Kid Friendly Arroz Con Pollo (GF)

Here's a dish that your little cowpokes will love.  This is the "mac n' cheese" of the Spanish/Latino world--their comfort food.  My version is mild and nourishing, with brown rice, carrots and tender pieces of chicken.  Maybe it will replace mac n' cheese in your home too.

Arroz Con Pollo is spanish for chicken with rice. Don't be afraid to make substitutions.  I recommend white rice, but I was out and used short brown rice this time.  My kids still loved it and wanted seconds.

GLUTEN-FREE, KID FRIENDLY ARROZ CON POLLO

Ingredients:

6 chicken thighs

2 Cups white rice (or brown--doesn't matter)

8 Cup water

1 Cup chopped carrots

1 tsp. salt.

1 tsp. onion powder

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. chili powder

Pinch of parsley flakes

Directions:

Place the chicken thighs in a large cooking pan and fill with enough water to cover them--slightly floating is okay.  Add the salt, bring to a boil, then simmer for one hour or until falling apart.  Remove chicken thighs to cool on a plate.  Debone the chicken, lightly tear it into pieces. 

Wash the rice thoroughly and pour it into the chicken broth.  Add the onion, garlic and chili powder and parsley flakes--as well as the carrots and chicken pieces.  Make sure that the water level rises above your rice by about one inch and you should be okay.  Simmer for another 20 minutes and check the water level, just in case.  Cook until rice is done and water is absorbed.

Makes about 5 servings.