Spanish Pollo con Arroz
Pollo con Arroz, which translates to 'chicken with rice,' is a beloved and hearty one-pot comfort food staple found throughout Spain and many Latin American countries. The dish typically features chicken pieces cooked with rice, saffron or paprika for color and flavor, onions, garlic, and a variety of vegetables like peas, bell peppers, or tomatoes. Its roots are deeply Mediterranean, with strong influences from Moorish cuisine that introduced rice and saffron to the Iberian Peninsula.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a well-balanced meal, providing a good source of protein from the chicken and complex carbohydrates from the rice. It can be moderate in fat depending on the cooking method and cuts of chicken used, and it offers key nutrients like B vitamins, iron, and selenium. A typical serving generally falls within the 500-700 calorie range.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbs | 52 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
| Potassium | 420 mg |
| Iron | 2.8 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.6 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 12 mg |
| Phosphorus | 310 mg |
| Selenium | 24 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 8 mg |
| Magnesium | 45 mg |
Per 1 plate (350 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, Pollo con Arroz is a perfect example of the culinary exchange between Europe, Africa, and the Americas, as it evolved with the introduction of New World ingredients like tomatoes and peppers. Nutritionally, the combination of rice and chicken creates a complete protein profile, making it a satisfying and efficient meal for sustenance.
