Pollo Loco Mexican Chicken Rice (Printable)

Spiced chicken over fluffy rice with corn, beans, and melted queso in one skillet.

# 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 (or other white queso cheese), shredded
16 - Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
17 - Lime wedges, for serving

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
02 - In a small bowl, mix together cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
03 - Rub the spice mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
04 - Heat vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove chicken 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 the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer to the oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C) and the rice is tender.
09 - Remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle shredded queso evenly over the chicken and rice.
10 - Return skillet to the oven, uncovered, for 5 minutes, until the queso is melted and bubbly.
11 - Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The rice cooks right alongside the chicken, absorbing all those incredible juices and spices
  • Everything happens in one skillet, which means maximum flavor and minimum cleanup
02 -
  • The rice needs that covered baking time to steam properly. Peek and you risk gummy rice
  • Letting it rest for those 5 minutes is non-negotiable. The rice finishes cooking and the cheese sets beautifully
03 -
  • If using brown rice, add 1/4 cup more broth and increase baking time by 10-15 minutes
  • This recipe reheats beautifully for meal prep. Store individual portions and add fresh garnishes when serving
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