What to Pair with Arroz Con Pollo: The Best Side Dishes and Complements
Introduction
Arroz Con Pollo is a classic dish featuring tender chicken and seasoned rice. While it’s a satisfying meal on its own, you might wonder what to pair with Arroz Con Pollo to make your meal more complete. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or cooking for family, pairing the right sides with Arroz Con Pollo adds variety and texture to the dish.
From zesty salads to crispy plantains and savory beans, there are many ways to enhance the flavors of Arroz Con Pollo. This guide explores the best sides and accompaniments to create a well-rounded meal that’s sure to impress.
Benefits of Pairing Side Dishes with Arroz Con Pollo
Pairing sides with Arroz Con Pollo has several benefits that make your meal even better:
1. Balances Flavors in Arroz Con Pollo
While Arroz Con Pollo is flavorful, serving it with light sides like a salad or salsa helps balance the richness. Fresh, tangy sides bring contrast to the dish.
2. Adds Texture to Your Arroz Con Pollo Meal
Crispy plantains, crunchy vegetables, or tortillas introduce new textures. These contrast well with the tender chicken and soft rice.
3. Provides Variety with Arroz Con Pollo
A variety of sides adds different flavors and ingredients. This makes the meal more exciting and caters to everyone’s taste preferences.
4. Boosts Nutritional Value in an Arroz Con Pollo Meal
Vegetable-based sides or beans add vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This enhances the nutritional value of your Arroz Con Pollo meal.
What to Pair with Arroz Con Pollo: Delicious Side Dishes
If you’re thinking about what to pair with Arroz Con Pollo, here are some of the best side dishes and complements that can round out your meal:
1. Tostones (Fried Plantains)
One of the best sides for Arroz Con Pollo is tostones—fried slices of green plantains. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Tostones provide a crunchy texture that contrasts well with the chicken and rice.
- Why it works: The savory flavor and crispy texture of tostones pair well with the softer rice and chicken.
2. Black Beans or Refried Beans
Beans are a classic pairing with Arroz Con Pollo. You can serve black beans, refried beans, or pinto beans seasoned with garlic and cumin. The creamy texture of the beans contrasts beautifully with the rice and adds extra protein to the meal.
- Why it works: Beans add earthiness and richness, balancing the savory spices in the dish.
3. Refreshing Avocado Salad
For a lighter, refreshing side, try an avocado salad. Toss sliced avocado with tomatoes, red onions, cilantro, and lime juice for a simple but flavorful salad. It’s a fresh contrast to the richness of the chicken and rice.
- Why it works: The creamy avocado balances the savory flavors, and the lime juice adds brightness to the dish.
4. Corn on the Cob or Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Corn on the cob is naturally sweet and pairs well with Arroz Con Pollo. If you want more flavor, make Mexican street corn (elote). This grilled corn is coated with mayo, chili powder, lime, and cotija cheese.
- Why it works: The sweetness of corn complements the savory chicken and rice, while the spices in elote add an extra layer of flavor.
5. Tortillas or Crusty Bread
Warm tortillas or slices of crusty bread are great for soaking up the flavorful juices from Arroz Con Pollo. This simple addition turns every bite into a savory, satisfying experience.
- Why it works: Tortillas and bread absorb the juices, adding a comforting and hearty element to the meal.
6. Tomato and Onion Salsa (Salsa Criolla) as a Light Pairing for Arroz Con Pollo
A fresh Salsa Criolla, made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice, is a zesty side for Arroz Con Pollo. The salsa adds a fresh burst of flavor that contrasts with the warm, savory chicken and rice.
- Why it works: The acidity of the salsa brightens up the dish, while fresh herbs provide a refreshing contrast.
7. Fried Yuca or Yuca Fries with Arroz Con Pollo
For a starchy side that’s different from potatoes, try fried yuca or yuca fries. Yuca is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, offering a unique texture similar to French fries.
- Why it works: Fried yuca’s crispiness contrasts with the softer elements of Arroz Con Pollo, providing a delicious texture balance.
8. Cilantro Lime Rice to Complement Arroz Con Pollo
Even though Arroz Con Pollo contains rice, a side of cilantro lime rice can add more flavor. The bright citrus from the lime and the freshness of cilantro bring a lighter twist that complements the savory chicken and rice.
- Why it works: The light, tangy flavors of cilantro and lime balance the rich flavors of the main dish.
9. Grilled Vegetables as a Healthy Pairing for Arroz Con Pollo
Grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus bring a smoky flavor that pairs well with the savory chicken. Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil and season with salt and pepper before grilling.
- Why it works: Grilled vegetables add a smoky element that complements the richness of the rice and chicken.
10. Maduros (Sweet Plantains) to Serve with Arroz Con Pollo
For a sweet contrast, try maduros, or sweet fried plantains. These ripe plantains are caramelized in the pan, providing a soft and sweet side that pairs wonderfully with the spiced Arroz Con Pollo.
- Why it works: The sweetness of the plantains contrasts with the savory chicken, creating a delicious balance of flavors.
What to Pair with Arroz Con Pollo: Drinks and Desserts
Now that you have a variety of sides, let’s consider what to pair with Arroz Con Pollo in terms of drinks and desserts to complete the meal:
Best Drinks to Pair with Arroz Con Pollo
- Sangria: A chilled, fruity sangria pairs perfectly with Arroz Con Pollo. Its slight sweetness and acidity complement the savory chicken and rice.
- Agua Fresca: Agua fresca, made with fresh fruit and water, is a refreshing non-alcoholic option. Try watermelon or pineapple agua fresca to cool down the spiciness.
- Margaritas or Mojitos: For a more festive option, serve margaritas or mojitos. The lime and mint in these drinks refresh your palate with each sip.
Desserts to Serve with Arroz Con Pollo
- Flan: A rich flan with caramel sauce is the perfect dessert to follow Arroz Con Pollo. Its creaminess and sweetness create a beautiful contrast.
- Tres Leches Cake: This light, fluffy cake soaked in three types of milk adds a sweet finish to your meal. It’s rich but balanced by the light texture of the cake.
- Churros: Serve warm churros for a crispy dessert dusted with cinnamon sugar. Their crunchy exterior and soft interior make for a delightful end to the meal.
Conclusion
Now that you know what to pair with Arroz Con Pollo, you can create a well-rounded, flavorful meal that’s sure to impress. From savory sides like tostones and beans to refreshing salads and grilled vegetables, these pairings elevate your Arroz Con Pollo and add variety to your table. Don’t forget to pair it with refreshing drinks and a sweet dessert to complete the dining experience!