Arroz Atollado: Colombian Chicken & Rice Stew
A hearty Colombian one-pot stew of shredded chicken, rice, and vegetables in a savory broth, thickened to creamy consistency. Rich, comforting, and perfect for feeding a family.
- Total time
- 55 min
- Servings
- 4
- Calories
- 548
- Protein
- 38g

Ingredients
- 1.5 lb chicken breast or thighs, skinless
- 1.5 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 clove garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 5 cups chicken broth
- ¾ cup whole milk or heavy cream
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 to taste salt and black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- 1
Place chicken in a pot with 5 cups broth and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer until cooked through, ~18 minutes.
- 2
Remove chicken to a cutting board. Shred into bite-sized pieces when cool enough to handle. Reserve the cooking broth.
- 3
Heat olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook, stirring, until softened, ~4 minutes.
- 4
Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant, ~45 seconds. Do not let it brown.
- 5
Add diced carrot and potato. Stir and cook uncovered for 3 minutes to build flavor.
- 6
Add the rice and stir to coat with oil, cooking for 1 minute until it becomes translucent at the edges.
- 7
Pour in the reserved chicken broth. Stir once and bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- 8
Cover and simmer until rice is tender and vegetables are cooked through, ~15 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- 9
Stir in shredded chicken, butter, and milk. Heat through on medium-low for 2 minutes until creamy.
- 10
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Stir in fresh cilantro.
- 11
Serve hot in bowls. The consistency should be thick and creamy, not soupy.
Tools you’ll need
- large heavy-bottomed pot with lid
- cutting board
- sharp knife
- wooden spoon
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
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