Zesty Pollo Loco – Mexican Chicken And Rice With Queso Recipe

Crispy pollo loco bursts with vibrant Mexican flavors that dance across your plate.

Jalapeños and melted cheese create a mouthwatering symphony of spice and comfort.

Each bite promises a culinary adventure through traditional southwestern ingredients.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among fluffy seasoned rice grains.

Queso adds a creamy richness that enhances every single morsel.

Families and dinner guests will absolutely adore this hearty and satisfying meal.

You can whip up this delectable dish in less than thirty minutes.

Prepare to experience a recipe that brings the spirit of Mexican cuisine right to your kitchen.

What Makes Pollo Loco with Queso a Winner

• Boost Quick Cooking: Prepare a delicious Mexican-inspired meal in just one pot with minimal ingredients and simple steps.
• Customize Flavor Bursts: Easily enhance taste by rubbing adobo seasoning directly onto chicken and using tomato bouillon for rich depth.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Creates a hearty, comforting dish that appeals to both kids and adults with its cheesy, savory profile.
• Minimal Kitchen Cleanup: Uses only one skillet or dutch oven, reducing washing time and making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks.

Ingredient List for Pollo Loco Chicken and Rice

• Chicken Breast: Lean, protein-packed meat perfect for a hearty meal.
• Rice: White rice that will soak up all the delicious flavors.
• Queso: Creamy cheese sauce that adds rich, smooth texture.

• Adobo Seasoning: Flavorful spice blend with a Mexican twist.
• Tomato Bouillon: Concentrated powder that boosts savory chicken taste.

• Oil: For sautéing and browning chicken.
• Water: Used to cook rice and create perfect texture.
• Milk: Helps create smooth and creamy queso sauce.

Cooking Instructions for Pollo Loco with Queso

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Pat chicken dry with a paper towel.

Sprinkle adobo seasoning all over the chicken and gently massage it into the meat, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown Chicken

Warm oil in a large dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat.

Add chicken pieces and cook for 3 minutes on one side until golden.

Flip and continue cooking for additional minutes until chicken is fully cooked and beautifully browned.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Rice Base

• Rice package
• Crushed tomato bouillon
• Water

Stir mixture thoroughly and bring to a rolling boil for one minute.

Reduce heat to low simmer.

Cover with tight-fitting lid and let cook quietly for 20-25 minutes.

Step 4: Finish with Creamy Queso

• Queso
• Milk

Gently fluff everything together using a fork until ingredients are evenly distributed.

Serve immediately while warm and inviting.

Pollo Loco Tips You’ll Want to Know

• Pat chicken dry with paper towel to help adobo seasoning stick better and create a more flavorful crust.
• Cook chicken on medium heat until golden brown on both sides to develop deep, rich flavor and prevent drying out.
• Stir rice and bouillon thoroughly, bring to quick boil, then simmer covered to ensure even cooking and perfect texture.
• Test rice between 20-25 minutes of cooking to avoid undercooking or overcooking, ensuring fluffy and tender results.
• Mix in queso and milk gently with a fork to create a smooth, creamy coating that enhances overall dish richness.

How to Store and Reheat Pollo Loco

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chicken and rice to freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to restore moisture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and maintain texture.

Pairing Ideas for Pollo Loco Chicken

• Elevate Spicy Mexican Comfort: Perfect Pairings
• Crisp Citrus Margarita: Bright, tangy lime margarita cuts through the rich chicken and queso, refreshing the palate with zesty tequila undertones and balancing the dish's warmth.
• Fresh Cilantro Salad: Light, herbal green salad with crisp cucumber and red onion provides a cool contrast to the creamy, spicy chicken rice, adding refreshing crunch and balancing heavy flavors.
• Chilled Mexican Beer Pairing: Classic Corona or Modelo Especial offers crisp, light carbonation that complements the dish's richness, with subtle malt notes that enhance the chicken's savory profile.
• Tangy Avocado Slaw: Creamy, crunchy slaw with lime-dressed avocado brings bright acidity and textural contrast, cutting through the queso's richness while adding fresh Mexican-inspired complexity.

Flavorful Variations on Pollo Loco

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace regular rice with cauliflower rice and use gluten-free bouillon cubes to maintain the flavor profile while eliminating gluten.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute rice with shredded cauliflower and use a low-fat cheese to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the protein-rich chicken as the main ingredient.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, using vegetable broth instead of chicken-based seasonings to create a meat-free version.
• Spicy Mexican Version: Add diced jalapeños, increase adobo seasoning, and incorporate hot sauce or cayenne pepper to intensify the heat and traditional Mexican flavor profile.

FAQs

• What is adobo seasoning and why is it used in this recipe?

Adobo seasoning is a traditional Latin spice blend typically containing salt, pepper, oregano, garlic powder, and other herbs that adds deep flavor and helps tenderize the chicken before cooking.

• Can I use different types of rice for this recipe?

White long-grain rice works best, but you can substitute with medium-grain rice. Avoid brown rice as it requires longer cooking time and might affect the recipe’s overall texture.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and have no pink color inside. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe as described is not inherently spicy. The adobo seasoning provides flavor without significant heat, making it mild and suitable for most palates.

Pollo Loco -Mexican Chicken And Rice With Queso Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sizzling Pollo Loco brings spicy Mexican charm to your dinner table, blending tender chicken and creamy queso over fluffy rice. Zesty flavors dance together, promising a delightful culinary journey you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) uncooked boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into small bite-size pieces
• 1 teaspoon Goya Adobo Seasoning

Grains and Base:

• 1 10-ounce (283 grams) package Vigo Saffron Yellow Rice (Arroz Amarillo)
• 1 cube Knorr Tomato Bouillon (optional)
• 2.5 cups water

Finishing and Preparation Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 3 ounces (85 grams) White Queso Dip
• 2 tablespoons milk (skim, 1%, 2%, or whole)
• Cooking spray

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Carefully blot chicken pieces with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then generously massage adobo seasoning across entire surface of the meat.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious dutch oven or deep skillet with a secure lid over medium-high temperature.
3. Carefully introduce seasoned chicken pieces into the heated pan, allowing them to sear and develop a golden-brown exterior. Cook undisturbed for approximately 3-4 minutes on the first side.
4. Rotate chicken pieces to ensure even browning, continuing to cook until completely opaque and lightly caramelized.
5. Gently crumble tomato bouillon directly into the pan, then add rice and appropriate water volume. Stir ingredients thoroughly to distribute seasoning evenly.
6. Increase heat momentarily to bring liquid to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce temperature to low. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid.
7. Allow mixture to simmer quietly for 20-25 minutes, resisting the urge to lift the lid frequently. Rice should absorb liquid and become tender.
8. Once rice reaches perfect consistency, remove from heat and fold in queso and milk, using a fork to create a light, fluffy texture.
9. Transfer to serving dishes immediately while still steaming hot, ensuring each portion receives an equal blend of chicken, rice, and creamy queso.

Notes

• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure better browning and crispy texture.
• Use high-quality adobo seasoning for deeper, more authentic Mexican flavor profile.
• Crush tomato bouillon thoroughly to distribute flavor evenly throughout the dish.
• Break rice grains while stirring to prevent clumping and achieve perfect consistency.
• Let dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld together completely.
• Substitute lactose-free milk and vegan queso for dairy-sensitive diets.
• Consider adding fresh cilantro or green onions as a bright, fresh garnish before serving.
• For extra protein, mix in black beans or diced bell peppers during rice cooking stage.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg