Creamy Mexican Chicken And Rice | Pollo Loco Recipe

This Creamy Mexican Chicken and Rice Skillet is a quick and easy weeknight dinner your kids will be begging for. Packed with flavorful rice, perfectly moist chicken thighs, and creamy cheese, this tasty skillet is great for larger crowds and picky eaters.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Dish

• Minimal ingredients. Use just a handful of pantry staples to make this dish. No need for a special trip to the grocery store!
• Quick cooking. Have dinner on the table and ready to enjoy in under an hour. Only one pan is needed as well!
• Versatile. Swap out the flavors using some of my easy ingredient swaps listed below.
• Family-friendly. Use a variety of spiced —not spicy— ingredients for a flavor-punch that is friendly for the whole family.

Whether you want a quick weeknight meal the family will all adore or just need something with a lovely punch of Tex-Mex flavors, this Creamy Mexican Chicken and Rice Skillet is guaranteed to please.

Ingredients To Grab

Double-check your kitchen for the following ingredients before you get started for a streamlined cooking experience:

• Prepackaged Mexican Rice Blend– We love to use Old El Paso Cheesy Mexican Rice for a quick and easy option for busy nights. You can use any brand your family likes. Cook it according to the instructions on the package.
• Olive Oil– Used to saute the chicken thighs and it prevents the rice from sticking to the pan.
• Water (or low sodium chicken broth)– This is used to cook the prepackaged rice. Use water for lower sodium and fewer calories. A low-sodium chicken broth can be used for an extra punch of flavor instead of water.
• Chicken Thighs– They add a nice protein punch to the chicken and rice bake.
• Queso– Any premade queso (jarred, refrigerated, or shelf-stable) is drizzled over the rice and chicken for a super cheesy bite.
• Shredded Cheese Blend– If preferred, a little bit of shredded cheese is sprinkled over the top of the skillet and baked to a bubbly golden brown.
• Spices– These are used to coat the chicken thighs before they are sauteed, ensuring a flavorful bite.
• Lime and Cilantro– Used to garnish after everything is baked for a fresh and bright bite.

How To Make Creamy Mexican Chicken And Rice

Season and cook the chicken. Carefully spread the chicken thighs out into a single layer. Generously season both sides of the meat with the spice blend. Heat a small amount of oil in a deep skillet. Place the seasoned chicken into the preheated pan. Allow it to cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, flipping halfway through. Remove the chicken from the skillet once it reaches an internal temperature of 165F and allow it to rest on a clean cutting board.

Cook the rice. While your skillet is still hot, use the amount of water listed on the back of the package of Mexican rice to deglaze the bottom of the pan. Add in the oil and rice and place the lid on the pan. Continue to cook the rice according to the package’s instructions.

Slice the chicken. Slice the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces against the grain so they maintain as much moisture as possible.

Layer and bake. Place the sliced chicken on top of the cooked Mexican Rice. Drizzle the chicken and rice bake with your favorite jarred queso. Bake the assembled casserole at 350F for 10-12 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.

Garnish and serve! Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top of the Creamy Mexican Chicken and Rice. Sprinkle on cilantro or parsley for a pop of color. Scoop, serve, and enjoy!

Tips And Tricks

This Pollo Loco is the perfect recipe for kitchen beginners. Use a few super simple instructions along with these tips and tricks to create a recipe that will be a hit every time:

• Use a meat thermometer. Check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs at the thickest point of the meat. Once it reaches an internal temperature of 165F, remove it from the skillet. Overcooking will result in dry chicken.
• Allow the chicken to rest. Allow the chicken thighs to rest while the rice is cooking. This will allow the meat to reabsorb all of the juices inside and prevent it from drying out when it is sliced.
• Make it cheesy. Use as much or as little of your favorite jarred queso as your family prefers. Keep in mind that jarred cheese can be higher in sodium than a fresh-made queso. Start with a little and add it a little at a time for the perfect bite.

Variations

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with a flavorful variety of spices, this chicken skillet is perfectly tasty just the way it is written. If you want a way to switch up the flavors for the next time you make this dish, try some of the following suggestions:

• Add veggies. Saute onions and bell peppers in the skillet along with your chicken thighs. Layer them on with the sliced chicken before baking.
• Make it extra creamy. Mix a tablespoon or two of heavy cream into your cooked rice before layering on the chicken and baking. This will further prevent your rice from drying out too much while baking.
• Try a different protein. Not everyone loves chicken thighs. That’s perfectly fine! Even my kids can be picky about it still. So, if you would prefer to use a ground protein or even swap out chicken breasts or tenderloins, that will work too. Ensure your chosen swapped protein is fully cooked before adding it to the recipe.

What To Eat With Mexican Chicken And Rice

This easy Creamy Mexican Chicken and Rice is delicious and hearty enough to serve as a full meal on its own. If you want to add a little more dimension to your dish or want to stretch it to feed another mouth or two, consider serving it with these sides:

• Black Beans
• Avocado
• Sour Cream
• Elote Dip
• Corn Chips

How Long Does It Last?

As with most chicken recipes, any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days without losing significant flavor or texture.

To reheat it, place a serving on a plate and drizzle it with a tablespoon of water or chicken broth. Place it in the microwave for 60-90 seconds or until warmed through.

Can You Freeze It?

For the best bite, I would suggest eating this Pollo Loco recipe within a few days and avoiding freezing it entirely. The queso tends to become gritty when it is frozen and defrosted at a later time.

More Simple Chicken Recipes

• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
• Chicken Shawarma
• Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
• Springfield Style Cashew Chicken
• BBQ Chicken Nachos

If you love this Creamy Mexican Chicken And Rice as much as our family does, make sure you share it with your friends on social media so they can try it too! Don’t forget to bookmark it so that you can make Pollo Loco again next time you need a quick weeknight meal.