– 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– ½ teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
– 1 cup black beans (canned, drained, and rinsed)
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
– 1 cup creamy queso dip
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
– Lime wedges, for serving
Creating Pollo Loco is simple and enjoyable. Follow these steps to make a fantastic dish:
1. Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and paprika.
2. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Cook Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add chopped onions, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Cook Rice: Stir in the rice, chicken broth, corn, and black beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat. Cover and cook for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender.
6. Combine Ingredients: Once rice is cooked, return the chicken to the skillet. Stir in the creamy queso dip and mix well until everything is heated through and well combined.
7. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and allow it to melt, about 2-3 minutes.
8. Garnish: Remove from heat and top with fresh cilantro.
9. Plate the Dish: Transfer to a serving dish or individual bowls for serving.
These clear-cut instructions will help ensure your Pollo Loco turns out delicious and satisfying.