Pollo Loco Mexican Chicken Rice (Print Version)

Tender spiced chicken over fluffy rice with vegetables and melted queso blanco

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken and Marinade

01 - 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
02 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
03 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
04 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1 teaspoon salt
09 - ½ teaspoon black pepper

→ Rice and Vegetables

10 - 1 cup long-grain white rice
11 - 2 cups chicken broth
12 - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies undrained
13 - 1 cup frozen corn
14 - 1 cup canned black beans drained and rinsed

→ Topping and Garnish

15 - 6 oz queso blanco shredded
16 - Fresh cilantro chopped for garnish
17 - Lime wedges for serving

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F.
02 - Combine cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
03 - Rub the spice mixture evenly over all chicken breasts.
04 - Heat vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
05 - Add rice to the same skillet and toast for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden.
06 - Stir in chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn, and black beans. Mix well.
07 - Nestle the seared chicken breasts into the rice mixture.
08 - Cover skillet with lid or aluminum foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F and rice is tender.
09 - Remove skillet from oven. Sprinkle shredded queso evenly over chicken and rice.
10 - Return skillet to oven uncovered for 5 minutes until queso is melted and bubbly.
11 - Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one skillet so you can spend more time eating and less time scrubbing pots
  • The spice rub creates this incredible crust on the chicken that keeps it juicy while the rice soaks up all those flavors
02 -
  • I once forgot to sear the chicken first and the whole dish still tasted good but missed that incredible crispy texture
  • The rice keeps cooking in the hot pan so do not wait too long to serve or it will turn into mush
03 -
  • Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before serving so the juices redistribute instead of running all over your cutting board
  • Use the biggest oven safe skillet you own because this dish creates some serious bubble over potential
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