Arroz Imperial (Cuban Rice Casserole)

Method

1. 1

   For the Chicken: In a large pot, place chicken, onion, garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, sazón with coriander and annatto, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, pepper, bay leaf, and 2 quarts cold water. (Chicken should be submerged 2 inches; add more water if necessary.) Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until chicken is cooked through and an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of breast registers 160°F, about 10 minutes.

2. 2

   Remove from heat. Strain broth and set aside 4 cups broth (store the rest for another use). Using tongs, transfer chicken, onion, and garlic to a large food processor, and add remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Let sit for 10 minutes to let chicken cool slightly. Working in batches if needed, pulse until chicken is shredded very fine and has a texture closer to a loose paste, about 1 minute. Wipe pot clean with kitchen towels or paper towels.

3. 3

   For the Rice: . Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to now-empty pot and heat over medium-low heat until shimmering. Add salt, sazón, garlic powder, and turmeric, and cook until aromatic, about 30 seconds.

4. 4

   Stir in rice and cook until rice is coated with seasoning, about 30 seconds. Add reserved 4 cups broth and tomato sauce, and bring to a boil over high heat, scraping bottom of pan to loosen any brown bits. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice is fully cooked and sticky but liquid it absorbed, about 16 minutes. Remove from heat. Let rice sit for 10 minutes covered, then fluff rice with fork. Stir in shredded chicken and set aside.

5. 5

   Assemble the Arroz Imperial: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Layer half of shredded chicken and rice mixture in a 9x13 baking dish. Using a spatula, spread 1/4 cup of mayonnaise evenly over top, then sprinkle with 1 cup cheese. Repeat with rice mixture, mayonnaise, and cheese, and sprinkle the top layer with a pinch of salt. Arrange pimiento peppers slices (if using) in a spiral in the center of the casserole. Bake until cheese is melted and hot, about 10 minutes. Set broiler to high and broil until cheese is golden brown, 2 to 4 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes before eating. Serve with maduros , if desired.

Nutrition

calories

497 kcal

fatContent

28 g

fiberContent

1 g

sugarContent

1 g

sodiumContent

1133 mg

proteinContent

44 g

cholesterolContent

131 mg

carbohydrateContent

16 g

saturatedFatContent

9 g

unsaturatedFatContent

0 g

Indicative values from the source, for the original recipe.

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