Mexican Chicken Rice

Pollo Loco – Mexican Chicken and Rice with Queso

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 10 oz package 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 all work)
  • Cooking spray

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Chicken:
    • Pat dry the chicken pieces with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
    • Sprinkle the adobo seasoning evenly over the chicken, rubbing it in for maximum flavor infusion.
  2. Cook the Chicken:
    • Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or non-stick skillet over medium heat.
    • Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for about 3 minutes on one side until browned.
    • Flip the chicken and continue cooking until golden and cooked through.
  3. Cook the Rice:
    • Once the chicken is cooked, add the saffron yellow rice, crushed tomato bouillon cube (if using), and water to the pot.
    • Stir well to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil for one minute.
    • Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it cook for at least 20 minutes.
    • Check the rice for doneness between 20-25 minutes; it should be tender and fully cooked.
  4. Add Queso:
    • Once the rice is cooked, stir in the white queso dip and milk, combining everything until creamy and well incorporated.
    • Fluff the mixture with a fork to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
  5. Serve:
    • Serve the Pollo Loco warm, garnished with your favorite toppings such as diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or creamy avocado for an extra burst of flavor and texture.

Notes:

  • Customize your Pollo Loco according to your preferences by adding your favorite toppings.

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 25 mins

Total Time: 30 mins

20 Popular Questions and Their Answers About Pollo Loco – Mexican Chicken and Rice with Queso

  1. Can I use brown rice instead of saffron yellow rice?
    • Yes, but adjust the cooking time and liquid amounts accordingly as brown rice takes longer to cook.
  2. Is there a substitute for Goya Adobo Seasoning?
    • You can make your own adobo seasoning using garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
    • Yes, just add the pre-cooked chicken after the rice is cooked to avoid overcooking it.
  4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
    • Substitute the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  5. How can I make this dish spicier?
    • Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the chicken.
  6. What can I use instead of white queso dip?
    • You can use shredded cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack and melt it with a bit of milk.
  7. Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?
    • Yes, use the sauté function for the chicken and then cook on high pressure for 8 minutes for the rice and chicken mixture.
  8. How do I store leftovers?
    • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
  9. Can I freeze this dish?
    • Yes, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
  10. What sides go well with Pollo Loco?
    • Serve with a side salad, guacamole, or black beans for a complete meal.
  11. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
    • Yes, bell peppers, onions, and corn make great additions.
  12. How do I make homemade queso dip?
    • Melt 2 cups of shredded cheese with ½ cup of milk over low heat, stirring until smooth.
  13. Is saffron rice necessary for the recipe?
    • No, you can use plain white rice or any flavored rice you prefer.
  14. What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
    • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well.
  15. Can I use a different type of cheese?
    • Yes, use any cheese that melts well like mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack.
  16. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
    • Yes, chicken thighs are a flavorful and juicy alternative.
  17. What can I use instead of Knorr Tomato Bouillon?
    • Use a regular chicken bouillon cube and add a teaspoon of tomato paste for flavor.
  18. Do I need to cover the pot while the rice is cooking?
    • Yes, covering the pot helps the rice cook evenly and absorb the flavors.
  19. Can I use water instead of chicken broth?
    • Yes, but using chicken broth adds more flavor to the dish.
  20. How can I make this dish dairy-free?
    • Use a dairy-free cheese alternative and replace milk with a plant-based milk like almond or soy.

Tips to Make Your Mexican Chicken and Rice with Queso Even More Delightful

  1. Marinate the Chicken:
    • Marinate the chicken in lime juice, garlic, and adobo seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking for extra flavor.
  2. Use Fresh Ingredients:
    • Opt for fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to garnish your dish for a burst of freshness.
  3. Add Veggies:
    • Incorporate bell peppers, onions, corn, or black beans to add texture, color, and nutritional value.
  4. Spice it Up:
    • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chopped jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
  5. Use Homemade Queso:
    • Make your own queso dip using fresh ingredients like cheddar cheese, cream, and diced green chilies for a richer flavor.
  6. Toast the Rice:
    • Toast the rice in a bit of oil before adding it to the dish. This adds a nutty flavor and prevents it from becoming mushy.
  7. Crisp the Bacon:
    • Add crispy bacon bits on top for an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
  8. Top with Avocado:
    • Sliced or diced avocado adds a creamy texture and a healthy dose of fats.
  9. Zest of Lime:
    • Add a bit of lime zest to the dish to enhance the citrus flavors and brighten the overall taste.
  10. Cook Rice Separately:
    • Cook the rice separately in chicken broth for more control over texture and flavor, then combine with the chicken and queso mixture.
  11. Cheese Blend:
    • Use a blend of cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and Queso Fresco for a richer taste.
  12. Add Garlic:
    • Sauté minced garlic with the chicken for a deeper, aromatic flavor.
  13. Fresh Salsa:
    • Top the dish with fresh salsa or pico de gallo for added freshness and a burst of flavor.
  14. Use Fire-Roasted Tomatoes:
    • Substitute regular tomatoes or bouillon with fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky flavor.
  15. Layer the Queso:
    • Layer some queso in the middle of the casserole before baking for pockets of gooey cheese throughout.
  16. Cilantro-Lime Rice:
    • Prepare the rice with lime juice and chopped cilantro for a zesty base.
  17. Add a Crunch:
    • Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or fried onions on top just before serving for added crunch.
  18. Extra Creamy:
    • Stir in a bit of sour cream or cream cheese to the queso dip for an even creamier texture.
  19. Baking Finish:
    • After cooking on the stove, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle with cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden brown on top.
  20. Use High-Quality Chicken:
    • Use free-range or organic chicken for the best flavor and texture.

 

Secrets to Achieve the Perfect Mexican Chicken and Rice with Queso

  1. Use High-Quality Chicken:
    • Choose free-range or organic chicken for the best flavor and texture.
  2. Marinate the Chicken:
    • Marinate the chicken in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, adobo seasoning, and a splash of olive oil for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
  3. Fresh Spices:
    • Use freshly ground spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika to add depth to the dish.
  4. Homemade Queso:
    • Make your own queso dip using fresh cheese, cream, and spices for a richer and more authentic taste.
  5. Toast the Rice:
    • Before adding liquid, toast the rice in a bit of olive oil to bring out a nutty flavor and prevent it from becoming mushy.
  6. Use Chicken Broth:
    • Cook the rice in chicken broth instead of water for added flavor.
  7. Veggie Mix:
    • Add finely chopped bell peppers, onions, and corn to the chicken for extra texture and color.
  8. Sauté Garlic:
    • Sauté minced garlic with the chicken to add a deeper, aromatic flavor.
  9. Crispy Bacon:
    • Top the dish with crispy bacon bits for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
  10. Fire-Roasted Tomatoes:
    • Incorporate fire-roasted tomatoes or a can of Rotel for a smoky flavor.
  11. Layered Cheese:
    • Layer some of the queso in the middle of the casserole before baking for pockets of gooey cheese.
  12. Creamy Additions:
    • Stir in a bit of sour cream or cream cheese to the queso dip for an even creamier texture.
  13. Cilantro-Lime Rice:
    • Prepare the rice with lime juice and chopped cilantro for a zesty base.
  14. Spice It Up:
    • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chopped jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
  15. Fresh Herbs:
    • Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a burst of freshness.
  16. Avocado Topping:
    • Add sliced or diced avocado on top for a creamy texture and healthy fats.
  17. Lime Zest:
    • Add a bit of lime zest to the dish to enhance the citrus flavors and brighten the overall taste.
  18. Cooking Technique:
    • Cook the chicken in batches to ensure it browns properly and develops a nice crust.
  19. Cheese Blend:
    • Use a blend of cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and Queso Fresco for a richer taste.
  20. Finish with Baking:
    • After cooking on the stove, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle with cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden brown on top.

By incorporating these tips, you can elevate your Mexican Chicken and Rice with Queso to a restaurant-quality dish that is sure to impress.

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