12ouncesLight bodied beer (do not use an IPA, too bitter) split into 8 oz and 4 oz
2tablespoonsLime juice, fresh preferredfrom 1 large or 2 small limes
6ouncesSweet peas (petit pois) drained, reserve peas and liquid separately
1 cupLong grain white rice jasmine or basmati preferred
1pinchSaffronoptional
Instructions
Lightly season chicken with pepper. Heat a large pot over high heat until hot. Add olive oil to pot and swirl to coat bottom. Add the chicken pieces, (skin side down if using bone-in.) Brown about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally or turning whole pieces after 4 minutes.
Add chicken broth, 8 ounces beer (or additional chicken broth), lime juice, liquid from peas, rice, and saffron if using, to stockpot. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to lowest setting; cover and simmer 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes.
Turn off heat. Add remaining 4 ounces of beer (or chicken stock) and drained peas. Stir well to combine, cover and let stand 8 to 10 minutes.Add salt and pepper to taste. If large, cut bone-in chicken pieces in half. For a typical Cuban presentation, serve Arroz con Pollo topped with roasted red pepper strips and asparagus.