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Pollo Loco feels just like getting takeout from my favorite spot, but at home. You get chicken and rice all draped in dreamy white queso. My crew can't get enough—it's easily become the dish we look forward to on busy weeknights when we need something a little extra special.
Beloved Family Favorite
Years back I tried to copy our neighborhood taqueria’s best dish and came up with this version. Tender chicken and golden saffron rice under gooey queso is pure happiness in a bowl. My kids always beg for seconds. Honestly, it’s so easy I barely have to think about it after a long day.
Gather Up These Essentials
- Chicken: About 1.5 lbs boneless skinless pieces (breasts or tenders), sliced small and tossed with Goya adobo for that kick.
- Saffron Rice: Vigo's yellow rice in a 10-ounce pack makes the perfect foundation.
- Tomato Bouillon: Pop in a cube for deeper flavor, but you can totally leave it out if you don’t have any nearby.
- White Queso: Around 1/3 cup—grab it from the refrigerated section (we love Pancho’s).
- Liquid: Add 2.5 cups water plus a splash of milk for butterier queso vibes.
Jump In and Cook
- Finish Up with Queso
- Mix in your queso with a bit more milk at the end. Stir until it’s all smooth and melty.
- Let It Bubble
- Cover with a well-fitting lid and let things gently cook for about 20-25 minutes. Try not to peek! The rice needs this time to get just right.
- Rice Goes In
- After the chicken is done, toss in your rice, tomato bouillon, water, and milk straight into the same pan. Give everything a quick mix.
- Time for Chicken
- Chop the chicken up small and shower it in Goya adobo to season. Trust me, don’t skip this—it’s magic.
- Brown the Chicken
- Throw some oil in your biggest skillet, crank up the heat to medium-high, and sear the chicken bits until browned and juicy—should only take 5 or 6 minutes.
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Tips From My Kitchen
Want the juiciest bites? Slice chicken across the grain. When simmering the rice, don’t sneak a peek—keep that lid down tight. I always pop out extra queso at the table so everyone can ladle on as much as they want.
Dig In When It's Hot
We love piling this up fresh from the pan, finished with tons of chopped cilantro. I'll toss together a quick side salad or heat up some tortillas to finish the meal. It makes my day seeing everyone come back for more.
Switch Things Up
Sometimes I swap in brown rice if we're craving something lighter. My daughter cheers when I add bright bell peppers. The best part? You can make it just how you like. Every once in a while, I'll make a batch of homemade queso when I feel like getting fancy.
Save the Leftovers (If There Are Any!)
Toss extra portions in the fridge, they’ll stay tasty for up to three days. Warm them back up gently with a splash of milk. The queso gets even richer the next day.
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Feed Your People On a Budget
As a mom juggling our grocery list, I lean on this meal to stretch what we have. The ingredients are everyday basics but somehow they taste straight from a favorite taqueria. It’s my top pick for feeding a hungry crowd without breaking the bank.
Food for Good Times
Every pot reminds me of holidays, birthday parties, and chilly evenings cozied up together. Meals like this really do bring everyone close and help make those awesome memories around our table.
Queso Picks That Never Fail
Take my word—get your queso from the cold aisle where the tortillas live. The shelf-stable ones just aren’t creamy enough for what we want. Worst case, I’ll grab some from a takeout counter at a Mexican joint.
Easy Clean Up Happy Cooks
I love that there’s only one pot to wash after. All the flavors get to hang out together, and I’m not stuck in the kitchen all night scrubbing. Makes for a smoother night, every time.
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Summary
This simple and flavorful one-pan dish combines pieces of juicy chicken, vibrant saffron-infused rice, and melty queso. It's a quick and fuss-free option for a filling weeknight meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → Why isn’t my rice soft?
If your rice stays undercooked, try blocking the steam hole on the lid with a bit of foil for even cooking.
- → What’s the best queso to buy?
Grab fresh queso from the refrigerated dairy aisle for the richest texture and flavor over shelf options.
- → Can I swap the rice type?
This dish works best with Vigo Saffron Yellow Rice for its bold flavor.
- → How should I slice the chicken?
Slice the chicken thinly and across the grain for softer bites.
- → Is it good for meal prep?
This dish tastes best freshly cooked since reheating affects rice texture.