Cuban Imperial Rice Casserole (Arroz Imperial)
Layered celebratory Cuban rice casserole featuring saffron yellow rice, savory shredded chicken criollo, sweet diced ham, creamy mayonnaise, and a blanket of melted golden cheese.
Distinct, cleanly cut layers with a bubbling, golden-brown melted cheese crust.
Cook with Cocinanding Companion
Distraction-free step-by-step guidance with persistent ingredient checklists, timers, and printable Infoguide.
Step-by-Step Video Guide & Creator Variants
Cocinanding Guide vs. Creator Video: Related Video — Unconfirmed Comparison (Cocina Cubana con Luz): This public video is provided as a visual reference for the dish. Exact ratios, timings (25m prep / 35m cook), and US grocery suggestions on this page are independently standardized by Cocinanding.
Cuban Imperial Rice Casserole (Arroz Imperial)
Cocina Cubana con Luz
Public YouTube video embedded as a visual technique reference. The written recipe guide, verified timings, and US grocery brand picks are independently authored by Cocinanding (not a commercial partnership).
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What to Buy & Brand Guide
Editorial US Grocery Suggestions • Zero Paid Placements
Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise
Standard Size: 30 oz jarWhy it matters: High emulsion stability prevents oil separation in oven heat.
Where to find in US: Condiment aisle.
Acceptable substitutes: Kraft Real Mayo.
Why This Recipe Works
💡 Mayonnaise Moisture Barrier
Spreading mayonnaise between warm rice layers locks in steam, creating a luxurious creamy texture that keeps rice succulent.
Ingredients for 8 ServingsUS Standard Measurements
- 4 cups Cooked seasoned yellow rice with bijol & beer
- 3 cups Shredded chicken in criollo tomato sofrito
- 1 cup Diced boiled sweet ham
- 1 cup Real mayonnaise⭐ Recommended: Hellmann's
- 2 cups Shredded Gouda or mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup (4 oz jar) Canned roasted red pimiento strips⭐ Recommended: Goya
- 4 cups Water (for poaching chicken and simmering rice)
- 1 whole Yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 whole Green or red bell pepper, finely diced
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 leaf Dried bay leaf
- 2 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil (for sofrito and greasing baking dish)
- 1.5 tsp Kosher salt
Required Kitchen Tools
- ✓9x13 inch baking dish
- ✓Caldero
Step-by-Step Preparation
Poach Chicken, Cook Yellow Rice & Sofrito
Poach chicken breast in 4 cups salted water with bay leaf to ≥165°F (74°C), shred, and toss in a pan sofrito of olive oil, diced onion, bell pepper, garlic, and salt; use the poaching broth to prepare the warm yellow rice.
Compact First Rice Layer
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil, press half the warm yellow rice firmly into the bottom, and spread an even layer of mayonnaise over top.
Layer Chicken, Ham & Top Rice
Layer the shredded chicken criollo and diced sweet ham evenly, then compact the remaining yellow rice on top and spread with the remaining mayonnaise.
Top with Pimientos & Bake
Blanket with shredded cheese and arrange the 0.5 cup roasted pimiento strips on top. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until bubbling and golden-brown (≥165°F / 74°C center).
Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting
Avoid the mistakes that ruin this recipe
⚠️ Problem: Layers slide apart
Underlying Cause: Not pressed firmly.
Fix & Solution: Compact each rice layer firmly with the back of a measuring cup or spoon.
Frequently Asked Culinary Questions
Specific ingredient, technique, and US grocery answers for Cuban Imperial Rice Casserole (Arroz Imperial)
❓ Which brand of real mayonnaise should I look for in US grocery stores for Cuban Imperial Rice Casserole (Arroz Imperial)?
Editorial suggestion: Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise (Hellmann's). High emulsion stability prevents oil separation in oven heat. Typical aisle: Condiment aisle. Acceptable substitute: Kraft Real Mayo.
❓ How do I fix: "Layers slide apart"?
Common cause: Not pressed firmly. Practical fix: Compact each rice layer firmly with the back of a measuring cup or spoon.
The Crown of Cuban Celebrations
Arroz Imperial is the centerpiece of Cuban milestone celebrations. El Guzmán brings forward its rich layers of yellow rice, shredded chicken, and baked cheese.
Visual Kitchen Infoguide (Print or Save to Phone)
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