Dominican Rice and Chicken (Locrio de Pollo)

Locrio de Pollo is a traditional Dominican rice and chicken dish. The country’s most popular dish is a classic, flavorful, and moist one-pot favorite. This dish is for you, if you want a taste from the Dominican Republic. It’s a comforting, delish, and juicy dish you’ll be obsessed with.

You might wonder why I am talking about Dominican dishes in general so passionately, especially in a Hungarian-focused food blog. In case you don’t know, my husband is Dominican, so my family’s diet heavily includes Dominican food.

I like to introduce to my readers my family’s favorites, including Dominican food. We are a mixed family, and I am proud of that. But let’s go back to the recipe…

Locrio de Pollo is a rich and flavourous chicken and rice dish, that includes vegetables, different spices, and herbs that make a delicious fancy lunch. This was the first Dominican rice dish I learned from my mother-in-law because of the obsession it caused.

Growing up I wasn’t a rice fan in general, but that changed quickly after tasting this authentic Dominican dish… and one thing I am sure about is that you will love it too.

There are a few versions of this recipe, where mostly just the protein changes. I recommend trying the Locrio De Salami where the salami will give an extra smoky taste to the dish. For a vegetarian option, you can try the Locrio de Berenjena (Rice with Eggplant). It’s meatless but retains the spirit and flavors of the original one.

To master a traditional dish from a different culture it takes time. It took me a few years. I had everything written down, exactly how my mother-in-law told me, but still, for a long time mine was just different. But now, I am telling a different story, because I am proud to say that I mastered this dish.

Traditional Rice and Chicken

Locrio De Pollo vs. Arroz Con Pollo. There are a lot of questions about what is the difference between these two dishes. Nothing. The “Locrio” word is unique and originates from the Dominican Republic. Other countries call it simply “Arroz con Pollo”(Rice with Chicken). But the dish is the same.

Multiple Variations. This dish is versatile, and you can make it with any protein you have at the moment. The most popular one is the chicken version, but salami, sausage, shrimp, pork, or smoked herring, are all popular variations in the country.

What To Serve With. A classic addition to a locrio meal can be Tostones, Dominican Salad (Ensalada Verde), or simply just some creamy Avocados. Oh my. This… is a traditional full lunch. Simple, easy to make and you get a delicious finger-licking meal.

Sofrito. This ingredient is one of the most important in our dish. Not every version uses this, but I like to add it to make the rice and chicken dish more aromatic with fresh ingredients. You can buy it in any supermarket or you can make it yourself at home. I always make it myself, right before I use it. It’s easy and ready in 1 minute.

Ingredients for the Locrio De Pollo

The Dominican culture is known for its well-seasoned dishes. They use quite a few, but all are easy ingredients, you might already have.

• Chicken Pieces – You add any type of chicken pieces. Drumsticks, thighs, or breasts are all popular ones. Use what you have already.
• Sofrito – Is pretty much our marinade. You can buy it in the supermarket (usually in the international section) or you can make it yourself. I prefer making it myself. It’s easy and ready just in a minute. What do you need for the sofrito? Add all these ingredients to the blender and mix them together, until you get a saucy mixture.
  • 1/2 white onion
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • 1/2 green bell pepper or yellow bell pepper
  • a handful of cilantro
  • 1 lime (its juice)
  • 1 tablespoon of oregano
  • 1/2 cup of olive oil
  • 1 chicken bouillon cube or 1 packet of Sazon con Azafran (GOYA). I prefer the latter one.
  • 1/2 water
• Salt and Black Pepper – for seasoning
• Oregano
• Goya Seasoning (Sazon Con Azafran) – I love this ingredient. I use this for a lot of rice dishes, including Locrio. I use this for coloring, which will give a slightly yellow color to the rice.
• Chicken Bouillon – It’s a necessity. Make sure when you add it to the pot, grind it into powder with your finger. This is key to using bouillon. Why? The seasoning will season the dish everywhere equally.
• Onion and Garlic Powder
• Green Bell Pepper –
• Green Olive – I like to use its juice too. Gives a more intense flavor to the dish.
• Vegetable oil
• Sugar – it will give a nice golden-brown color to our chickens. Important to note, that it will not give any sweetness to the dish.
• Long-Grain White Rice

There are easy steps with images, to make it easier for you to follow. More details can be seen on the recipe card.

How to Make Locrio De Pollo

Wash the chicken. If you prefer take the skin down. Before seasoning, make some holes with a knife into the chicken so the marinade can go as deep as possible for the juiciest meat. Place chicken in a large mixing bowl.

Pour sofrito (liquid seasoning) on the chicken. Leave the chicken in the fridge for 30 minutes to soak in the marinade.

Add the rest of the seasoning to the chicken. Salt, black pepper, oregano, Goya seasoning, Chicken Bouillon seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and green olive.

Slice the green pepper into little cubes, and put it into the chicken mixture.

Heat oil into a caldero or cast-iron pot together with the sugar. Heat the oil until the sugar gives a golden-brown color.

Place the chicken into the cast iron, and cook it on both sides for 3-3 minutes each to get that beautiful golden-brown color.

Add the water. Add salt if needed. Turn the heat to Medium-High until the water starts simmering. Meanwhile, wash the rice.

Add the rice in the pot. Stir.

Continue to cook until most of the water is evaporated. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.

Reduce heat to Low. Cover fully with a lid and let simmer for 15 minutes.

Uncover and stir carefully, moving the rice from the bottom to the top. Cover then cook for 3 to 5 more minutes.

Serve it warm.

Common Questions

More delicious Dominican recipes you might like

1. Dominican White Rice
2. Dominican Beans Stew