Description
Homemade Pollo Loco is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring seasoned chicken strips sautéed to golden perfection, served over rich, tomato-flavored rice and topped with creamy queso cheese. This recipe offers a delicious blend of spices and textures, perfect for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds of chicken, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 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
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional:
- Store-bought queso cheese for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken into strips and pat dry with a paper towel. Season the chicken evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika, rubbing the spices into the meat for full flavor infusion.
- Cook the Chicken: Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and caramelized, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Make the Rice: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add vegetable oil, Knorr tomato bouillon with chicken flavor, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the white rice, cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and cook for 25 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Fluff with a fork before serving.
- Combine Chicken and Rice: Plate the cooked rice and top it with the sautéed chicken strips, arranging them to evenly distribute flavors and textures.
- Add the Creamy Queso Topping: Drizzle store-bought queso cheese over the chicken and rice as the final touch, adding a creamy and savory layer that complements the dish perfectly.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken strips in the seasoning spices for 30 minutes before cooking.
- If you prefer less sodium, reduce the amount of salt and use a low-sodium tomato bouillon.
- Use fresh queso or melted cheese if store-bought queso is unavailable.
- This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
