Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds of chicken, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- Paprika
For the Rice:
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups white rice
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons Knorr tomato bouillon with chicken flavor
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
Additional:
- Store-bought queso cheese for topping
Instructions:
Cooking the Chicken:
- Prepare Chicken: In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Cook Chicken: Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it starts to caramelize and is fully cooked through.
Making the Rice:
- Prepare Rice: In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
- Add Flavors: Add the vegetable oil, Knorr tomato bouillon with chicken flavor, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the water.
- Cook Rice: Add the rice to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for about 25 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Fluff Rice: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork.
Assembling the Dish:
- Plate Rice: Place a serving of rice on each plate.
- Add Chicken: Top the rice with a portion of the cooked chicken strips.
- Finish with Queso: Drizzle or spoon the store-bought queso cheese over the chicken and rice.
- Serve this Homemade Pollo Loco hot, savoring the blend of savory chicken, flavorful rice, and the creamy, cheesy topping of queso. It’s a satisfying and delicious meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Absolutely! Adjust the cooking time according to the specific instructions for brown rice.
Q: Is the queso cheese optional?
A: While the queso adds a creamy touch, you can omit it or substitute with your favorite cheese.
Q: Can I marinate the chicken before cooking?
A: Certainly! Marinating the chicken in your favorite spices adds an extra layer of flavor.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this Homemade Pollo Loco brings the essence of a restaurant favorite to your home kitchen. With simple steps and fresh ingredients, create a meal that delights the taste buds and satisfies your craving for a flavorful experience.