El Pollo Loco Rice Recipe

El Pollo Loco Rice is a tantalizing Mexican-inspired rice dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Latin cuisine right to your kitchen. This recipe combines fragrant long-grain white rice with a symphony of spices, colorful vegetables, and savory broth, resulting in a side dish that’s as delicious as it is versatile.

The beauty of El Pollo Loco Rice lies in its simplicity and ability to complement a wide range of main courses. Whether served with succulent grilled chicken, paired with your favorite tacos, or accompanying cheesy enchiladas, this dish adds a burst of flavor and texture to any meal.

Plus, it’s a breeze to prepare, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or special occasions. Elevate your dining experience with this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (red or green)
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Rice: Wash the rice with cold water until the water becomes clear. Drain thoroughly.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until they become tender and fragrant.
3. Add the Spices: Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Allow the spices to bloom for a minute, enhancing their flavor.
4. Toast the Rice: Add the rinsed and drained rice to the saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 2-3 minutes or until the rice becomes slightly translucent.
5. Simmer: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and add the diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Reduce Heat and Cover: Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
7. Fluff and Garnish: Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
2. Mexican Fiesta Rice: Mix in black beans, corn kernels, and diced avocado for a vibrant, fiesta-style rice.
3. Cheesy Rice: After cooking, stir in a handful of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for a creamy, cheesy twist.

What To Serve With Loco Rice

1. Grilled Chicken: Pair it with some juicy grilled chicken marinated in Mexican spices for an authentic El Pollo Loco experience.
2. Taco Night: Serve as a side dish alongside a variety of tacos, allowing your guests to create their own taco combinations.
3. Enchiladas: It’s a fantastic accompaniment to cheese or chicken enchiladas, enhancing the overall dining experience.
4. Vegetarian Options: El Pollo Loco Rice can be served with vegetarian dishes like black bean burritos or grilled vegetable fajitas.
5. Seafood: Consider pairing it with grilled shrimp or fish tacos for a fresh, coastal twist.
6. Salsa and Guacamole: Don’t forget to serve it with a side of homemade salsa and guacamole for added zest and creaminess.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Versatility: El Pollo Loco Rice pairs beautifully with various dishes, making it a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire.
2. Homemade Flavor: Enjoy the authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine right at home with this simple recipe.
3. Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a family-friendly dish that everyone will adore.
4. Quick and Easy: This recipe is easy to make and doesn’t require any special cooking skills, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Conclusion

El Pollo Loco Rice is a delightful addition to your Mexican-inspired meal. With its vibrant flavors and straightforward preparation, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe offers the perfect balance of spices and textures, making it a wonderful side dish to serve with your favorite Mexican entrees.

More Amazing Recipes

• Vegetarian Reuben Sandwich
• Vegetarian King Ranch Casserole
• Cooper’s Hawk Chicken Giardiniera Recipe
• Side Street Inn Pork Chop Recipe

Print Recipe

El Pollo Loco Rice Recipe

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time25 minutes mins

Total Time35 minutes mins

Course: Lunch

Cuisine: Mexican

Servings: 4

Calories: 200kcal

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (red or green)
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

• Prepare the Rice: Wash the rice with cold water until the water becomes clear. Drain thoroughly.
• Sauté the Aromatics: In a saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until they become tender and fragrant.
• Add the Spices: Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Allow the spices to bloom for a minute, enhancing their flavor.
• Toast the Rice: Add the rinsed and drained rice to the saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 2-3 minutes or until the rice becomes slightly translucent.
• Simmer: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and add the diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.
• Reduce Heat and Cover: Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
• Fluff and Garnish: Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot.

Emma

Welcome! My name is Emma and you are on my Internet Kitchen. Delicious food is the common love of every foodie person. This site is to share friendly and appetizing recipes. We believe for a better life, you should need better food. So, keep visiting for updated information and recipes.