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Pollo Loco brings the taste of my favorite Mexican restaurant right to your kitchen. This chicken and rice dish smothered in creamy white queso has become a family staple in my home. Trust me when I say this one pot meal will make your weeknight dinner feel like a special occasion.
A Family Favorite That Never Disappoints
I stumbled upon this recipe years ago when trying to recreate my local taqueria's signature dish. The combination of tender chicken and saffron rice topped with melty queso creates pure comfort in a bowl. My kids beg for this meal and I love how simple it is to throw together on busy nights.
What You Need
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenderloins cut into bite-size pieces and seasoned with Goya adobo.
- Rice: 10 oz package of Vigo saffron yellow rice for a flavorful base.
- Tomato Bouillon: 1 cube for extra depth. Skip if you cannot find it.
- Queso: 1/3 cup white queso from the refrigerated section. My family loves Pancho's brand.
- Liquid: 2.5 cups water and a splash of milk to make the queso extra creamy.
Let's Cook
- Start with the Chicken
- Cut chicken into bite-size pieces. Season well with Goya adobo. This seasoning is my secret weapon for authentic flavor.
- Get Cooking
- Heat your largest skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil and cook the chicken until golden about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Rice Time
- Add rice tomato bouillon water and milk right into the skillet with the chicken. Give it a good stir.
- Let it Simmer
- Cover and cook on low for 20 to 25 minutes. The rice should be perfectly tender. If it needs more time make sure your lid fits snugly.
- Finish with Queso
- Stir in queso and a splash of milk until everything is creamy and delicious.
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My Cooking Secrets
Want juicy chicken every time? Cut those pieces against the grain. Keep your lid tight on the rice no peeking. I like to serve extra queso on the side so everyone can add as much as they want.
Time to Eat
My family loves this served piping hot with plenty of fresh cilantro on top. Sometimes I'll throw together a quick salad or warm up some tortillas to round out the meal. Nothing makes me happier than watching everyone dive in for seconds.
Mix It Up
Some nights I switch things up using brown rice when we're feeling healthy. My daughter loves when I add colorful bell peppers. The beauty of this recipe is making it your own. Sometimes I'll even whip up a quick homemade queso sauce if I'm feeling fancy.
Leftovers Never Last Long
Pop any leftovers in the fridge they'll stay good for three days. To reheat just add a splash of milk and warm it up slowly. The queso gets even better the next day.
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Feed Your Family Without Breaking the Bank
As a busy mom I love that this recipe stretches our grocery budget. The ingredients are simple but the flavors taste like they came from your favorite Mexican restaurant. It's become my go to when I need to feed a crowd without spending a fortune.
Making Memories in the Kitchen
Every time I make this dish I think about all the family dinners birthday celebrations and cozy winter nights it's been part of. Food has a way of bringing people together and this recipe never fails to create those special moments around my table.
Finding the Best Queso
Trust me on this one grab your queso from the refrigerated section near the tortillas. Those shelf stable ones just won't give you the same creamy texture we're looking for. In a pinch I'll even grab some from our local Mexican spot.
Less Mess More Joy
The best part about this dish? One pot means quick cleanup. Everything cooks together so the flavors blend perfectly and I'm not stuck with a sink full of dishes. It's a win win in my kitchen.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why is my rice crunchy?
Steam vent holes in pot lids can prevent proper cooking. Cover hole with foil for best results.
- → What queso should I use?
Fresh refrigerated queso from dairy section preferred over shelf-stable versions.
- → Can I use different rice?
Recipe specifically uses Vigo Saffron Yellow Rice for authentic flavor.
- → How do I cut the chicken?
Cut against grain into small pieces for tender results.
- → Can I make this ahead?
Best served fresh. Rice texture may change when refrigerated and reheated.
Conclusion
A delicious and easy Mexican-inspired one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, flavorful yellow rice, and creamy queso. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.