Hey there! Ready for a mouthwatering adventure? I’m excited to share this incredible recipe for Pollo Loco – Mexican Chicken 🌮. This dish brings a zesty, comforting flair with its perfect blend of tender chicken, saffron rice, and creamy queso dip. Whether you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine or just love trying new meals, this dish is for you! Let’s jump into how to make this crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Introduction
Pollo Loco – Mexican Chicken 🌮 is inspired by vibrant Mexican flavors, combining bold spices, fragrant saffron rice, and rich cheese to create a truly comforting meal. It’s a simple yet hearty dish that brings together the best of Mexican cuisine with an American twist. In less than 40 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers. With tender chicken and flavorful rice, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients for Pollo Loco – Mexican Chicken 🌮
To make Pollo Loco – Mexican Chicken 🌮, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s a complete list of what you’ll need:
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1.5 lbs uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small bite-size pieces
- 1 tsp Goya Adobo Seasoning
- 1 package (10 oz) Vigo Saffron Yellow Rice (Arroz Amarillo)
- 1 cube Knorr Tomato Bouillon (optional)
- 2½ cups water
- 3 oz White Queso Dip
- 2 tbsp milk (skim, 1%, 2%, or whole)
- Cooking spray
Optional Substitutions:
- For a dairy-free option, substitute the queso dip with a dairy-free alternative.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken while seasoning it.
How to Make Pollo Loco – Mexican Chicken 🌮 – Step by Step
Making Pollo Loco – Mexican Chicken 🌮 is a breeze! Here’s how you can prepare this flavorful meal:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Start by drying the chicken pieces with a paper towel if they are moist. This will help them brown nicely in the pan. Sprinkle the chicken with the Goya Adobo Seasoning, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Heat 2 tsp of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook the chicken for about 3 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.
Step 3: Add Rice and Bouillon With the chicken fully cooked, stir in the package of Vigo Saffron Yellow Rice and the optional Knorr Tomato Bouillon. Pour in 2½ cups of water and mix well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.
Step 4: Add Queso and Milk Once the rice is tender, stir in the White Queso Dip and milk. Use a fork to gently fluff the rice and mix the ingredients together. The queso will melt into the rice, creating a creamy and flavorful dish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy! Your Pollo Loco – Mexican Chicken 🌮 is ready to serve! Plate the dish and enjoy the rich flavors of tender chicken, saffron rice, and creamy queso. Pair with your favorite side dishes, like a fresh salad or warm tortillas.
Helpful Tips for Pollo Loco – Mexican Chicken 🌮
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh chicken and quality cheese. The fresher the ingredients, the more flavorful your dish will be.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add some chili powder or cayenne pepper to the chicken. For a milder version, stick with the adobo seasoning as is.
- Make it a One-Pot Meal: This recipe is perfect for a one-pot meal, reducing the number of dishes you’ll need to clean afterward. Plus, the flavors will meld together beautifully when cooked in the same pot.
Cooking Tips for the Best Pollo Loco – Mexican Chicken 🌮
- Use a Dutch Oven or Deep Skillet: These are perfect for even heat distribution, ensuring the chicken cooks evenly and the rice absorbs all the flavors.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken while it’s cooking. Overcooked chicken can become dry, so remove it from the heat as soon as it’s done.
- Fluff the Rice: Once the rice is fully cooked, use a fork to fluff it up. This will help separate the grains and mix the queso dip evenly throughout the dish.
Serving Suggestions for Pollo Loco – Mexican Chicken 🌮
This dish pairs perfectly with a variety of sides to complete your meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Tortillas: Serve your Pollo Loco – Mexican Chicken 🌮 with warm flour or corn tortillas on the side. You can even make tacos with this delicious chicken and rice mixture!
- Guacamole and Chips: A bowl of fresh guacamole with tortilla chips is a classic side that complements the flavors of this dish.
- Fresh Salad: Balance the rich and creamy flavors of the chicken with a light salad made with fresh greens, tomatoes, and avocado.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving:
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
Storage and Leftovers for Pollo Loco – Mexican Chicken 🌮
Pollo Loco – Mexican Chicken 🌮 is just as delicious the next day! Here’s how to store and reheat your leftovers:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making the dish even more flavorful!
- Reheating: To reheat, place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm. Add a splash of milk or water if the rice seems dry.
- Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Pollo Loco – Mexican Chicken 🌮
1. Can I use brown rice instead of saffron rice? Yes, you can use brown rice, but the cooking time will be longer. Adjust the liquid as needed, and cook until the rice is tender.
2. Can I make this dish spicier? Absolutely! Add some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the chicken for extra heat.
3. What can I use instead of queso dip? If you don’t have queso dip, you can substitute it with shredded cheese or even sour cream for a tangy twist.
4. Is this dish gluten-free? The Vigo Saffron Yellow Rice is gluten-free, so as long as your queso dip and other ingredients are gluten-free, this dish is safe for those avoiding gluten.
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Conclusion
There you have it—an easy, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Pollo Loco – Mexican Chicken 🌮 brings together the rich flavors of chicken, saffron rice, and queso dip for a comforting meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Don’t forget to share your creations with us and let us know how you made this recipe your own!
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Pollo Loco – Mexican Chicken Recipe with Saffron Rice
Description
Hey there! Ready for a mouthwatering adventure? I’m excited to share this incredible recipe for Pollo Loco – Mexican Chicken 🌮. This dish brings a zesty, comforting flair with its perfect blend of tender chicken, saffron rice, and creamy queso dip. Whether you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine or just love trying new meals, this dish is for you! Let’s jump into how to make this crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1.5 lbs uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small bite-size pieces
- 1 tsp Goya Adobo Seasoning
- 1 package (10 oz) Vigo Saffron Yellow Rice (Arroz Amarillo)
- 1 cube Knorr Tomato Bouillon (optional)
- 2½ cups water
- 3 oz White Queso Dip
- 2 tbsp milk (skim, 1%, 2%, or whole)
- Cooking spray
Optional Substitutions:
- For a dairy-free option, substitute the queso dip with a dairy-free alternative.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken while seasoning it.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Start by drying the chicken pieces with a paper towel if they are moist. This will help them brown nicely in the pan. Sprinkle the chicken with the Goya Adobo Seasoning, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Heat 2 tsp of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook the chicken for about 3 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.
Step 3: Add Rice and Bouillon With the chicken fully cooked, stir in the package of Vigo Saffron Yellow Rice and the optional Knorr Tomato Bouillon. Pour in 2½ cups of water and mix well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.
Step 4: Add Queso and Milk Once the rice is tender, stir in the White Queso Dip and milk. Use a fork to gently fluff the rice and mix the ingredients together. The queso will melt into the rice, creating a creamy and flavorful dish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy! Your Pollo Loco – Mexican Chicken 🌮 is ready to serve! Plate the dish and enjoy the rich flavors of tender chicken, saffron rice, and creamy queso. Pair with your favorite side dishes, like a fresh salad or warm tortillas.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh chicken and quality cheese. The fresher the ingredients, the more flavorful your dish will be.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add some chili powder or cayenne pepper to the chicken. For a milder version, stick with the adobo seasoning as is.
- Make it a One-Pot Meal: This recipe is perfect for a one-pot meal, reducing the number of dishes you’ll need to clean afterward. Plus, the flavors will meld together beautifully when cooked in the same pot.
