Arroz Valenciana: Filipino Celebration Rice
Recipe Guy
Filipino party rice | Chicken and sausage | One-pan celebration
A little glutinous rice changes the texture of this arroz Valenciana, making the jasmine rice more cohesive without losing its grain. Chicken, sausage, carrot, and bell pepper cook together under the lid, while annatto gives the pot its warm color.
Why make it: This version uses a jasmine-and-glutinous rice blend for the right tender-chewy texture without requiring specialty equipment.
Fresh From the Kitchen
About This Recipe
The rice blend is mostly jasmine, with a smaller share of glutinous rice for chew. Drain the rinsed grains well before coating them in the onion, garlic, and annatto. The measured broth needs to do the cooking, rather than compete with a bowlful of leftover rinse water.
Browning the chicken and sausage first gives the finished rice more savory depth. Optional raisins add sweet bites, while peas arrive for the covered rest. Fluff gently afterward; this is a cohesive rice dish, not a vigorously tossed fried rice.
Cooking Notes
- Use a heavy pot with a lid that fits closely. Once the broth is in, keep the heat low and resist frequent peeking so the rice can cook in steady steam.
- Cut chicken, sausage, carrot, and pepper into pieces that fit comfortably on a spoon. Large chunks make it harder to distribute the rice and meat evenly between servings.
Ingredient Notes
For the rice
A mix of jasmine rice and glutinous rice gives structure plus a little sticky chew. All glutinous rice can become too heavy.
For the sausage
Chorizo de Bilbao is classic in many versions, but smoked sausage or Spanish chorizo is easier to find in many U.S. stores.
Arroz Valenciana Recipe
This version uses a jasmine-and-glutinous rice blend for the right tender-chewy texture without requiring specialty equipment.
Shopping List
- jasmine rice
- glutinous rice
- chicken thighs
- smoked sausage or chorizo de Bilbao
- bell peppers
- peas
- carrots
- onion
- garlic
- annatto powder
- chicken broth
- raisins optional
Ingredients
Rice
- 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice
- 1/2 cup glutinous rice
- 2 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon annatto powder
Chicken and Sausage
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken thighs, cut into pieces
- 8 ounces smoked sausage or chorizo, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
Vegetables and Finish
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1/4 cup raisins, optional
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Rinse jasmine rice and glutinous rice together until the water is mostly clear, then drain.
- Brown chicken and sausage in oil in a wide heavy pot, then transfer to a plate.
- Cook onion and garlic in the same pot until fragrant.
- Stir in rice and annatto so the grains are coated.
- Add broth, chicken, sausage, carrot, bell pepper, raisins, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook over low heat until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Scatter peas over the top, cover again, and rest off heat for 10 minutes.
- Fluff gently before serving.
Nutrition Estimate
Approximate values per serving based on the listed ingredients and yield. Actual nutrition will vary by brand, exact portion size, and cooking changes.
Tips For The Best Arroz Valenciana
- Use low heat: Sticky rice can scorch if the bottom gets too hot.
- Rest before fluffing: The rice finishes steaming and becomes easier to serve.
- Cut pieces small: Chicken and vegetables should fit naturally on a spoonful of rice.
- Adjust the color: Annatto gives warmth; turmeric can help if you want a more golden pot.
How To Serve And Store
Serve as a party rice dish with salad, lumpia, roast chicken, or grilled meats. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days and reheat covered.
Common Questions
Is arroz Valenciana the same as paella?
No. They are related in inspiration, but Filipino arroz Valenciana has its own texture, seasonings, and family variations.
Can I use all jasmine rice?
Yes, but the dish will be less sticky.
Can I cook it in a rice cooker?
Yes. Brown the meat and aromatics first, then transfer everything to the rice cooker.
Can I skip raisins?
Yes. They are optional and depend on family preference.
Why use two kinds of rice in arroz Valenciana?
Jasmine rice provides most of the grains, while the half cup of glutinous rice gives a stickier, chewier texture. Replacing the blend entirely with either rice changes the intended character of the dish.
Should I stir the rice while it cooks?
After distributing the broth and ingredients, cover the pot and let it cook over low heat. Save gentle fluffing for after the ten-minute covered rest, when the liquid has been absorbed and the grains are tender.
Do raisins belong in your arroz Valenciana, or should they stay far away from the rice? Share your family version or testing notes in the comments.
Recipe inspiration and technique reference: Filipino home-cooking source research from Panlasang Pinoy, Kawaling Pinoy, and Filipino-American cooking sources in the site roadmap.
