 minutes.

Step 7 : Then add the rice, tomato paste, and achiote, mixing well.

Step 8 : Next, pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer over low heat for 15 minutes.

Step 9 : Afterward, add the green peas, carrots, and olives, and cook for an additional 7 minutes.

Step 10 : Finally, add the shredded chicken and cilantro, mix everything together, and serve.

Traditional Chicken Rice

Chicken rice is the perfect dish for celebrations and family gatherings. Discover all the details of this traditional Panamanian recipe and prepare it easily for your next special occasion.

Main Course

1 hour

Boiled

6 Servings