Easy Cuban Arroz Imperial (Imperial Rice!)

Cuban Arroz Imperial aka Imperial Rice. A classic Cuban comfort food dish made with layers of yellow rice, shredded chicken, mayonnaise, and melted cheese. Perfect for parties, large crowds, and any time of year!

📝 Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 1 small green bell pepper (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can sliced pimentos (4 oz, drained (plus more for garnish, optional))
• 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
• 2 cups uncooked Riceland Long Grain Rice (washed and drained)
• 3 cups water
• 1 chicken bouillon cube
• Pinch of Bijol, annatto or turmeric powder to color the rice
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast ((you can use a rotisserie chicken to save time))
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 small onion (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup chicken stock to deglaze the pan
• 2 cups shredded cheese (Gouda, Cheddar, any melty cheese will work!)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (plain Greek yogurt, or sour cream)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1In a Dutch oven or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, green pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes.
2. 2Add sliced pimentos and tomato sauce. Sauté for 1 minute. Add rice, water, bouillon cube, Bijol and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
3. 3Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until liquid 
is absorbed and rice is tender, about 15 minutes. DO NOT OPEN THE LID. The steam is what cooks the rice. After 15 minutes, remove from heat. Keep the lid on for another 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
4. 4In a skillet, add olive oil, onions, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Sauté onions with spices for 5 minutes at medium-high heat. Add garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute. Add chicken stock to deglaze the pan then add the shredded chicken and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
5. 5Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
6. 6In an 8x8 baking dish, you will begin layering your ingredients. First, start by spreading a thin layer of mayonnaise at the bottom. This will prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the dish.
7. 7Next, add a layer of rice, then a layer of shredded chicken, then a layer of shredded cheese, another layer of rice, a thicker layer of mayonnaise, a layer of shredded chicken, and top it off with a thick layer of shredded cheese.
8. 8Place in the oven for 20-25 minutes to melt the cheese. Garnish with sliced olives and pimentos, if desired. Serve and enjoy!