Arroz con Pollo

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Recipe by: Chef John V.
Description: A classic Spanish preparation. This recipe's roots are from Cuba so the capers are optional. In Spain you would find the capers in the dish.
Serving size: 4
Preparation time: about 1 hour

Amount/Measure/Ingredient:

1-3 pound chicken, cut into wings with tips removed, breasts, thighs, drumsticks, (8 pieces); washed and patted dry
1 tsp. salt
¼ cup olive oil
1 cup onion chopped fine
2 tsp. garlic, chopped fine
½ cup green pepper, chopped fine
½ cup red bell pepper, chopped fine
½ piece bay leaf
1 sprig fresh thyme or ½ tsp. dried
2 tsp. dried oregano
¾ cup fresh tomato, peeled seeded and diced
2 cups short grain rice, Valencia or (Italian Arborio or Japanese sushi rice)
2 cups chicken stock
1 tsp. salt
½ tsp. fresh ground black pepper
24 green pimento stuffed olives 2 tsp. whole capers, the smaller the better (optional)
1 cup frozen green peas
2 Tbsp. parsley, fresh chopped

Preparation:

In a heavy bottom pan heat the oil until it very hot but not smoking. Dip the chicken pieces in the flour seasoned with 1 tsp. salt and shake off any excess. Fry the chicken over medium heat until golden on all sides, about 20 minutes removing the smaller cooked pieces as they become browned. Then remove the remaining from the pan and keep warm. Add the onions, garlic, green and red pepper, bay leaf, thyme and oregano; sauté 6-7 minutes, until tender and the onions are translucent. Add the tomato, rice, chicken stock, salt, pepper, olives, optional capers and the browned chicken, stir and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer covered for 25 minutes. Remove the cover, taste it and add more salt if needed, then sprinkle on the peas stirring them in. Cover again for 5 minutes. To serve place in a large bowl, arrange the chicken pieces on top of the rice and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.