Cheesy Arroz Con Pollo (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Mexican Rice
01 -
2 cups long grain white rice (basmati preferred)
02 -
2 tablespoons avocado oil
03 -
1 yellow onion, diced
04 -
4-5 garlic cloves, minced
05 -
1 packet Sazon seasoning
06 -
1 tablespoon chicken bouillon
07 -
16 oz tomato sauce
08 -
4 cups water
→ Seasoned Chicken
09 -
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
10 -
2 tablespoons butter
11 -
2 tablespoons avocado oil
12 -
1 tablespoon garlic powder
13 -
1 tablespoon onion powder
14 -
1 tablespoon chili powder
15 -
1 tablespoon ground cumin
16 -
1 packet Sazon seasoning
17 -
½ teaspoon salt
18 -
½ teaspoon black pepper
→ Creamy Cheese Sauce
19 -
12 oz can evaporated milk
20 -
16 oz Queso Blanco Velveeta cheese
21 -
7 oz can diced green chiles
22 -
8 oz shredded pepper jack cheese
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, toast the rice in oil for 3-4 minutes, stirring continuously until lightly golden. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 more minutes until fragrant.
02 -
Stir in Sazon seasoning, chicken bouillon, tomato sauce, and water. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes without stirring to prevent sticking. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 15 more minutes, then gently fluff with a fork.
03 -
While rice cooks, slice chicken breasts into thin strips. Heat butter and oil in another skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips and all the seasonings, cooking and stirring constantly for 4-5 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and golden.
04 -
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine evaporated milk, Queso Blanco, diced chiles, and pepper jack cheese. Stir constantly until all cheese is melted and smooth. Let it rest for a few minutes to thicken to the right consistency.
05 -
Serve by placing a portion of the seasoned rice on each plate, topping with the cooked chicken strips, and generously drizzling the warm cheese sauce over everything.
06 -
Serve immediately while hot. For an authentic experience, warm flour tortillas on the side so guests can make their own burritos with the mixture, or enjoy it as a complete meal on its own.
# Notes:
01 -
Toasting the rice first creates deeper flavor and helps prevent mushy texture
02 -
Never stir the rice while it's cooking or resting - this prevents it from becoming gummy
03 -
Sazon seasoning gives the rice its authentic color and flavor - look for it in the Latin foods aisle
04 -
The cheese sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of milk if needed