El Pollo Loco Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Fire up your taste buds with this customizable El Pollo Loco Chicken Rice Bowl! We're ditching the traditional pinto beans for flavorful black beans and swapping the serrano pepper for a milder jalapeño – because you get to make it your own! This recipe features juicy grilled chicken marinated overnight for maximum flavor, perfectly seasoned Spanish rice with sautéed onions, and a vibrant mix of toppings. Get ready for a fiesta in your mouth!

Prep Time 660 mins
Cook Time 1470 mins
Calories 1066 kcal
Protein 92g
Rating Be the first
El Pollo Loco Chicken Rice Bowl 57

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for El Pollo Loco Chicken Rice Bowl

  • Corn Oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Yellow Food Coloring
  • Ground Cumin
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Vegetable Oil
  • Serrano Chili
  • Pinto Beans
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • Green Onion
  • Stewed Tomatoes
  • Chicken Broth
  • Long Grain White Rice
  • Chili Powder
  • Oregano
  • Garlic Salt
  • Fresh Tomato
  • Onion
  • Fresh Cilantro
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese

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How to Make El Pollo Loco Chicken Rice Bowl

  1. **Prepare the Spanish Rice:** In a medium saucepan, sauté the chopped onion in 1 tablespoon olive oil until softened. Add the rice and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in the water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
  2. **Garnish the rice:** Stir in half of the chopped green onions and set aside.
  3. **Marinate the Chicken:** In a large shallow dish, whisk together the remaining olive oil, butter, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, and lemon juice. Add the chicken, turning to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator overnight (or for at least 4 hours).
  4. **Grill the Chicken:** Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and season generously with salt and pepper. Grill for 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the remaining marinade, until cooked through and nicely browned.
  5. **Prepare the Black Beans:** Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a saucepan. Add the minced jalapeño and cook until softened (about 2 minutes). Stir in the chili powder, black beans, and 1/2 cup of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
  6. **Assemble the Bowls:** Divide the Spanish rice and black beans evenly among bowls. Top with sliced grilled chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Garnish with the remaining green onions and serve immediately.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

31 g

Sugar

20g

Fat

83g

Carbs

35g

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make El Pollo Loco Chicken Rice Bowl?

El Pollo Loco Chicken Rice Bowl takes about 2130 minutes from start to finish — roughly 660 minutes to prepare and 1470 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in El Pollo Loco Chicken Rice Bowl?

El Pollo Loco Chicken Rice Bowl has approximately 1066 calories per serving, with about 92 g protein, 35 g carbohydrates and 78 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for El Pollo Loco Chicken Rice Bowl?

The key ingredients for El Pollo Loco Chicken Rice Bowl are Corn Oil, Butter, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Yellow Food Coloring, Ground Cumin. See the full list with measurements above.

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