Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds of chicken, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black 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 freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Additional:
- Store-bought queso cheese for topping
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
- In a large pan, place 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Let the butter melt fully, creating a rich base for the chicken. Once melted, add the 2 pounds of sliced chicken to the pan.
- Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed over the chicken strips. The combination of garlic, onion, and paprika will create a savory, aromatic base for the chicken.
- Cook the chicken for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to cook the chicken through while allowing it to caramelize slightly on the edges, giving it a flavorful, slightly crispy texture. Continue cooking until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and has achieved a golden-brown hue on the outside. This ensures a delicious, well-cooked chicken that’s juicy on the inside. Once done, remove the pan from heat and set the chicken aside.
Prepare the Rice:
- In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally to ensure the water is evenly heated.
- Once the water begins to bubble, add 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the water, along with 3 tablespoons of Knorr tomato bouillon with chicken flavor. This will infuse the water with savory, tomato-rich flavor.
- Season the water with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir the mixture gently to combine the seasonings with the boiling water. This step is essential to create a well-seasoned base for the rice.
- Once the water is fully flavored, add the 2 cups of white rice to the pot. Stir the rice into the water to ensure it’s evenly distributed. After this, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice cook for about 25 minutes. During this time, the water will be absorbed by the rice, cooking it to perfection. Do not lift the lid during this period, as it will disrupt the steaming process.
- After 25 minutes, check the rice. The water should be fully absorbed, and the rice should be tender. If there is any excess moisture, allow it to cook for another 5 minutes with the lid on. Once cooked, use a fork to fluff the rice, separating the grains for a light and airy texture. This helps to keep the rice from becoming sticky.
Assemble the Dish:
- On each plate, place a generous serving of the seasoned rice as the base. The fluffy, flavorful rice will serve as a delicious foundation for the chicken and queso topping.
- Top the rice with the cooked chicken strips, arranging them neatly over the rice. The juicy, seasoned chicken complements the rice, adding protein and flavor to the dish.
- For the finishing touch, drizzle or spoon store-bought queso cheese generously over the chicken and rice. The creamy, melty queso adds a rich, indulgent texture that ties the dish together. The warm cheese contrasts beautifully with the seasoned chicken and fluffy rice, creating a comforting, satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions:
- This dish is fantastic on its own but can be paired with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad for added freshness and color. You could also serve it with a few slices of avocado or a squeeze of lime for a tangy contrast to the rich queso. The creamy cheese, savory chicken, and fragrant rice make for a meal that will satisfy all cravings.
Storage Tips:
- If you have leftovers, store the chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep the rice moist. For the best taste, enjoy within the first 1-2 days. The queso may solidify in the fridge but will melt again when reheated.
This Homemade Pollo Loco is a rich and flavorful meal that’s simple to make but full of delicious layers. Ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend treat!