Arroz Imperial is a Cuban layered rice dish typically made with rice, shredded chicken, and a creamy sauce containing mayonnaise and melted cheese. The dish, often compared to a rice-based lasagna, features alternating layers of seasoned rice and chicken, with mayonnaise used to bind the ingredients and add flavor.
The rice is commonly colored with Bijol powder, annatto or turmeric, and the chicken is pre-cooked with onions, green peppers, and other aromatics. The rice and chicken are layered together with cheese and the entire casserole is then baked until the cheese melts and the top browns slightly.