Sizzling Pollo Loco Mexican Chicken and Rice with Queso Recipe

Creamy queso melts over tender Pollo Loco chicken, creating a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired feast that dances with bold flavors.

Succulent chicken pieces sizzle with authentic spices and aromatic seasonings.

The rice beneath catches every delicious drip of savory sauce.

Layers of cheese and perfectly seasoned meat promise a truly satisfying meal.

Each bite delivers a rich combination of textures and zesty goodness.

You’ll love how quickly this dish comes together with simple ingredients.

Prepare to transport your taste buds to the heart of Mexican cuisine with this irresistible recipe.

Pollo Loco Chicken Rice with Creamy Queso Magic

• This recipe delivers a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired dish that bursts with bold, zesty flavors in every single bite.
• Prepare a delicious meal in just one skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing convenience for busy home cooks.
• Adaptable recipe allows for simple ingredient swaps or additions, making it perfect for satisfying different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Kid-approved and adult-pleasing, this chicken and rice combination offers something delightful for everyone at the dinner table.

Ingredients for Pollo Loco Fiesta

• Chicken Breasts: Tender cuts of white meat that serve as the protein base for this flavorful Mexican-inspired dish.
• Saffron Yellow Rice: A vibrant and aromatic rice that provides a golden color and rich flavor to the meal.
• White Queso: A creamy cheese sauce that adds a smooth and luxurious texture to the chicken and rice.

• Adobo Seasoning: A classic Mexican spice blend that enhances the chicken's flavor with its robust and savory profile.
• Tomato Bouillon Cube: A concentrated flavor booster that adds depth and richness to the rice.

• Olive Oil, Water, Milk: Essential liquids that help cook the chicken, rice, and create a creamy queso sauce.

Tools for Mexican Chicken and Rice Prep

• Large skillet: Essential for sautéing chicken and cooking rice, with high sides for easy mixing.
• Paper towels: Perfect for patting chicken dry before seasoning.
• Measuring cup: Helps accurately measure water for rice.
• Fork: Great for fluffing rice and mixing ingredients at the end.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking during cooking.

Cooking Pollo Loco Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Prep the Protein

Grab your chicken breasts and give them a quick pat down with paper towels.

Massage adobo seasoning all over the chicken, making sure every inch gets some love.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown

Fire up a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat.

Dance those chicken pieces around until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust, about 3 minutes on each side.

Step 3: Welcome the Rice

Toss in the saffron yellow rice, water, and tomato bouillon cube right into the skillet with your browned chicken.

Give everything a good stir and bring the party to a boil.

Step 4: Low and Slow Magic

Once bubbling, turn the heat way down low.

Cover the skillet and let everything simmer peacefully for 20-25 minutes.

Peek occasionally to make sure the rice is cooking perfectly.

Step 5: Creamy Cheese Finale

When the rice looks fluffy and tender, introduce white queso and milk to the skillet.

Gently fluff everything together with a fork, creating a dreamy, creamy mixture.

Step 6: Plate and Celebrate

Scoop generous portions onto plates, making sure each serving gets a beautiful blend of chicken, rice, and that irresistible cheesy goodness.

Dinner is served!

Tips for Creamy, Cheesy Pollo Loco

• Pat chicken breasts thoroughly to remove excess moisture, ensuring better seasoning absorption and achieving a crisp, golden exterior.
• Rub adobo seasoning generously and evenly across all chicken surfaces for maximum flavor penetration and authentic Mexican taste.
• Use saffron yellow rice for vibrant color and rich flavor, stirring carefully to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Add just enough water and tomato bouillon to create a flavorful base that infuses the rice and chicken with delicious complexity.
• Warm milk and queso together slowly, gently folding into rice to create a smooth, velvety texture without separating.

Pollo Loco Variations for Weeknight Dinners

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, seasoned similarly with adobo spices for a protein-rich vegetarian version.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and swap tomato bouillon with chipotle powder to create a hotter, more intense flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use certified gluten-free rice and verify adobo seasoning contains no gluten, ensuring safe consumption for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice and reduce milk quantity, maintaining the creamy queso texture while lowering carbohydrate content.

Serving Pollo Loco with Queso

• Fiesta Plate Presentation: Garnish with fresh cilantro and chopped green onions for a vibrant pop of color and added freshness.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve in a large communal skillet, allowing everyone to scoop their desired portion and create a casual, interactive dining experience.
• Spice It Up: Offer hot sauce, sliced jalapeños, or salsa on the side for guests who enjoy an extra kick of heat and personalized flavor.
• Side Dish Companions: Pair with warm tortillas, black beans, or a crisp side salad to complete the Mexican-inspired meal and balance the creamy queso.

Storing Pollo Loco Chicken and Rice

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled chicken and rice to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, the dish will last up to 3 months without losing significant flavor or texture.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• What type of seasoning works best for this chicken dish?

Adobo seasoning is the ideal choice, providing a robust and authentic Mexican flavor profile that perfectly complements the chicken and rice.

• Can I use a different type of rice?

While saffron yellow rice works best for this recipe, you can substitute with long-grain white rice or Mexican-style rice for similar results, though the flavor might slightly vary.

• Is tomato bouillon necessary for the recipe?

Tomato bouillon adds depth and richness to the dish, but if unavailable, you can replace it with chicken bouillon or a combination of salt and tomato paste to maintain the flavor intensity.

• What kind of queso should I use for this recipe?

White queso works perfectly, preferably a smooth, creamy variety that melts easily and blends well with the chicken and rice, creating a delicious, cohesive dish.

Pollo Loco – Mexican Chicken and Rice with Queso Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy pollo loco chicken nestles perfectly within Mexican-inspired rice and queso, creating a delightful fusion of flavors. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, offering diners a satisfying meal that celebrates authentic regional culinary traditions.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (0.68 kilograms) chicken breast
• 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning

Rice and Liquid Base:

• 10 ounces (283 grams) saffron yellow rice
• 2.5 cups (591 milliliters) water
• 1 cube tomato bouillon

Sauce and Finishing Ingredients:

• 3 ounces (85 grams) white queso
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by patting the breasts dry and generously coating with adobo seasoning, ensuring complete coverage on all surfaces.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, carefully placing the seasoned chicken to brown for approximately 3 minutes on each side until golden.
3. Incorporate saffron yellow rice, water, and tomato bouillon cube directly into the skillet with browned chicken, stirring thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
4. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to low, covering the skillet to create a sealed cooking environment for 20-25 minutes.
5. Verify rice’s tenderness and absorption of liquid before introducing white queso and milk, gently folding with a fork to create a creamy, integrated texture.
6. Transfer the aromatic chicken and rice to serving plates, ensuring each portion receives an equal distribution of protein, rice, and luxurious queso sauce.

Notes

• Seasoning Hack Experiment with different spice blends like Mexican chili powder or smoky paprika to elevate the chicken’s flavor profile and add depth.
• Moisture Trick Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure perfect browning and prevent steaming instead of sautéing.
• Dietary Swap Replace white rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version that maintains the dish’s delicious Mexican-inspired essence.
• Creamy Texture Adjustment Use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk for an extra rich and luxurious queso sauce that coats the rice and chicken beautifully.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg