Arroz con Pollo

In a large pan, heat a small amount of vegetable oil/lard over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for approximately eight minutes per side or until chicken pieces are golden brown. Cover and simmer an additional ten minutes.

Chicken will not be thoroughly cooked, however transfer chicken pieces to a plate covered in paper towels to absorb excess oil. **You can also use a deli rotisserie cooked chicken.

Meanwhile, in same pan that has been drained of fat except one tablespoon, add onions, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until onions have turned translucent.

Add rice all at once. Bring heat to medium high. Using a spatula, coat all of rice with fat and cook until golden brown.

Once rice has turned golden brown add hot water, tomatoes, cumin, and cilantro, if desired. Top with chicken pieces.

Allow juices to come to a boil and then cover pan with tight fitting lid (or heat resistant plate) and turn heat to low. Cook twenty to twenty-five minutes, or until all juices are absorbed.

Serve with hot fresh tortillas and your favorite beverage.