Name: Flavorful Mexican Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning blend.; 2 cups cold water, not warm.; 3 ounces of cool, white cheese spread.; 2 tablespoons of fresh milk.; 10 ounces of yellow rice, saffron-enhanced.; 1 boneless chicken breast pack, about 1.5 pounds.; 2 teaspoons of good olive oil.; 1 small cube of tomato-based bouillon.

A plate of creamy chicken and saffron rice topped with cilantro and sauce, with a blurred background of more food. | lovelylifewithrose.com

Bring the charm of a Mexican eatery to your kitchen with this Pollo Loco dish. This creamy chicken and rice mix has become a staple at my dinner table. Just one pot can turn an ordinary weeknight into something special – your family will keep asking for more!

Delicious Family Favorite

I stumbled upon this treasure while trying to replicate the most popular dish from my local taqueria. The combination of juicy chicken with that rich saffron rice, all covered in melted white queso, is something magical. It’s pure comfort food! My kids can’t get enough, and I appreciate how quickly it all comes together when we’re in a rush.

Essential Ingredients

Chicken: Use 1.5 lbs of boneless chicken breasts or tenderloins, chop them into small pieces, and season with Goya adobo.
Rice: Grab a 10 oz package of Vigo yellow saffron rice for a fantastic flavor base.
Tomato Bouillon: Just 1 cube will add great depth. No worries if you can’t find it.
Queso: Look for 1/3 cup of refrigerated white queso – we always choose Pancho's.
Liquid: You’ll need 2.5 cups of water plus some milk for that perfect creaminess.

Instructions to Cook

Prep Your Chicken: Chop the chicken into little pieces. Generously sprinkle Goya adobo – that’s my secret for authentic flavor.
Heat the Pan: Grab your largest skillet and warm it over medium-high heat. Add oil and brown the chicken until it's golden, which should take about 5-6 minutes.
Mix in the Rice: Throw the rice, tomato bouillon, water, and milk right in the skillet with the chicken. Stir it up well.
Let It Cook: Cover the skillet and let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the rice is tender. If you need a bit more time, just make sure your lid fits snugly.
Make it Creamy: Stir in your queso with a bit of milk until it blends into a nice, smooth mixture.

A plate of creamy chicken and rice is garnished with fresh parsley, with another serving in the background. | lovelylifewithrose.com

Smart Tips for the Kitchen

Always cut chicken against the grain for ultimate tenderness. Don’t peek while the rice is cooking. We like to set extra queso on the table so everyone can customize their portions.

Dinner Time

We love to enjoy this while it’s still hot, topped with plenty of fresh cilantro. Sometimes, I whip up a quick salad or warm some tortillas on the side. Watching my family go for seconds is the best!

Personalize Your Dish

We sometimes switch to brown rice if we’re watching calories. My daughter loves when I add in colorful bell peppers. That's what makes this dish so versatile – you can totally put your spin on it. On special occasions, I might even make my own queso from scratch.

Lunch for Tomorrow

Keep any leftovers in your fridge for up to three days. When you want to heat it up again, just add a splash of milk and warm it gently. The flavors can actually get even better overnight.

A bowl of creamy chicken and rice dish garnished with parsley, accompanied by a side of dipping sauce. | lovelylifewithrose.com

Affordable Family Meal

As someone managing a busy home, I appreciate how far this meal can stretch our budget. You won’t need anything fancy, but everyone will think it’s takeout from a local Mexican place. It's perfect for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.

Building Family Memories

This dish takes me back to family gatherings, birthday celebrations, and cozy winter nights. There’s something about sharing meals that brings us closer, and this one always creates those sweet moments around the table.

Queso Buying Tips

Trust me and get your queso from the fridge section near the tortillas. The shelf-stable stuff just can’t give you that smooth, melty experience we want. When I'm in a hurry, I occasionally grab queso from our favorite taco spot.

Easy Cleanup Hack

The best part? Everything cooks in just one pot! All those flavors blend beautifully while saving you from a pile of dishes. That's what I call a win for dinner.

A close-up of a plate featuring creamy chicken and rice, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and herbs, alongside tortilla chips in the background. | lovelylifewithrose.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why does my rice turn out dry?: Steam might be escaping from holes in your pot lid. Cover them with foil to trap the moisture better.
→ Which queso works best?: Pick the fresh queso from the refrigerated section for the best flavor.
→ Can I switch up the rice?: To get the best taste, stick with Vigo Saffron Yellow Rice for this dish.
→ What’s the best way to cut chicken?: Always slice across the grain into bite-sized pieces to keep it tender.
→ Can I prepare this in advance?: It's best enjoyed fresh. The rice doesn’t hold up well after refrigeration.

Conclusion

This simple Mexican-style dish combines tender chicken, vibrant yellow rice, and creamy cheese sauce, ready in one pot. It’s great for when you're in a rush but want something delicious.

Flavorful Mexican Chicken