Juan Pollo Rice pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, grilled shrimp, or flavorful tacos, absorbing the savory juices and enhancing the dish. Its mildly seasoned flavor complements beans, guacamole, and fresh salsa, creating a well-rounded meal. You can also enjoy it alongside grilled vegetables or stuffed in burritos for a satisfying, hearty bite.
Juan Pollo is a beloved Mexican fast-food chain known for its delicious and affordable meals. With over 30 years of history, Juan Pollo has become a household name in Southern California, serving up flavorful dishes inspired by traditional Mexican cuisine.
One of their most popular dishes is their signature rice, which is not only tasty but also easy to recreate at home! In this article, we will show you how to make Juan Pollo-style rice with a few simple ingredients.
Whether you’re craving some Mexican flavor or looking for a side dish to accompany your meal, this Juan Pollo rice is sure to satisfy your taste buds. So let’s get cooking!
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- Uncle Bens Broccoli Rice Au Gratin
- Bojangles Dirty Rice
- Cajun Ninja’s Red Beans and Rice
What is Juan Pollo Rice?
Juan Pollo rice is a popular Mexican-style rice dish served at the fast-food chain Juan Pollo. It is made with long-grain white rice, seasoned with spices like chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder, and cooked in chicken broth for added flavor.
The dish also includes peas and carrots for extra texture and nutrients. This simple yet flavorful side dish is a staple in Mexican cuisine and pairs well with various dishes like tacos, burritos, or grilled meats. It’s easy to make and can be enjoyed as a standalone meal as well.
Why You’ll Love This Juan Pollo Rice?
Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this Juan Pollo rice:
- Easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can easily recreate this delicious rice dish at home.
- Bursting with flavor: The combination of spices like chili powder and cumin adds a burst of flavor to the dish, making it incredibly tasty.
- Versatile side dish: This Juan Pollo rice pairs well with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile addition to your meal planning.
- Budget-friendly: You don’t need to break the bank for this flavorful dish. It uses affordable ingredients and can be made in large batches, perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.
- Kid-friendly: The mild flavors and familiar ingredients make this rice dish appealing to kids as well, making it a great addition to family meals.
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The Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of cooking oil
- 1/2 onion, minced finely
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1 cup of long-grain white rice
- 1 3/4 cups of chicken stock
- Salt, to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Step by Step Directions
Step 1: Heat the Oil
In a medium-sized skillet or saucepan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm until it shimmers, but make sure it doesn’t smoke.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Add the finely minced onion to the skillet and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Add and Toast the Rice
Once the onion is softened, add the long-grain white rice to the skillet. Stir constantly to coat the rice with the onion mixture. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes until it turns lightly golden, which adds a nutty flavor to the dish.
Step 4: Add the Chicken Stock
Pour in the chicken stock, stirring to combine with the rice and onion mixture. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 5: Add the Spices
Once the chicken stock is boiling, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the garlic powder and chili powder, mixing well to evenly distribute the spices in the rice.
Step 6: Simmer the Rice
Cover the skillet with a lid and let the rice simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Avoid removing the lid while cooking to maintain the steam.
Step 7: Season and Fluff
After the rice is fully cooked, remove it from the heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Season with salt to taste, adjusting as needed.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
For added flavor and freshness, garnish the rice with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve your TJuan Pollo Rice warm alongside your favorite main dish.
Tips
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- You can also add some diced tomatoes or corn to the dish for added flavor and texture.
- To make it spicier, add some diced jalapenos or use hot chili powder instead of regular chili powder.
Nutrition Information
How to store Juan Pollo Rice?
You can store leftover Juan Pollo rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
If you want to make a large batch and freeze it for later use, let the cooked rice cool down completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To warm it up again, first, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, you can heat it on the stove or in the microwave.
What other substitute can I use in Juan Pollo Rice?
If you don’t have all the ingredients listed, here are some possible substitutes:
- Substitute chili powder with cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Use fresh or frozen mixed vegetables instead of peas and carrots.
- Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth, beef broth, or water.
Equipment
- Large pot
- stirrer
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of cooking oil
- 1/2 onion minced finely
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1 cup of long-grain white rice
- 1 3/4 cups of chicken stock
- Salt to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro optional, for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium-sized skillet or saucepan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm until it shimmers, but make sure it doesn’t smoke.
- Add the finely minced onion to the skillet and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Once the onion is softened, add the long-grain white rice to the skillet. Stir constantly to coat the rice with the onion mixture. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes until it turns lightly golden, which adds a nutty flavor to the dish.
- Pour in the chicken stock, stirring to combine with the rice and onion mixture. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once the chicken stock is boiling, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the garlic powder and chili powder, mixing well to evenly distribute the spices in the rice.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and let the rice simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Avoid removing the lid while cooking to maintain the steam.
- After the rice is fully cooked, remove it from the heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Season with salt to taste, adjusting as needed.
- For added flavor and freshness, garnish the rice with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve your TJuan Pollo Rice warm alongside your favorite main dish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- You can also add some diced tomatoes or corn to the dish for added flavor and texture.
- To make it spicier, add some diced jalapenos or use hot chili powder instead of regular chili powder.
Nutrition
FAQs
Can I make Juan Pollo rice in a rice cooker?
Yes, you can cook the rice and seasonings in a rice cooker as well. Just add all the ingredients to the cooker and follow the instructions for cooking white rice.
Is Juan Pollo Rice gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses chicken broth and spices as the main ingredients.
Can I make Juan Pollo rice with brown rice?
Yes, you can use any type of rice for this dish! Just remember to adjust the cooking time and liquid measurements according to the type of rice you’re using. Brown rice will typically require more liquid and a longer cooking time compared to white rice.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make Juan Pollo-style rice at home, you can enjoy this delicious and flavorful dish anytime you want. Whether as a side dish or a main meal, this rice is sure to become a family favorite!
Experiment with different spice combinations and vegetable additions to make it your own. Feel free to share this article with your family and friends so they can also enjoy this versatile and budget-friendly dish. Thank you for reading.
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Lori Walker is a passionate dietitian and food lover. She offers simple and nutritious recipes that don't take long to cook. In addition to sharing delicious dishes, she also shares useful advice on saving time and money in the kitchen. She believes that with a bit of creativity, anyone can make healthy meals that won't break the bank. Read more