Authentic Cuban Arroz Imperial: A Majestic Chicken and Yellow Rice Casserole

Arroz Imperial con Pollo is a truly spectacular Cuban dish that brings together tender shredded chicken, fluffy yellow rice, creamy mayonnaise, and a generous layer of melted cheese. This hearty and flavorful casserole is a staple in Cuban households, perfect as an impressive main course that also yields fantastic leftovers. Pair it with simple roasted vegetables or a refreshing tomato avocado salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Growing up in a Cuban household, I was surrounded by incredible food, yet I didn’t encounter this particular delight, Arroz Imperial, until my late twenties. It was a revelation! Once I tried it, I quickly fell head over heels for this magnificent casserole. Its rich, layered flavors and comforting texture immediately made it a new favorite. Determined to master it, I embarked on a culinary quest, consulting all my Cuban aunts for their cherished family recipes. Each one offered a slightly different take, a unique secret ingredient, or a special preparation method.

I gathered a treasure trove of variations, each aunt convinced hers was the “most authentic.” But in the spirit of home cooking, I eventually blended their wisdom with my own preferences, crafting a version that truly resonated with me. While traditionally Arroz Imperial often features a more basic yellow rice, my love for corn led me to incorporate it into my recipe, adding a delightful sweetness and texture. That’s the beauty of cooking, isn’t it? It’s an art form where you’re encouraged to add your favorite ingredients, personalize the flavors, and truly make a dish your own. This recipe is a testament to that philosophy, a fusion of tradition and personal touch that I’m excited to share with you.

What is Arroz Imperial and Why Is It So Beloved?

Arroz Imperial, or “Imperial Rice,” is a classic Cuban baked casserole often likened to a Cuban lasagna. But instead of pasta sheets, it uses layers of flavorful yellow rice, often made with a sofrito base and colored with annatto or saffron. These rice layers encase a succulent, savory shredded chicken filling, enriched with a creamy mayonnaise layer, and finally topped with a generous blanket of melted cheese. The “imperial” in its name suggests its grand and celebratory nature, a dish often reserved for special occasions or large family gatherings due to its impressive presentation and universally appealing taste.

This dish is a true crowd-pleaser because it offers a symphony of textures and flavors in every bite. The tender chicken, fragrant rice, creamy mayo, and gooey cheese combine to create an incredibly satisfying and comforting experience. It’s robust enough to be a standalone meal but also versatile enough to be served with lighter sides. For anyone looking to explore authentic Cuban cuisine, Arroz Imperial is an absolute must-try, representing the rich culinary heritage and love for hearty, flavorful dishes that define Cuban cooking.

Essential Tips and Creative Recipe Variations for Arroz Imperial

Making a fantastic Arroz Imperial is all about understanding its core components and feeling confident to experiment. Here are some top tips and exciting variations to help you make this Cuban classic truly shine:

Protein Powerhouse: While my recipe calls for juicy Latin Shredded Chicken Stew, you have plenty of flexibility! For a different flavor profile, consider using seasoned ground beef or ground turkey. If you’re short on time, a store-bought rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut – simply shred it and warm it through with a little chicken broth and your favorite seasonings to prevent dryness. For a delicious vegetarian option, you can simply omit the meat entirely and perhaps add more vegetables to your yellow rice, or incorporate plant-based protein alternatives like seasoned black beans or sautéed mushrooms.
The Right Rice Makes All the Difference: I highly recommend using parboiled rice or long-grain rice for this recipe. These types of rice hold their shape better and don’t become overly sticky or mushy, which is crucial for the layered structure of Arroz Imperial. For the most flavorful and visually appealing result, I used my Yellow Rice with Corn recipe, which adds a wonderful sweetness and vibrant color. If you’re using plain white rice, ensure it’s well-seasoned to match the dish’s rich profile.
Mayonnaise – The Secret Weapon: Don’t skip the mayonnaise! I know some might be hesitant, but the mayo is a traditional and vital component of Arroz Imperial. It doesn’t just add a fantastic creamy texture; it also imparts a unique tanginess and helps bind the top layer, creating a rich, savory crust when baked. If you truly dislike mayonnaise, a light béchamel sauce or even a blend of cream cheese thinned with a little milk could serve as an alternative, though the flavor profile will be different.
Cheesy Goodness: I typically use cheddar cheese for its sharp flavor and excellent melting properties, but feel free to get creative with your cheese choice. Mozzarella cheese offers a superb gooey stretch, Colby Jack provides a mild, creamy taste, and a Mexican cheese blend can add an interesting depth of flavor. The key is to use a cheese that melts well and forms a golden, bubbly top crust.
Flavor Enhancers: To truly capture the essence of Cuban cuisine, don’t shy away from traditional seasonings. Sazón, oregano, and cumin are fundamental. A good sofrito (sautéed aromatics like onions, bell peppers, and garlic) is the backbone of both the rice and chicken components. These elements build layers of authentic Cuban flavor.
Make-Ahead and Storage: Arroz Imperial is a fantastic dish for meal prep! You can assemble the entire casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking, possibly adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s still quite cold. Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

How to Assemble Your Imperial Masterpiece

Assembling Arroz Imperial is similar to building a delicious lasagna, with each layer contributing to the final harmonious flavor and texture. Follow these steps for a perfectly layered casserole:

Prepare Your Dish: Begin by lightly greasing a 9×13-inch oven-safe baking dish. This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
First Rice Layer: Spread about 1-2 cups of your prepared yellow rice evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. This forms the foundational layer for your casserole.
Chicken Filling: Next, spoon the entire cooked shredded chicken mixture over the rice, spreading it out so it covers the rice layer from edge to edge. Ensure the chicken is evenly distributed for consistent flavor in every bite.
Second Rice Layer: Carefully cover the chicken mixture with the remaining yellow rice, gently pressing it down to create a compact, even layer.
Creamy Mayo Topping: Generously spread the mayonnaise evenly over the top rice layer. This is a crucial step for achieving that signature creamy texture and golden finish. Don’t be shy – the mayo adds wonderful flavor and moisture.
Cheesy Finale: Finally, sprinkle about 2 cups of your chosen shredded cheese over the mayonnaise layer. This will melt into a golden, bubbly crust.
Bake to Perfection: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown. If you desire a deeper golden crust, you can briefly switch to the broiler for the last few minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arroz Imperial

Can I use White Rice Instead of Yellow Rice?

While you *can* use white rice, it’s generally not recommended for authentic Arroz Imperial. Cuban cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors, and yellow rice contributes significantly to both the taste and visual appeal of this dish. Yellow rice typically incorporates a sofrito base (onions, garlic, bell peppers) and is often colored with annatto or saffron, infusing it with a rich, savory depth that white rice lacks. If white rice is your only option, ensure you season it generously with spices like sazón, cumin, and oregano, and perhaps add a pinch of turmeric for color, to try and replicate some of the complex flavors. However, for the true “Imperial” experience, yellow rice is a must.

Can I use Instant Yellow Rice?

If you’re looking to significantly speed up the cooking process, instant yellow rice can be a convenient alternative. It will certainly work in a pinch, especially for a quick weeknight meal. However, keep in mind that homemade yellow rice, prepared from scratch with fresh ingredients and simmered to perfection, will always yield superior flavor and texture. The depth of flavor from sautéing aromatics and slowly cooking the rice simply cannot be fully matched by instant versions. When cooking for a large crowd or a special occasion, investing the extra time in homemade rice is definitely worth it for a more authentic and delicious result.

How Do I Easily Shred Chicken?

Shredding chicken doesn’t have to be a tedious task! For a quick method, after boiling your chicken breasts, place them in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and mix on low speed. The chicken will shred itself in seconds! Alternatively, the classic method using two forks works perfectly well. Simply place a cooked chicken breast on a cutting board and use two forks to pull the meat apart into strands. This is especially effective while the chicken is still warm, as it’s more pliable.

What are the Best Side Dishes for Arroz Imperial?

Arroz Imperial is quite a rich and hearty dish, so it pairs beautifully with lighter, fresh sides. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is always a good choice. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli offer a nice contrast in texture and flavor. For a more traditional Cuban pairing, a refreshing tomato avocado salad or crisp plantain chips (mariquitas) would be excellent complements.

Can I Make Arroz Imperial Ahead of Time and Freeze It?

Absolutely! Arroz Imperial is a fantastic make-ahead dish. You can assemble the entire casserole, unbaked, up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes beforehand to allow it to come closer to room temperature, then bake as directed (you might need an extra 10-15 minutes if baking from cold). For freezing, you can bake the casserole completely, let it cool, then wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

More Authentic Cuban Recipes You’ll Love

If you’ve enjoyed the rich flavors of Arroz Imperial, you’ll definitely want to explore more Cuban culinary delights. These Instant Pot Cuban Black Beans are incredibly versatile, pairing wonderfully with rice, tacos, or as a standalone side dish. Another absolute family favorite that brings comfort and flavor to the table is this savory Cuban Picadillo con Papas (ground beef with potatoes).

arroz imperial in a yellow casserole dish with melted yellow cheese and red peppers on the center.

Arroz Imperial Recipe

By Julie Maestre

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 mins

Servings: 10

Course: Entree

Cuisine: Cuban, Cuban American

Keyword: Arroz Imperial, Imperial Rice

Ingredients

Yellow Rice with Corn

2 cups parboiled rice
4 cups water
1 onion, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp cumin
1 bay leaf
2 tbsp dry white wine, optional
1 cup corn kernels, or the entire can
1/4 cup tomato sauce
1 tsp sazon
3 tbsp olive oil
Salt to taste

Shredded Chicken

2 lbs chicken breasts
1 onion, finely diced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp sazon
2 tbsp dry white wine, optional
1/2 cup tomato sauce
4 cups chicken stock
2 tbsp capers
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste

Other Ingredients

1 cup mayonnaise
2 cups cheddar cheese (or preferred cheese blend)
1/4 cup roasted red peppers, for garnish (optional)
Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Yellow Rice: In a large pot, heat 3 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the sazon, tomato sauce, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, dry white wine (if using), salt, and corn kernels. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to combine the flavors.
Add the parboiled rice to the pot and cook for 1 minute, stirring to coat the grains. Pour in the 4 cups of water and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed. Set aside.
Prepare the Shredded Chicken: Boil the chicken breasts in a pot filled with water over medium-high heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is almost fully cooked through and easily shreddable.
Remove the chicken from the pot (reserve some cooking liquid if desired for extra moisture later). Shred the chicken using two forks or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, and set it aside.
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onions, minced garlic, and sliced green bell peppers. Cook until the vegetables are translucent and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the tomato sauce, dry white wine (if using), oregano, garlic powder, sazon, bay leaf, and cumin. Cook for one minute, allowing the spices to bloom and flavors to meld.
Add the shredded chicken to the skillet, stirring to combine it with the aromatic mixture. Pour in the 4 cups of chicken stock and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken has absorbed all the delicious flavors.
Stir in the capers and perform a final taste test, adjusting seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaf before assembly.
Assemble and Bake the Arroz Imperial: Grease a 9×13-inch oven-safe baking dish and preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Add approximately 1-2 cups of the cooked yellow rice to the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Then, cover this layer completely with the savory shredded chicken mixture.
Gently cover the chicken with the remaining yellow rice, creating an even top layer. Carefully spread the mayonnaise evenly over the top rice layer, ensuring good coverage.
Finally, generously sprinkle 2 cups of cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese blend) over the mayonnaise.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, golden, and bubbly. For an extra golden crust, you can briefly broil for 1-2 minutes at the very end, watching carefully.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and roasted red peppers, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Cuban Arroz Imperial!

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you enjoy this authentic Arroz Imperial recipe? I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences! Please let me know in the comment section down below. Your feedback and personal touches inspire me and other home cooks. You can also find more delicious recipes and cooking tutorial videos on my Youtube channel and Facebook page. Happy cooking!