Last Updated on July 16, 2023
Pollo Tropical Rice is a classic Caribbean dish. This delicious dish is an easy-to-make, protein-packed side or entree that’s full of flavor. With just a few simple ingredients and spices, this unique recipe will have your mouth watering in no time.
Not only is it a great source of vitamins and minerals, but it’s also a delicious way to add some extra fiber to your diet. So get ready to enjoy this tasty dish – it’s sure to become a staple in your meal plans!
In this article, we’ll discuss what Pollo Tropical Rice is, how it tastes, and how to make it. We’ll also provide some tips on serving this dish as well as nutrition information. So read on to learn more about this classic Caribbean dish!
What is Pollo Tropical Rice?
Pollo Tropical Rice is a traditional Caribbean dish from the South Florida-based restaurant chain Pollo Tropical, usually made with chicken broth and seasonings. This delicious dish is protein-packed and full of flavor.
You can make it using white rice or brown rice, plus a variety of vegetables such as peas and carrots. This classic rice dish is an easy way to add some color and flavor to your table.
While it may sound simple, the combination of ingredients makes this meal extra special! Whether it’s served as a side dish or a main course, Pollo Tropical Rice is sure to be an absolute hit on any occasion!
What does it taste like?
Pollo Tropical Rice is a flavorful and savory dish that’s full of flavor. The chicken broth gives it a rich, earthy taste while the turmeric adds a subtle warmth.
The carrots, peas, and onion powder provide texture and sweetness, while the garlic powder and paprika give it a smoky and sweet flavor.
Finally, the season adds a unique flavor and color to this classic dish. Altogether, these ingredients create a delightful combination that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds!
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How did I first get introduced to the Pollo Tropical Rice?
I was first introduced to Pollo Tropical Rice when I visited Pollo Tropical in South Florida. It was love at first bite! The unique combination of flavors and colors was so inviting, and the rich flavor just kept me coming back for more.
After that visit, I knew I had to learn how to make this dish at home, so I could enjoy it any time I wanted! After a few attempts, I was able to master the dish and enjoy it whenever I felt like a taste of the Caribbean.
How to make Pollo Tropical Rice?
Making Pollo Tropical Rice is surprisingly easy! Here are the ingredients & step-by-step guidelines for this dish:
Ingredients
- Vegetable oil: This oil helps to give the dish flavor and allows it to cook properly.
- Turmeric: This spice gives the dish a yellow hue as well as an earthy flavor.
- Carrots: Adds texture and sweetness to the dish.
- Peas: A great source of protein and adds a burst of color.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- Onion powder: Adds a depth of flavor to the dish.
- Sazon: A popular Latin seasoning that adds flavor and color.
- Chicken broth: The liquid base for the rice.
- Rice: The star of the dish, adding texture and bulk.
- Garlic powder: Boosts the aroma and adds a punch of garlic flavor.
- Paprika: A smoky and sweet spice that adds depth of flavor to the dish.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Heat a deep pan over medium heat and add in vegetable oil, turmeric, carrots, peas, and salt. Cook for about 5 minutes until everything is softened.
Step 2
Add in onion powder, sazon, chicken broth, and rice. Stir to combine all the ingredients together.
Step 3
Cover the pan with a lid and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.
Step 4
Turn off the heat and let sit for another 5 minutes before removing the lid. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in garlic powder and paprika.
Step 5
Serve Pollo Tropical Rice with your favorite side dishes or toppings!
Tips
– Use high-quality ingredients for best results.
– Feel free to add other spices, such as cumin or oregano, for more flavor.
– Add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or corn, to the dish if desired.
– For an extra kick, drizzle some hot sauce on top before serving!
Equipment
- Rice cooker
- Large saucepan
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 Tsp turmeric
- 1/4 Cup of chopped carrots(Frozen)
- 1/4 Cup of peas(Frozen)
- Salt to taste
- 1 Tsp onion powder
- 2 Tsp sazon
- 2 Cups of chicken broth
- 1 Cup of rice
- 1 Tsp garlic powder
- 2 Tsp paprika
Instructions
- Heat a deep pan over medium heat and add in vegetable oil, turmeric, carrots, peas, and salt. Cook for about 5 minutes until everything is softened.
- Add in onion powder, sazon, chicken broth, and rice. Stir to combine all the ingredients together.
- Cover the pan with a lid and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.
- Turn off the heat and let sit for another 5 minutes before removing the lid. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in garlic powder and paprika.
- Serve Pollo Tropical Rice with your favorite side dishes or toppings!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Information
- Total fat: 22g
- Unsaturated fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Trans fat: 1g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 1244 mg
- Sugar: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Protein: 6g
What to serve with Pollo Tropical Rice?
Pollo Tropical Rice is a great side dish for almost any meal! It’s more delicious when served with these:
Grilled chicken: This is a great option for a protein-packed meal.
Salad: Try pairing this colorful dish with a green salad for an even healthier meal.
Black beans and plantains: This classic combination of flavors provides the perfect balance to Pollo Tropical Rice.
Steamed vegetables: Add in some additional color, flavor, and texture with steamed vegetables.
How to store leftover Pollo Tropical Rice?
If you have leftovers of this dish, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Reheat the rice by covering it with a damp paper towel and heating it in the microwave until warm. Also, you can add a few drops of water to the container before reheating.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can enjoy Pollo Tropical Rice in moderation. As with any other food, it is always important to practice safe food handling and preparation techniques when cooking for pregnant women.
When cooking, make sure all ingredients are cooked through properly and that the chicken broth has been boiled thoroughly.
FAQs
What is the difference between white rice and brown rice?
The main difference between white rice and brown rice is that white rice has been processed to remove the husk, bran, and germ. This results in a shorter cooking time, but it also removes many of the nutrients found in brown rice.
Brown rice on the other hand still contains all of its natural components so it takes longer to cook, but retains its nutritional value and has a chewier texture. Both types of rice are great options for Pollo Tropical Rice!
Is Pollo Tropical Rice Healthy?
Yes, Pollo Tropical Rice is a healthy dish thanks to the combination of wholesome ingredients. This dish packs in plenty of protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and calcium.
It also has a low calorie count which makes it an ideal choice for those looking to maintain or reach their health goals. Additionally, this dish is free of processed ingredients which makes it even healthier.
Does this dish taste spicy?
No, Pollo Tropical Rice is not spicy. The ingredients used in this dish are mostly mild, which makes it perfect for those who don’t like overly spicy food.
The only hint of spice comes from the paprika, which adds a smoky and sweet flavor to the dish without being too overwhelming. However, if you do prefer spicier food, you can always add some extra hot sauce or chili peppers to the dish.
Wrapping Up
Pollo Tropical Rice is a classic Caribbean dish that’s full of flavor and color. It can be served as a side or main course, making it the perfect addition to any meal.
With just a few simple ingredients and spices, this delicious dish will have your mouth watering in no time. So why not give it a try? It’s sure to become a staple in your meal plans!
Thank you for reading. We hope you found this article helpful as you whip up a delicious batch of Pollo Tropical Rice in your kitchen!
Happy cooking!
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Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more
