Colombian Chicken Giblet Rice is a traditional home-style dish made with rice, chicken giblets, vegetables, and seasonings cooked together in one pot. The combination of gizzards, hearts, and livers creates a rich flavor and satisfying texture.
For generations, this recipe has been a popular and economical family meal throughout Colombia. It remains a favorite for its hearty character and ability to feed a crowd using simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 500 g chicken giblets (gizzards, hearts, and livers)
- 400 g white rice (2 cups)
- 200 g chopped white onion (1 large onion)
- 150 g chopped scallions (3 stalks)
- 150 g chopped red bell pepper (1 medium pepper)
- 200 g chopped ripe tomatoes (2 large tomatoes)
- 20 g crushed garlic (4 cloves)
- 60 ml vegetable oil (4 tablespoons)
- 1 liter chicken broth (4 cups)
- 10 g ground cumin (2 teaspoons)
- 5 g ground black pepper (1 teaspoon)
- 10 g annatto powder or coloring (2 teaspoons)
- 12 g salt (2 teaspoons)
- 20 g chopped fresh cilantro (4 tablespoons)
Preparation
- Prepare the giblets, wash the gizzards, hearts, and livers thoroughly. Simmer the gizzards for about 30 minutes until tender, then chop them along with the remaining giblets.
- Make the flavor base, heat the oil in a large pot and sauté the onions, scallions, bell pepper, and garlic for about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, cumin, pepper, annatto, and salt, and cook until thickened.
- Cook the giblets, add the chopped giblets and sauté for about 8 minutes so they absorb the flavors.
- Add the rice, stir in the washed rice and cook for 2 minutes.
- Cook the rice, pour in the hot chicken broth and cook until most of the liquid is absorbed. Cover, reduce the heat, and cook for about 20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked.
- Finish and serve, add the cilantro, fluff with a fork, and serve hot.
Chef’s Tips
Cut the giblets into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Avoid overcooking the livers so they maintain their texture.
Homemade chicken broth provides the best flavor.
Traditional Variations
Some families add peas and diced carrots.
Others include sweet corn or green beans for extra texture and color.
How to Serve
Serve with fried ripe plantains, avocado, fresh salad, or Colombian hot sauce. It is traditionally enjoyed as a complete main dish.
Recommended Side Dishes
- Fried ripe plantains
- Avocado
- Fresh salad
- Colombian hot sauce
- Fried green plantains
- Fresh fruit juice
Fun Fact
Chicken giblet rice reflects the Colombian tradition of using every part of the chicken to create nutritious and flavorful meals.
Over time, it became a beloved dish in homes and local eateries thanks to its rich taste and practicality.
Frequently Asked Questions
The traditional combination includes chicken livers, hearts, and gizzards.
Yes. Gizzards require a longer cooking time and are usually pre-cooked before being added to the rice.
Yes. Some recipes are made only with gizzards or only with hearts, although the traditional version uses a mixture.
Yes. It reheats very well when a little broth or water is added to restore moisture.
