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Pollo Loco Mexican Chicken and Rice with Queso Recipe – Easy & Flavorful


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp taco seasoning
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1/2 cup queso blanco (or any melted white cheese)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preparation:

Step 1: Season the chicken breasts generously with taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. This will give the chicken a flavorful crust when cooked.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: In the same skillet (to retain all the flavorful bits), add the rice, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking.

Step 4: While the rice is cooking, prepare the queso sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the queso blanco and shredded cheddar cheese. Melt the cheeses over low heat, stirring frequently to ensure a smooth and creamy consistency. Once melted, remove from heat.

Step 5: To assemble the dish, place a generous serving of the cooked rice onto a plate. Top it with one of the cooked chicken breasts. Drizzle the warm, melted queso sauce over the chicken and rice, allowing it to spread and coat everything. Add a dollop of sour cream on top for extra creaminess.

Notes

COOKING Note:

  • Use a non-stick skillet to make sure the chicken cooks evenly without sticking.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the taco seasoning or sprinkle sliced jalapeños on top before serving.
  • For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze a bit of lime juice over the chicken before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Protein: 35g