Can I use other types of rice for the Pollo Loco Mexican Chicken and Rice with Queso Recipe?

This recipe works best with the Vigo saffron yellow rice because it’s pre-seasoned and cooks perfectly in about 20-25 minutes. Using other rice types might change the cooking time and flavor, so if you swap it out, keep an eye on the water ratio and cooking time to avoid undercooked or mushy rice.

What’s the best queso dip to use?

I recommend using a white queso dip that melts smoothly and isn’t too thick or crumbly. The store-bought cheese dips in small tubs work great, but feel free to experiment with your favorites or even homemade queso for a personal touch.

How do I prevent the rice from being crunchy?

Make sure to use a tight-fitting lid without vents to trap steam effectively. Avoid opening the lid during cooking, and if your lid has a hole, try covering it with foil or tape. These steps help cook the rice evenly and fully.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! All the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your seasonings and bouillon cube labels to make sure there are no hidden gluten ingredients. This dish makes for a delicious gluten-free meal.

Mexican Chicken and Rice with Queso – Comfort in Every Bite

Name: Pollo Loco Mexican Chicken and Rice with Queso Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into small bite size pieces; 1 tsp Goya Adobo Seasoning; 2 tsp olive oil; cooking spray; 1 10 oz package Vigo Saffron Yellow Rice (Arroz Amarillo); 1 cube Knorr Tomato Bouillon (optional); 2½ cups water; 3 oz White Queso Dip; 2 tbsp milk (skim, 1%, 2%, or whole)

Description

Pollo Loco is a flavorful Mexican-inspired chicken and saffron yellow rice dish tossed with creamy white queso and milk, delivering a comforting and zesty main course perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into small bite size pieces
1 tsp Goya Adobo Seasoning
2 tsp olive oil
cooking spray

Rice and Seasoning

1 10 oz package Vigo Saffron Yellow Rice (Arroz Amarillo)
1 cube Knorr Tomato Bouillon (optional)
2½ cups water

Cheese Sauce

3 oz White Queso Dip
2 tbsp milk (skim, 1%, 2%, or whole)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the chicken: If the chicken feels wet, pat it dry with paper towels. Sprinkle the adobo seasoning over the chicken pieces and rub it in evenly to season the meat thoroughly.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or a non-stick deep skillet with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook without stirring for about 3 minutes until one side is browned. Then turn the pieces and cook a few more minutes until the chicken is cooked through and browned on all sides.
Add rice and seasoning: Once the chicken is cooked, add the saffron yellow rice package contents, crushed tomato bouillon cube, and 2½ cups water. Stir everything together and bring to a boil for one minute, ensuring the rice and seasoning are well combined.
Simmer the rice: Reduce heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with a tightly fitting lid and cook the rice for at least 25 minutes, checking doneness after that time. The rice should be tender and fully cooked. If your lid has a steam vent hole, cover it tightly with foil or tape to prevent rice from remaining crunchy.
Incorporate queso and milk: When the rice is ready, stir in the white queso dip and milk. Fluff the mixture together gently with a fork until combined and creamy. Serve warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

Serving size is about 1.5 cups per person based on nutritional details and weight watchers points.
If your rice remains crunchy, check if your lid has a steam vent hole. Covering the hole with foil or tape helps cook the rice properly.
When cutting chicken into pieces, slice against the grain for tender bites.
The white queso dip can be substituted with a similar creamy cheese sauce if unavailable.
This recipe works well with any type of milk: skim, 1%, 2%, or whole.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 369 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 1000 mg
Fat: 5.8 g
Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4.6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 43.3 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 34 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg