Locrio de Pollo is a rich and hearty Dominican rice dish that perfectly combines marinated chicken with vibrant vegetables and aromatic spices. This flavorful meal is packed with tender chicken, savory rice, and sweet vegetables like kabocha squash and carrots. Whether you’re looking to impress your family or just craving a comforting dish, Locrio de Pollo is a delicious and satisfying option.

Locrio de Pollo the Comforting Dominican Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Locrio de Pollo brings together all the elements of a great meal: tender chicken, deliciously seasoned rice, and a vibrant mix of vegetables. The combination of fresh herbs, sour orange juice, and smoked paprika creates a balance of savory, tangy, and subtly sweet flavors that make this dish stand out. It’s a comforting and satisfying one-pan meal that can easily become a family favorite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Marinade:

4 pieces Chicken Thighs and Drumsticks
1 tablespoon Loisa Sal Marina (or any sea salt)
1 tablespoon Loisa Organic Adobo
1 teaspoon Loisa Organic Oregano
1 teaspoon Loisa Organic Smoked Paprika
1 teaspoon Loisa Organic Sazón
1 bunch Fresh Culantro and Cilantro (substitute with parsley if needed)
½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper

For the Vegetables and Base:

1 medium Bell Pepper, chopped
1 medium Red Onion, chopped
1 stalk Celery, chopped
3 cloves Garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Capers
½ cup Pitted Green Olives
2 tablespoons Lime Juice
¼ cup Sour Orange Juice (or extra lime juice if unavailable)
2 tablespoons Avocado Oil

For the Dish:

1 tablespoon Coconut Sugar (optional)
1 cup Auyama (Kabocha Squash), chopped (substitute with pumpkin or sweet potato)
1 medium Carrot, chopped
1 cup Tomato Sauce
2 cups Rice (long-grain preferred)
3 cups Organic Chicken Broth

Directions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine chicken thighs and drumsticks with salt, oregano, adobo, sazón, smoked paprika, cilantro, culantro, black pepper, bell pepper, red onion, celery, garlic, capers, olives, sour orange juice, and lime juice. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
Sauté the Chicken: In a cast iron pan, heat avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add coconut sugar and cook for about 30 seconds until the oil is lightly caramelized. Add the marinated chicken to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes to get a golden color, while reserving the vegetables and herbs for later.
Make the Sofrito Base: Stir in the sofrito (vegetables) and the reserved ingredients like auyama and tomato sauce. Mix well to combine and cook for 3-5 minutes.
Cook the Rice: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Stir in the rice and lower the heat. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and cook for 15 minutes.
Steam the Rice: After 15 minutes, uncover the pan, fluff the rice gently with a fork, then cover again and let it steam for an additional 5 minutes until the rice is tender.
Serve: Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of lime juice for extra flavor. Serve hot with sliced avocado or crispy tostones on the side.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Variations

Chicken Substitutes: You can swap out the chicken thighs and drumsticks for chicken breast or even use pork or beef for a different flavor profile.
Rice Alternatives: If you’re looking for a healthier version, substitute the white rice with brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and protein.
Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or corn to make the dish more colorful and nutrient-dense.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Leftover Locrio de Pollo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore the moisture.

FAQs

1. Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes, marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavor and make the meat even more tender.

2. Can I make Locrio de Pollo without sour orange juice?

If you can’t find sour orange juice, you can substitute with a mixture of lime and orange juice for a similar tangy flavor.

3. Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can use any long-grain rice, though jasmine rice or basmati rice are good alternatives if you prefer a different aroma.

4. Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as it does not include any gluten-containing ingredients.

5. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with tofu or other plant-based protein sources, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Conclusion

Locrio de Pollo is a comforting and flavorful Dominican dish that’s perfect for a cozy family meal. With marinated chicken, tender rice, and vibrant vegetables, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. Plus, it’s versatile enough to make it your own with various ingredients and seasonings. Serve it up with crispy tostones or avocado for the ultimate meal experience!