Arroz Con Pollo (Chicken with Rice)

Prep Time:  25 minutes               Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Number of Servings: 4

Ingredients: 

1 pound (450 g) skinless, boneless chicken thighs (about 6-8 thighs)
Smoked Spanish paprika, kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoons (15 mL) olive oil

2 tablespoons (30 mL) olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped medium dice
2-3 garlic cloves, minced or finely grated
¾ cup (185 mL) long grain brown or white rice

1 can (796 mL/28 fl oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 ½-2 cups (375-500 mL) chicken broth
1 small can (127 mL) chopped mild green chili peppers
1 teaspoon (5 mL) dried oregano
1 teaspoon (5 mL) sweet paprika
½ teaspoon (2.5 mL) smoked hot paprika

1 teaspoon (5 mL) Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon (1.5 mL) saffron threads
1 ½ cups (375 mL) fresh or frozen peas or corn
¼ cup (60 mL) chopped fresh cilantro

Method:

1. Coat the chicken thighs with some paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken to the hot oil and brown for 3-4 minutes; flip to the other side and continue to sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside as you prepare the rice.
3. Reduce the heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the sauté pan. Saute chopped onion until soft and fragrant – 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and the rice to the pan, and slowly sauté until very lightly toasted (2-3 minutes). Be careful not to burn the rice.
4. Add tomatoes, broth, green chili peppers, oregano and paprika. Slowly bring the mixture to a low simmer. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add the chicken thighs, and any accumulated juices, to the pan. Cover, and continue to cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed the broth and the chicken is fully cooked. Stir occasionally.
6. Steep the saffron in a little hot water (5 minutes), and add to the chicken-rice mixture. Stir in peas or corn and the chopped cilantro.
7. Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until heated through. Add more chicken broth if necessary.
8. Adjust seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or paprika if necessary.