Pollo Loco Mexican Chicken and Rice (Printable)

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

# What you need:

→ Chicken & 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 & 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 & Garnish

15 - 6 oz queso blanco, shredded
16 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
17 - Lime wedges

# Directions:

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. Mix thoroughly.
03 - Rub the spice mixture evenly over all surfaces of the 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 golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
05 - Add rice to the same skillet and toast for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant.
06 - Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, frozen corn, and black beans. Stir well to combine.
07 - Nestle the seared chicken breasts into the rice mixture, pressing them slightly into the liquid.
08 - Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil. Transfer to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and rice is tender.
09 - Remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle shredded queso blanco evenly over the chicken and rice.
10 - Return the skillet to the oven, uncovered, and bake for 5 minutes until the queso is fully melted and bubbly.
11 - Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one skillet so you can spend less time washing dishes and more time eating
  • The spice rub creates this incredible crust on the chicken while keeping it juicy inside
  • Leftovers somehow taste even better the next day when the flavors have had time to become best friends
02 -
  • If your rice is still crunchy after the initial bake time, add a splash of water and return to the oven for another five minutes covered
  • The chicken will continue cooking slightly when you add the cheese, so pull it at 160 degrees and it will reach the safe 165 while resting
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one because it holds heat better and creates superior fond for searing
  • The spice rub makes enough for double the chicken, so save the extra in a jar for your next taco night
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