Arroz Imperial (Imperial Rice) a Miami Style Cuban Yellow Rice & Chicken Casserole | Receta Cubana

ham

🥗Healthier: turkey ham

💰Cheaper: smoked sausage

Turkey ham reduces fat while maintaining flavor.

cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Nutritional yeast adds flavor without dairy.

Start by placing equal parts rice and water into a medium saucepan over high heat along with a pinch of salt and a tablespoon of oil, and add goya sazon seasoning with saffron.

Once the rice comes to a boil, lower the heat to medium.

Sear the chicken over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes per side.

Remove the chicken from the pan and let it stand for 4-5 minutes before pulling it apart with a fork.

Fluff the rice with a fork and add about a cup of mixed vegetables, stirring them into the rice.

Turn off the burner and move the rice away from the heat.

Sauté pre-cut onions and peppers until soft, then add the pulled chicken, 8 ounces of tomato sauce, and equal parts of water.

Add a tablespoon of dried wine vinegar and a tablespoon of tomato paste, and reduce the liquids by half.

Taste for seasoning and then turn off the burner.

Apply butter or cooking spray to an oven-safe dish and layer half of the rice, followed by a layer of mayo, a layer of shredded cheese, and a layer of chicken.

Add another layer of cheese and the rest of the rice, topped with another layer of mayo.

Add ham on top, then bake for about 15-20 minutes at 375 degrees until the cheese is golden brown.

Let it stand for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: