Last Updated on March 19, 2024
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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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
- Rice: This calls for long-grain white rice, but you can also use brown rice or any other type of rice that you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid measurements accordingly.
- Chili powder: Adds a nice kick of spice to the dish. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili powder used.
- Frozen peas and carrots: This gives the rice a pop of color and adds some extra nutrients.
- Chicken broth: For added flavor, use chicken broth instead of plain water to cook the rice in.
- Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor and enhances the color of the dish.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion adds a nice depth of flavor to the dish.
- Cumin powder: A staple spice in Mexican cuisine, cumin adds a warm and earthy flavor to the rice.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor without the hassle of mincing fresh garlic.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste. Adjust according to your preferences.
Step by Step Directions
Step 1
Rinse the Rice
- Place the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear.
- This removes any excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky when cooked.
Step 2
Toast the Rice
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the rice and toast it for about 3 minutes until it starts to turn golden brown.
Step 3
Add in Seasonings and Vegetables
- Add chili powder, peas and carrots, paprika, onion, cumin powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the pot with the rice.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 4
Pour in Chicken Broth
- Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth into the pot.
- Stir everything again until well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
Step 5
Simmer and Let Cook
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
- Let it simmer for about 18 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is fully cooked.
Step 7
Fluff with a Fork
- Remove from heat and let the rice sit with the lid on for about 5 minutes.
- Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Juan Pollo Rice!
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
- 2 cups rice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 4 cups Chicken broth
- Paprika
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 tsp Cumin powder
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Begin by thoroughly rinsing 2 cups of long-grain white rice under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This step is crucial as it removes any excess starch, preventing your rice from becoming too sticky when cooked.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the rice and cook for approximately 3 minutes, stirring constantly until it starts to turn a beautiful golden brown color.
- Next, add in the flavorful spices of 1 tsp chili powder, half a cup each of frozen peas and carrots, a sprinkle of paprika, half a finely chopped onion, half a tsp of cumin powder, and garlic powder. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir until fully combined.
- Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth, stirring well to evenly distribute the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for approximately 18 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is fully cooked.
- Take the pot off the heat and let it sit with the lid on for an additional 5 minutes. This allows for any excess moisture to be absorbed, resulting in perfectly fluffy rice.
- With a fork, fluff the rice to loosen it up and release any trapped steam. Serve hot and savor the delicious flavors of your homemade Juan Pollo Rice!
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
