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Pollo Loco - Mexican Chicken and Rice with Queso Recipe

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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

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