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Mexican restaurant magic happens right in your home with this Pollo Loco dish. I've made this creamy queso-smothered chicken and rice combo a regular at my dinner table. One pot is all it takes to transform an ordinary weeknight into something that feels special – your family won't stop asking for it!
An Unforgettable Family Dish
I found this gem while trying to copy my neighborhood taqueria's best-selling item. There's something magical about how juicy chicken pairs with that golden saffron rice, all blanketed in gooey white queso. It's comfort food perfection! My children constantly ask for it, and I love how quickly it comes together when we're rushing around.
Your Ingredient List
- Chicken: Grab 1.5 lbs of boneless chicken breasts or tenderloins, cut them small and shake on some Goya adobo.
- Rice: Pick up a 10 oz Vigo yellow saffron rice package for that amazing base flavor.
- Tomato Bouillon: Just 1 cube adds fantastic richness. Don't worry if you can't track it down.
- Queso: Look for 1/3 cup refrigerated white queso – we always go for Pancho's in our house.
- Liquid: You'll need 2.5 cups water plus some milk to make everything extra smooth.
Cooking Steps
- Prep Your Protein
- Chop chicken into small chunks. Sprinkle generously with Goya adobo – it's my hidden trick for that authentic taste.
- Fire Up The Pan
- Use your biggest skillet over medium-high flame. Pour in some oil and brown that chicken until it's golden, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add The Grains
- Toss your rice, tomato bouillon, water and milk straight into the chicken skillet. Mix everything well.
- Patience Pays Off
- Cover and let it bubble gently for 20-25 minutes. You'll know it's done when the rice feels tender. Make sure your cover fits well if you need extra time.
- Creamy Finale
- Mix in your queso with a splash of milk until everything looks wonderfully velvety.
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Clever Kitchen Tips
For super tender chicken, always cut across the grain. Don't lift that lid while the rice cooks. We always put extra queso on the table so everyone can add more to their taste.
Dinner's Ready
We always eat this while it's steaming hot with lots of fresh cilantro scattered on top. Sometimes I throw a quick salad together or heat up some tortillas on the side. Nothing beats watching my family go back for more.
Switch Things Up
We sometimes use brown rice when we're counting calories. My little girl loves when I toss in some bright bell peppers. That's what makes this dish so great – you can totally make it your own way. On special nights I might even cook up my own queso from scratch.
Tomorrow's Lunch
Store whatever's left in your fridge for up to three days. When you want to eat it again, just add a tiny bit of milk and warm it slowly. The flavors actually get better overnight.
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Budget-Friendly Family Meal
As someone juggling a busy household, I love how this meal stretches our dollars. You won't need fancy stuff but everyone will think you ordered takeout from that Mexican spot downtown. It's perfect when I need to feed lots of hungry people without emptying my wallet.
Creating Family Traditions
This dish reminds me of countless family dinners, birthday parties, and snuggled-up winter evenings. There's something about sharing food that brings everyone closer, and this meal always creates those warm fuzzy moments around our dinner table.
Queso Shopping Advice
Take my word for it and buy your queso from the cold section by the tortillas. The shelf stuff just won't give you that smooth, melty goodness we want. When I'm really in a hurry, I'll sometimes grab takeout queso from our favorite taco joint.
Simple Cleanup Solution
The biggest perk? Everything cooks in one pot! All those flavors mix together perfectly while saving you from washing a mountain of dishes. That's what I call a perfect dinner situation.
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Common Questions
- → Why is my rice crunchy?
The little holes in pot covers can let out too much steam. Just put some foil over them for better cooking.
- → What queso should I use?
Go for the fresh queso found in the fridge section instead of the kind that sits on shelves.
- → Can I use different rice?
This dish really needs Vigo Saffron Yellow Rice to get the right taste.
- → How do I cut the chicken?
Slice it into small chunks across the grain to keep it nice and tender.
- → Can I make this ahead?
It's way better right after cooking. The rice doesn't stay as nice after sitting in the fridge.
Wrap-Up
A tasty and simple Mexican-inspired meal cooked in one pot that brings together juicy chicken, yellow rice with plenty of flavor, and smooth cheese sauce. It's ideal when you're busy but still want something good without spending forever cooking.