Achiote-Spiced Chicken and Rice with Tomatillo Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs simmered in a vibrant achiote marinade, served over fragrant rice with a bright, tangy tomatillo salsa for perfect balance. This puerto rican-inspired one pot ready in about 65 minutes blends bone-in skin-on chicken thighs, achiote paste, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.9 (10 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 520 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then rub with 1 tbsp achiote paste and 1/2 tsp salt; let rest for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for 3 more minutes; remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the pot, then add 1 finely diced medium onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup long-grain white rice and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, then add 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper; bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Nestle the chicken thighs back into the pot, skin-side up. Cover and reduce heat to low; simmer for 25 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  6. Step 6: While rice cooks, blend 3 chopped tomatillos, 2 tbsp cilantro, and a pinch of salt in a food processor until smooth; adjust consistency with water if needed.
  7. Step 7: Serve chicken and rice topped with tomatillo salsa.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Achiote-Spiced Chicken and Rice with Tomatillo Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Achiote-Spiced Chicken and Rice with Tomatillo Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Achiote-Spiced Chicken and Rice with Tomatillo Salsa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Achiote-Spiced Chicken and Rice with Tomatillo Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Achiote-Spiced Chicken and Rice with Tomatillo Salsa?

Puerto Rican one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes