Description
Homemade Pollo Loco is a flavorful dish featuring tender chicken strips seasoned with a blend of spices, cooked to a golden brown, and served over rich, tomato-flavored rice. Finished with a creamy queso cheese topping, this easy-to-make meal delivers a comforting and satisfying taste inspired by traditional Latin flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds of chicken, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
For the Rice:
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups white rice
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons Knorr tomato bouillon with chicken flavor
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Additional:
- Store-bought queso cheese for topping (approximately 1/2 cup or to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken into strips and pat dry using a paper towel. Season the chicken evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Rub the seasoning well into the chicken strips to ensure full flavor coverage.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips to the pan, cooking and stirring occasionally until the chicken turns golden brown and caramelized. Cook thoroughly until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure safety.
- Make the Rice: In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Stir in vegetable oil, Knorr tomato bouillon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to infuse the water. Then add the rice, cover the pot, and reduce heat to low. Cook the rice for about 25 minutes, or until the water is fully absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from heat and fluff the rice gently with a fork.
- Combine Chicken and Rice: Portion the cooked rice onto serving plates and arrange the cooked chicken strips on top of the rice for a harmonious plating.
- Add the Creamy Queso Topping: Drizzle your choice of store-bought queso cheese over the chicken and rice as the final touch, adding a creamy and tangy flavor to complete the dish.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- You can substitute white rice with brown rice for a healthier variation, but cooking time and water quantity may vary.
- If queso cheese is not available, melted shredded cheese or a cheese sauce can be used instead.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially salt and spice levels for dietary preferences.
