Name: Copycat El Pollo Loco Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 3
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 long grain rice; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion; 2 cloves garlic; 15 oz fresh tomatoes; 1 can green chilies; 15 oz pinto beans; 1 chicken broth; 1 corn; 2 tsp ground cumin; 1 tbsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp dried oregano; Salt & ground black pepper; Fresh cilantro & sour cream

Photos of Copycat El Pollo Loco Rice Recipe

Those who are saying that rice is bland clearly have not eaten rice correctly. Rice is often aromatic, savory, and it complements the food regardless if it is pork or fish. For this rice recipe, we’ll show you how to recreate the savory and flavorful Mexican rice inspired by Pollo Loco.

Preparing the Copycat El Pollo Loco Rice Recipe

This dish needs a generous amount of chicken stock. So, if you are cooking, and you happen to store some stock, it is best to whip that out for this rice recipe. Unleash your favorite herbs and spices and apply them here as well.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs and spices. It is up to you how you can make this rice dish perfect for your palate. Serve this with some steak or grilled seafood and you are good to go. Rice is more than just a side dish. If you are want to learn more rice dishes, try our dirty rice recipe.

How To Make Copycat El. Pollo Loco Rice

This hearty Mexican meal is a perfect dinner suggestion for when you want to serve a dish with that authentic Mexican taste. And at the same time is able to satisfy the tummy.

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 30 mins

Total: 40 mins

Serves:

Ingredients

1 long grain rice, uncooked
1 tbsp olive oil, divided
1 medium yellow onion, roughly 8 oz, diced & divided
2 cloves garlic, roughly diced
15 oz fresh tomatoes, diced
1 can green chilies, roughly 4 oz, diced
15 oz pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 chicken broth
1 corn
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tbsp smoked paprika
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt & ground black pepper, to taste

To Serve

Fresh cilantro & sour cream

Instructions

In a hot dry skilletl, toast the rice until golden.
Add the oil & half of the onions. Saute briefly
Transfer your rice/onion mixture into a greased inner pot of your rice cooker.
Add the oregano, chicken broth, half of the paprika, & green chilis. Combine all these ingredients & cook your rice according to package directions. Set aside
While waiting, saute your corn in the remaining onions, garlic, & oil until translucent.
Add the tomatoes & pinto beans. Saute briefly, until any liquid from the tomatoes have reduced to ¼ its original content
Add the cumin & remaining paprika. Saute briefly
Transfer your cooked rice into a bowl, add the sauteed mixed vegetables.
Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Season to taste with salt & pepper. Adjust accordingly
Serve with fresh cilantro and sour cream.

Nutrition

Sugar: 10g
:
Calcium: 146mg
Calories: 346kcal
Carbohydrates: 58g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 21g
Iron: 7mg
Potassium: 1179mg
Protein: 16g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Sodium: 354mg
Vitamin A: 3649IU
Vitamin C: 36mg

Nutrition Disclaimer

Want to share your own version of this Copycat El Pollo Loco Rice Recipe? Head over to the Recipe Sharing section of our forum and let us know how you make it!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rice Good For Everyday Consumption?

Yes! Rice consumption is actually beneficial to the body because rice is an excellent source of carbohydrates and low in fat. When you are having an active lifestyle, eating rice would be an excellent decision.

Is There a Downside to Eating Rice?

There are some studies that connect eating too much white rice with obesity. However, if you will take some time to research information about rice, there will be a number of alternatives that can be consumed instead of the widely-distributed white rice: red rice, black rice, and brown rice are considered healthier and more filling.

Conclusion

Rice has been consumed by people in Asia for a long time. It provided them with energy through carbohydrates, protein, and other nutrients needed to survive everyday life. Try this Mexican spin on the rice dish and we guarantee that you'll never want to do takeout again.