If you are craving a dish that bursts with comforting flavors and that perfect balance between savory chicken and rich, cheesy rice, this Homemade Pollo Loco Recipe is just what you need. It’s a delightful blend of tender, spiced chicken strips paired with tomato-infused rice and topped with creamy queso cheese, making every bite a tasty celebration. Whether you want a satisfying dinner after a busy day or a family favorite to impress guests, this recipe is straightforward and incredibly rewarding, proving that with simple ingredients you can create magic in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Homemade Pollo Loco Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish so memorable. Here’s what you’ll gather before the cooking adventure begins.
- Chicken (2 pounds, sliced into strips): The star protein that will absorb all the delicious seasonings and become juicy and tender.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps the chicken caramelize beautifully in the pan.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the dish with a mellow, savory depth without overpowering it.
- Onion powder: Brings a subtle sweetness and warmth to the seasoning blend.
- Salt and pepper: Essential basics that enhance every other flavor in the dish.
- Paprika: Offers a mild smoky note and vibrant color to the chicken.
- Water (4 cups): The necessary base for perfectly cooking the rice.
- White rice (2 cups): The fluffy, tender foundation that soaks up the tomato and seasoning flavors.
- Vegetable oil (3 tablespoons): Helps keep the rice grains separate and adds a subtle richness.
- Knorr tomato bouillon with chicken flavor (3 tablespoons): Gives the rice a savory, tangy tomato-chicken essence that’s simply irresistible.
How to Make Homemade Pollo Loco Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken into thin, even strips to ensure quick and thorough cooking. Use a paper towel to pat the chicken dry—this helps the seasoning stick better and promotes caramelization. Then, sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika over the strips, rubbing the spices in evenly so each piece is bursting with flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken to Perfection
Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and shimmering. Add your seasoned chicken strips and let them cook without crowding the pan. Stir occasionally, allowing the chicken to turn a gorgeous golden brown while locking in its juices. The aroma at this point is tantalizing! Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C) to ensure juicy but fully cooked chicken.
Step 3: Prepare the Flavorful Tomato Rice
While the chicken cooks, bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add vegetable oil, Knorr tomato bouillon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir before adding the rice. Once the rice is in, cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for about 25 minutes. The rice will absorb all those savory flavors and become incredibly tender. When done, fluff it lightly with a fork to keep each grain separate.
Step 4: Assemble Your Pollo Loco
Plate the fluffy, aromatic tomato rice first, then lay the caramelized chicken strips on top. The colors and textures are already calling you to dig in, but wait just a moment for the final step.
Step 5: Drizzle with Creamy Queso Cheese
Finish off your Homemade Pollo Loco Recipe by generously drizzling store-bought queso cheese over the chicken and rice. The creamy, cheesy topping melds beautifully with the savory spices and tomato rice, making every bite simply irresistible.
How to Serve Homemade Pollo Loco Recipe
Garnishes
Although the dish is full of flavor, adding a few garnishes can elevate it even more. Fresh cilantro or chopped green onions make a bright, fresh contrast to the rich chicken and cheesy rice. A squeeze of lime juice on top adds a lively zesty punch that brightens the palate.
Side Dishes
To complement this hearty dish, consider side options like a crisp garden salad, sautéed vegetables, or warm tortillas. A simple avocado or guacamole side adds creaminess and coolness that pairs beautifully with the warm spices in the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your Homemade Pollo Loco Recipe in crispy tortilla bowls or layered in a burrito wrap for a portable meal. You can also turn it into a Pollo Loco bowl by adding beans, corn, and a dollop of sour cream for next-level flavor exploration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pollo Loco keeps well when stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the chicken separate from the queso cheese topping to maintain texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, both the cooked chicken strips and tomato rice freeze well. Pack them into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving queso cheese out until you’re ready to serve. Frozen portions will maintain quality for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge. Warm the rice and chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through. Add the queso cheese fresh after reheating for the best creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice if you prefer juicier, more flavorful meat. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if the strips are thicker.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
You can substitute the chicken with firm tofu strips or sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable bouillon instead of chicken bouillon to keep that rich tomato flavor.
Where can I find Knorr tomato bouillon?
Knorr tomato bouillon is commonly available in most grocery stores, usually in the international or Hispanic foods aisle. You can also find it online for convenience.
Can I make the rice ahead without overcooking it?
Yes, just slightly undercook the rice by a couple of minutes. When reheating, add a little water to refresh it, and fluff well to restore its texture.
What type of queso cheese works best for this recipe?
Store-bought queso cheeses labeled “queso blanco” or “queso fundido” work beautifully. Pick a creamy, meltable option that isn’t too sharp, so it complements rather than overwhelms the chicken and rice.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a dish that combines simple ingredients into a comforting, flavor-packed meal like this Homemade Pollo Loco Recipe. It’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, and once you taste it, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a favorite. So gather your ingredients, have fun cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Homemade Pollo Loco Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Latin American
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
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.
