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Pollo Loco Chicken and Rice

Pollo Loco Chicken and Rice

Enjoy a comforting Pollo Loco Chicken and Rice dish that's flavorful and easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Course: Homestyle Dinners
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Chicken and Rice, Comfort Food, easy dinner, Homemade Meal, Pollo Loco, weeknight recipe
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 400kcal

Equipment

  • large pan

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs tender and juicy, perfect for absorbing spices

For the Rice

  • 1 cup rice long-grain varieties work best
  • 2 cups chicken broth adds depth, can use low-sodium

For the Aromatics

  • 1 onion, chopped caramelizes beautifully
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced infuses the chicken with flavor
  • 1 bell pepper, diced any variety can work

For the Spices

  • 1 teaspoon cumin lends a warm, earthy flavor
  • 1 teaspoon paprika adds depth and smokiness
  • Salt and pepper to taste essential for balancing flavors

For Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil helps sauté ingredients

Instructions

How to Make Pollo Loco Chicken and Rice

  • Heat oil: Warm the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat until shimmering.
  • Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add bell pepper: Stir in the diced bell pepper and let it cook for another 2 minutes.
  • Season chicken: Generously season the chicken thighs with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Brown chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the pan. Brown it on both sides for about 4-5 minutes.
  • Combine rice and broth: Stir in the rice and chicken broth, mixing well.
  • Boil and simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 30 minutes.
  • Fluff and serve: Once cooked, fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.

Notes

Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 400kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 100mg | Sodium: 500mg | Potassium: 600mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 10mg
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