Easy Instant Pot Cuban Arroz Con Pollo

Authentic Cuban Arroz con Pollo in Your Instant Pot: A Quick & Flavorful Weeknight Meal

Forget the myth that exceptional flavor demands hours in the kitchen or a gourmet chef’s touch. Cuban Arroz con Pollo, a dish deeply rooted in rich culinary tradition, stands as a vibrant testament to the power of simple, soulful cooking. This beloved classic transforms a handful of humble pantry staples into a meal that is both profoundly comforting and incredibly exciting. It’s a vibrant tapestry of textures and tastes, featuring tender chicken, savory rice, and a medley of colorful vegetables, all infused with the distinctive warmth of Cuban spices and a touch of a chef’s secret ingredient: passion.

Traditionally, preparing Arroz con Pollo involves a meticulous process: succulent chicken pieces, carefully seasoned with aromatic garlic, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper, are first seared to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust before being temporarily set aside. The pot then becomes the stage for an aromatic dance, as finely diced onions, vibrant red bell peppers, zesty scallions, and sweet carrots are sautéed to create a fragrant and flavorful base – the heart of any great Cuban dish. Rinsed long-grain white rice is then introduced, followed by the triumphant return of the seared chicken. Finally, rich chicken broth is poured in, and the entire concoction simmers slowly to perfection, much like preparing regular rice, but with far greater depth of flavor thanks to the accumulated fond and aromatic vegetables.

However, in today’s fast-paced world, where every minute counts, time is a precious commodity. That’s where the modern kitchen hero, the Instant Pot, steps in to revolutionize your cooking experience. This revolutionary appliance allows you to prepare this classic Cuban masterpiece with astonishing speed and efficiency, all without compromising an ounce of its authentic, rich flavor. The Instant Pot streamlines the entire cooking process, taking it from a multi-step, time-consuming affair to a simple, one-pot wonder, making weeknight dinners not just possible, but genuinely enjoyable and stress-free.

Cuban Instant Pot Chicken and Rice served in a plate
A perfectly plated serving of Cuban Instant Pot Chicken and Rice, garnished and ready to savor.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Arroz con Pollo Recipe

This Instant Pot version of Cuban Arroz con Pollo isn’t just a shortcut; it’s a smart, efficient, and incredibly flavorful way to bring a taste of authentic Cuba to your table with minimal fuss and maximum impact. Here are compelling reasons why this recipe should become a cherished staple in your culinary repertoire:

  • A Complete and Balanced Meal: This isn’t just a side dish or a light snack; it’s a hearty, satisfying, and nutritionally balanced meal all on its own. It offers a perfect blend of lean protein from the chicken, complex carbohydrates from the fluffy rice, and a generous array of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the colorful medley of vegetables like sweet carrots, vibrant bell peppers, and tender peas. You get all your macros and micronutrients in one delicious, easy-to-prepare bowl, making it an excellent choice for family dinners.
  • Incredible Time-Saving Solution: The Instant Pot truly shines in transforming traditional recipes that typically require multiple pots and a longer cooking time into a quick and efficient one-pot marvel. The ‘sauté’ function allows you to perfectly brown your chicken and aromatics, while the ‘pressure cook’ function cooks the rice and chicken to perfection in mere minutes. This significantly reduces active cooking time and, crucially, minimizes cleanup, leaving you with more precious time to relax, enjoy your meal, and spend less time scrubbing dishes.
  • Authentic Cuban Flavor Made Effortlessly: Despite its remarkable speed and simplicity, this recipe proudly doesn’t sacrifice authenticity. The careful layering of flavors – from the deeply seasoned chicken to the rich and aromatic sofrito base and the savory chicken broth – creates a deep, complex taste profile that is unmistakably Cuban. The Instant Pot’s sealed environment locks in moisture and flavor, ensuring every single grain of rice and every succulent piece of chicken is thoroughly infused with irresistible deliciousness.
  • Perfect for Busy Weeknights and Efficient Meal Prep: With a total preparation and cooking time of just 30 minutes, this dish is an unparalleled solution for those hectic weeknights when you need a quick, yet wholesome and satisfying dinner without resorting to takeout. Furthermore, it’s an excellent candidate for meal prepping; leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container and taste just as good, if not better, the next day, making healthy and flavorful eating convenient throughout your busy week.

Quick Glance: Prep & Cook Times for Your Convenience

Preparation time: 15 minutes – This includes all the chopping of vegetables, mincing garlic, and seasoning the chicken. It’s an active but quick process.

Cooking time: 15 minutes – This is mostly hands-off cooking within the Instant Pot, allowing you to multitask or simply relax.

Total Time: 30 minutes – From start to a delicious finish!

Yield: 4 incredibly satisfying servings, perfect for a family meal or multiple meal prep portions.

Weight Watchers Points: A lean and healthy 6 WW Points Per serving – making it a fantastic healthy option for those counting points.

Essential Ingredients for Your Delicious Cuban Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

The inherent beauty of Arroz con Pollo lies not only in its rich flavors but also in its accessible ingredients, most of which are likely already familiar staples in your pantry. Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need to gather to create this vibrant and flavorful dish:

Cuban Rice Ingredients
A colorful array of fresh, essential ingredients for an authentic Cuban Arroz con Pollo.
  • 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts, cut into thin slices – Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts keeps this dish incredibly lean and healthy. Cutting them into thin slices ensures quick and even cooking, and allows for better integration throughout the rice mixture.
  • Salt and pepper to taste – These are the fundamental seasonings that truly bring out the natural flavors of all the components. Don’t be shy, especially when seasoning the chicken!
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) olive oil – A small amount is used for sautéing the chicken and vegetables, adding a subtle, healthy richness to the base of the dish.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced – A cornerstone and an absolute must in Cuban cuisine, garlic provides an irreplaceable aromatic foundation and pungent flavor.
  • 1 (110 g) onion, diced – Another crucial aromatic vegetable, the diced onion contributes sweetness and significant depth to the essential sofrito base.
  • 1 red bell pepper (100 g), diced – This vibrant bell pepper contributes natural sweetness, a lovely pop of color, and that essential bell pepper flavor that defines the dish.
  • 2 (150 g) carrots, diced – Adding natural sweetness, a vibrant orange hue, and additional nutritional value, carrots are a welcome addition.
  • ½ cup (75 g) peas – A classic and delightful addition for a burst of color, a tender texture, and a touch of sweetness. Frozen peas work perfectly and require no thawing.
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) tomato paste – This concentrated ingredient intensifies the savory notes, adds umami, and helps give the rice its characteristic reddish-orange color.
  • 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth – This liquid forms the flavorful base for cooking the rice and infusing the entire dish with savory chicken essence. Opt for low-sodium chicken broth if you are monitoring your salt intake.
  • 1 cup (185 g) long-grain white rice, thoroughly rinsed – Rinsing the rice is a crucial step that removes excess starch, which helps prevent the rice from becoming too sticky and ensures a perfectly fluffy texture. Long-grain rice is ideal for this dish.
  • Optional: 1 celery stalk, chopped, and 2 tablespoons chopped scallions – Adding celery contributes another layer of aromatic complexity and crunch, while fresh scallions are perfect for a vibrant, fresh garnish before serving.

For Serving:

  • Fresh cilantro or extra chopped scallions – For a vibrant, aromatic, and fresh finish that truly brightens the entire dish and adds a pop of color.
  • Lime wedges – A generous squeeze of fresh lime juice just before eating can dramatically elevate all the flavors, adding a zesty tang and brightness.

Step-by-Step Instant Pot Arroz con Pollo Instructions

Creating a delicious and authentic Cuban Arroz con Pollo in your Instant Pot is simpler than you think. Follow these clear and detailed steps to achieve a perfect meal every time:

  1. Season the Chicken: Begin by generously seasoning your thinly sliced chicken breasts with a good amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences. Ensure each piece is well coated to build maximum flavor from the very first step.
  2. Sauté Chicken in instant pot
    Searing chicken slices in the Instant Pot to develop a rich, golden-brown crust and deep flavor.
  3. Sauté the Chicken: Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode on normal heat. Allow the pot to heat up for a minute, then add the olive oil. Carefully place the seasoned chicken slices into the hot pot in a single layer. You might need to work in two batches to avoid overcrowding, which can steam the chicken instead of browning it. Cook until beautifully browned on both sides, typically 3-4 minutes per side. This browning step is absolutely crucial for developing deep, savory flavors. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a clean plate.
  4. Sauté all vegetables in instant pot
    Sautéing the vibrant aromatic vegetables to form the essential sofrito base for the dish.
  5. Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables: Using the residual oil and delicious browned bits (fond) left in the same pot from the chicken, add the minced garlic, diced onion, diced red bell pepper, diced carrot, and peas. If you’re opting to use them, now is the perfect time to add the optional chopped celery and scallions. Sauté these vegetables, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until they begin to soften and become wonderfully fragrant, usually another 3-4 minutes. This process creates the essential “sofrito” base, which is the flavor foundation of your Arroz con Pollo.
  6. Tomato Paste and Chicken Broth added to instant pot
    Incorporating rich tomato paste and savory chicken broth into the sautéed aromatic mixture.
  7. Incorporate Tomato Paste and Broth: Stir the tomato paste into the sautéed vegetables until it’s well incorporated and has coated everything. Allow it to cook for about a minute to deepen its flavor. Pour in the chicken broth. Use a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula to vigorously scrape up any delicious browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pot. This crucial step, known as deglazing, not only adds immense flavor to your dish but also prevents a “burn” notice from appearing on your Instant Pot.
  8. Rice and Chicken added to instant pot with vegetables
    Gently combining the rinsed rice and browned chicken with the flavorful vegetable and broth mixture.
  9. Add Rice and Chicken: Add the thoroughly rinsed, uncooked long-grain white rice to the pot and stir gently, just enough to combine it with the vegetable and broth mixture, ensuring the rice is mostly submerged. Evenly return the browned chicken slices to the pot, nestling them into the rice mixture so they are surrounded by the liquid. It’s important to avoid stirring too much after adding the rice, as this can release excess starch and result in a gummy texture.
  10. Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the sealing ring is properly in place and the steam release valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode (depending on your Instant Pot model) and set the cooking time to 8 minutes on high pressure.
  11. Natural Pressure Release: Once the 8-minute pressure cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. This crucial step is vital as it allows the rice to finish cooking perfectly, absorb the remaining moisture, and become wonderfully fluffy. After 10 minutes, carefully perform a quick release by turning the steam release valve to the “Venting” position (use a kitchen towel or oven mitt to protect your hand) until all remaining pressure is released and the float valve drops completely.
  12. Cuban Instant Pot Chicken and Rice served in two plates
    Two delectable servings of freshly prepared Cuban Instant Pot Chicken and Rice, artfully presented.
  13. Fluff and Serve: Carefully open the lid, taking care to avoid any residual steam. Gently fluff the chicken, rice, and vegetable mixture with a fork to combine everything evenly and separate the rice grains. Serve your homemade Cuban Instant Pot Chicken and Rice hot. Garnish generously with fresh chopped scallions or cilantro for a burst of freshness and color, and consider adding a lime wedge for an extra tangy finish. Enjoy this wholesome, incredibly flavorful, and easy-to-make meal!
  14. Storage: Any delightful leftovers can be safely stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it a perfect dish for meal prepping and enjoying flavorful lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Creative Variations and Smart Substitutions to Customize Your Arroz con Pollo

While this recipe delivers a wonderfully authentic flavor, there’s always room to personalize your Arroz con Pollo to perfectly suit your taste preferences, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. Here are some fantastic ideas to experiment with and make the dish truly your own:

  • Adding Tangy Briny Notes: For an extra layer of authentic Latin American flavor and a delightful textural contrast, consider incorporating ½ cup of pitted green olives (either sliced or whole) and 1 tablespoon of capers along with the chicken broth. These ingredients introduce a wonderful briny, tangy, and slightly salty dimension to the dish. If you choose to incorporate them, remember to taste the dish carefully before adding extra salt, as olives and capers are naturally quite salty.
  • Exploring Different Chicken Cuts: Traditionally, Cuban Arroz con Pollo often features various chicken pieces with bones, such as chicken thighs and drumsticks. These cuts tend to lend a richer, more robust flavor to the broth and a juicier texture to the meat due to their higher fat content. If you prefer to use them, you might need to adjust the pressure cooking time slightly (add 2-3 minutes) and ensure they are well-browned for optimal flavor. However, if you’re mindful of calories or closely following Weight Watchers points, opting for boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or even chicken cutlets) as specified in this recipe is an excellent choice for a leaner and equally delicious meal.
  • Marinating for Enhanced Flavor: To infuse your chicken with even more depth, tenderness, and a bright tanginess, marinate the thin chicken slices for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for maximum effect) before cooking. A simple yet effective marinade can be made from fresh orange juice or lime juice, minced garlic, a pinch of ground cumin, and a dash of dried oregano. This not only tenderizes the chicken but also adds a bright, zesty note that complements the savory rice perfectly.
  • Adding a Crunchy Texture: For an unexpected yet delightful addition of crunch and richness, consider sprinkling toasted nuts over the finished dish just before serving. Sliced almonds, chopped cashews, or crushed peanuts can add a wonderful textural contrast and a subtle nutty aroma that elevates the entire dining experience, making it more gourmet.
  • Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat and a vibrant kick in your meals, a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or a finely diced jalapeño (added with the other aromatics during sautéing) can provide a pleasant and invigorating warmth to the dish.
  • Boost the Vegetables: Feel free to customize the vegetable mix! Other quick-cooking vegetables like corn kernels, diced zucchini, chopped green beans, or even a handful of spinach can be added during the sautéing stage or stirred in at the end to increase the nutritional value, color, and variety of textures in your Arroz con Pollo.
  • Tomato Options: If you don’t have tomato paste, you can use a small amount of crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce, though you might need to adjust the liquid slightly to maintain the correct rice-to-liquid ratio.

Expert Tips for a Perfect Instant Pot Arroz con Pollo Every Time

Achieving a restaurant-quality Arroz con Pollo right in your own kitchen is entirely within reach, especially with the convenience of your Instant Pot and these tried-and-true expert tips:

  • Embrace the One-Pot Wonder: The Instant Pot truly shines as a versatile, multi-functional kitchen appliance. Fully utilize its ‘Sauté’ mode not just for browning your chicken until it’s beautifully golden, but also for softening your aromatic vegetables. This initial browning and sautéing step is absolutely critical for building a foundational layer of deep, complex flavor that is essential to the dish’s success. As you pour in the broth and add the rice, all the delicious flavors meld together beautifully within a single pot, leading to less cleanup and maximum taste infusion in every bite.
  • The Unsung Hero: Quality Broth: The chicken broth is often the unsung hero of Arroz con Pollo, providing the primary cooking liquid and much of the savory depth that makes the dish so satisfying. For the absolute richest and most authentic flavor, consider making and using homemade chicken broth if possible. Its superior quality will undeniably elevate the entire dish. If homemade isn’t an option, invest in a high-quality store-bought chicken broth, preferably a low-sodium variety so you have full control over the seasoning and can adjust salt levels to your preference. As a last resort, if you’re truly in a pinch, dehydrated bouillon cubes mixed with water can be used, but be very mindful of their often high salt content.
  • Perfectly Fluffy Rice Every Time: After the pressure cooking cycle is complete and you’ve performed the natural release, resist the urge to immediately stir the rice. Instead, for exceptionally fluffy and tender rice that doesn’t clump, you can employ a trick used in traditional rice cooking: before the quick release, when the rice is nearly cooked, gently place a clean, damp kitchen towel directly over the Instant Pot’s inner pot for a few minutes (under the lid, or if you’ve already opened, just resting over the rice). This helps trap any lingering steam and moisture, allowing the rice grains to hydrate fully and separate beautifully. Then, gently fluff with a fork.
  • Fresh Herbs for a Vibrant Finish: Fresh herbs are far more than just a garnish; they add an invigorating burst of freshness, aroma, and color that can truly elevate your Cuban Instant Pot Chicken and Rice from good to extraordinary. Just before serving, generously stir in a handful of freshly chopped cilantro or parsley. Their bright, herbaceous notes provide a wonderful contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the dish, making each bite even more enjoyable and visually appealing.
  • Deglaze Properly for Flavor: After sautéing the chicken and vegetables, it’s crucial to thoroughly scrape all the browned bits (known as fond) from the bottom of the Instant Pot liner when you add the broth. This step, called deglazing, is not only essential for adding incredible depth of flavor to your dish but also vital for preventing the Instant Pot from displaying a “burn” message, which can halt your cooking process.
  • Don’t Overstir the Rice: Once you add the rinsed rice to the pot, stir it just enough to combine it with the liquid and vegetables. Overstirring can release too much starch from the rice grains, which can lead to a gummy or sticky texture in the finished dish. A light, gentle stir is all that’s needed.

Weight Watchers Friendly Meal: Understanding the Points Breakdown

One of the truly fantastic aspects of this Cuban Instant Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is its remarkable suitability for individuals following the Weight Watchers program or simply those looking for a healthy, balanced, and incredibly flavorful meal. At just 6 WW Points per serving, it’s a guilt-free pleasure packed with both flavor and robust nutrition. Here’s a transparent breakdown of how the individual ingredients contribute to its appealingly low point value, helping you understand the healthy choices within this dish:

  • Uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breast: 0 points (a superb source of lean protein, making it a Weight Watchers powerhouse!)
  • Carrots: 0 points (nutrient-dense, naturally sweet, and incredibly versatile)
  • Table salt: 0 points (adds flavor without adding points)
  • Cooked green peas: 0 points (small but mighty for fiber, vitamins, and a pop of sweetness)
  • Tomato paste: 1 point (provides concentrated umami flavor and color without many calories)
  • Olive oil: 1 point (healthy monounsaturated fats, used sparingly for essential flavor and sautéing)
  • Chicken broth: 1 point (the flavorful liquid base that infuses the entire dish)
  • Garlic: 0 points (the ultimate flavor hero in almost any cuisine!)
  • Uncooked white rice: 20 points (this is the primary carbohydrate component, carefully portioned for balance)
  • Onion: 0 points (another essential zero-point flavor builder that forms the aromatic foundation)
  • Red bell pepper: 0 points (contributes vibrant color, vitamins, and a sweet crunch, all for zero points)

By consciously focusing on lean chicken breast as the protein source and incorporating a plethora of zero-point vegetables, this recipe thoughtfully allows you to enjoy a substantial, incredibly flavorful, and satisfying meal without derailing your health or Weight Watchers goals. The carefully calculated points ensure you can savor every delicious bite with confidence, knowing you’re making a smart and healthy choice.

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Cuban Instant Pot Chicken and Rice:

Servings: 4 people
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 30 minutes

Cuban Instant Pot Chicken and Rice served in two plates
Cuban rice is a celebration of Latin American resourcefulness and a reminder that the best meals often come from the heart.

Ingredients 

  • 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts, cut into thin slices
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (110 g.) onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper (100 g.), diced
  • 2 (150 g.) carrots, diced
  • ½ cup (75 g) peas
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) tomato paste
  • 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (185 g) long-grain white rice
  • Optional: 1 celery stalk, chopped, and 2 tablespoons chopped scallions
  • For Serving:
  • Cooked white rice
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Instructions 

  • Season the Chicken: Season the chicken slices with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
  • Sauté Chicken: Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and heat olive oil. Add the seasoned chicken slices to the pot and cook until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
  • Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add minced garlic, diced onion, diced red bell pepper, diced carrot, peas, and optional celery and scallions. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add Tomato Paste and Chicken Broth: Stir in the tomato paste until it’s well incorporated with the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  • Add Rice and Chicken: Add the uncooked white rice to the pot and stir to combine with the vegetable mixture. Return the browned chicken slices to the pot and nestle them into the rice mixture.
  • Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid. Set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode on high pressure for 8 minutes.
  • Natural Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before performing a quick release.
  • Serve: Open the lid carefully and stir the chicken, rice, and vegetable mixture. Serve the Chicken Cuban Rice hot, garnished with chopped scallions or fresh cilantro, if desired. Enjoy!
  • Note: Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

With 6 WW points

Nutrition

Serving: 395gCalories: 369kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 31gFat: 3.4gSaturated Fat: 0.7gCholesterol: 82mgSodium: 726mgPotassium: 619mgFiber: 3.3gSugar: 4.7gCalcium: 34mgIron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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