Flavorful Pollo Loco: Mexican Chicken Rice with Queso

Name: Pollo Loco
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs); 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1 medium sweet onion, diced; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup queso cheese sauce (store-bought or homemade); 2 tsp cumin; 2 tsp chili powder; 2 tbsp olive oil

Published: December 18, 2025

by Yumi Lee

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Imagine the aroma of sizzling chicken wafting through your kitchen, a symphony of spices dancing in the air, as you prepare to dive into a plate of delicious Pollo Loco. This Mexican Chicken Rice with Queso isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that tantalizes your taste buds and warms your heart, making even the dullest Tuesday feel like a festive occasion. zucchini noodles with chicken.

Growing up, my family would gather around the dinner table for this dish, sharing stories and laughter over heaping plates of cheesy goodness. Whether it was a casual weeknight or a special celebration, Pollo Loco always brought us together, and I can guarantee it will do the same for you. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds)! For more inspiration, check out this zesty strawberry salsa recipe.

[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This Pollo Loco recipe combines ease of preparation with bold flavors that pop. The vibrant colors make it an eye-catching dish on any table. It’s versatile enough to serve on any occasion, from family dinners to festive gatherings. Plus, the creamy queso makes every bite irresistible! [/info_box]

I remember my cousin’s face lighting up when she took her first bite of Pollo Loco at our family reunion. The joy was contagious!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work best; feel free to adjust based on your crowd size. baked chicken breast recipe.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for maximum flavor and aroma. For more inspiration, check out this rosemary garlic white bean soup recipe.
Bell Peppers: A mix of red and green adds color and sweetness to the dish.
Onion: Sweet onions bring out the best in your sautéed veggies.
Rice: Long-grain white rice cooks beautifully and absorbs all those delicious flavors.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness.
Queso Cheese Sauce: The star of this show! Store-bought or homemade—just make sure it’s gooey and cheesy.
Spices (Cumin, Chili Powder): These spices add that signature Mexican flair that’ll have everyone begging for more!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. Chop your chicken into bite-sized pieces and dice the vegetables. This makes cooking smoother.

Sauté the Chicken: Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. loaded chicken club sandwich Add the chicken pieces and season them with cumin and chili powder until they turn golden brown.

Add Veggies: Toss in diced onions and bell peppers once the chicken is cooked through. Sauté until they soften; let their sweet aroma fill your kitchen.

Add Rice: Stir in rinsed rice into the skillet next. Let it toast lightly for about two minutes before adding chicken broth; this enhances its nutty flavor. crockpot chicken and rice.

Simmer Away: Pour in enough chicken broth to cover everything. Bring it to a boil then reduce heat to low; cover and simmer until rice is tender—about 15-20 minutes.

Add Queso: Once done simmering, drizzle that luscious queso cheese sauce all over your creation. Stir gently until everything is well-coated and oh-so-cheesy!

Now you’re ready to serve! Dish out generous portions onto plates or bowls, making sure each serving gets its fair share of melted cheese goodness.

And there you have it—your very own plate of Pollo Loco is complete! Enjoy every cheesy bite while reminiscing about those family gatherings filled with laughter and love!

[info_box title=”You Must Know”] The secret to a great Pollo Loco lies in the marinade; it adds depth and flavor. Always let your chicken marinate for at least an hour to ensure maximum taste. The aroma during cooking will make your neighbors jealous! [/info_box]

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken to absorb flavors, then sauté it until golden brown. Cook the rice while the chicken simmers in the sauce for an efficient meal prep.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients; try adding black beans or corn for extra texture. You can also adjust the spice level with more or less chili powder.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat until warmed through to maintain flavor and texture.

[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F for perfect doneness. Avoid overcrowding the pan when searing; this ensures even cooking and browning. Let the chicken rest after cooking to lock in juices before slicing. [/info_box]

Sometimes, I whip up Pollo Loco for gatherings, and it always wins rave reviews, making me feel like a kitchen rockstar!

FAQ

What is Pollo Loco?

Pollo Loco is a flavorful Mexican dish featuring marinated chicken served with rice and queso.

Can I use other types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with pork or beef for different flavor profiles.

How do I make it spicier?

Increase chili powder or add diced jalapeños into the marinade for extra heat.