Pollo Tropical Rice Recipe – Easy Kitchen Guide

When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on March 13, 2023 | Last Updated on June 29, 2023

Pollo Tropical rice is a great option if you are looking for a complete meal.

It is a type of food that many people love. It is delicious and can be cooked in many different ways. It is also a healthy option for those who are looking for something to eat that is not too fatty or sugary.

You can make many different recipes with Pollo tropical rice and can use this versatile dish as a side dish or an entree. It is a great way to get your daily dose of protein and fiber, and also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

A bowl of rice is the perfect way to complete any meal and this Pollo tropical rice recipe is the perfect example. Flavored with sazon, it’s got all the makings of a great side dish. Plus, it’s super easy to make – just throw everything in a pot and let it simmer away until the rice is cooked through.

Pollo tropical rice recipe

What is Pollo tropical rice?

Pollo tropical rice is usually prepared with chicken broth and seasonings. It is a popular dish in many Latin American countries.

It is typically made with white rice, but you can also use brown rice. You can serve this dish with a variety of vegetables, such as peas and carrots. On top of this, it also goes really well with a variety of meats, such as chicken, beef, pork, or seafood.

This dish is also known as Pollo tropical yellow rice. It gets its name from the color of the rice, which is usually yellow. The color of the rice is due to the use of turmeric and paprika.

This Pollo tropical rice is a delicious, flavorful, absolute dish for any occasion. This dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

Is Pollo Tropical Yellow Rice vegan?

No, Pollo Tropical’s yellow rice is not vegan. It contains chicken broth, which contains animal products. If you are looking for a vegan-friendly option, consider using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Additionally, you can use a variety of vegetable sides that may be vegan-friendly, such as grilled vegetables or side salads.

How to make Pollo tropical rice?

Pollo tropical rice is a delicious and moist long-grain rice served with special seasonings and some garden vegetables.

The most common method is to cook the rice in chicken broth and add vegetables. Another method is first to saute the vegetables in a little oil, then add the rice and chicken broth. Either way, the rice should be cooked in chicken broth for the best flavor.

Most of my readers know I am passionate about traveling and cooking. So, naturally I was thrilled last year when I got to go on vacation and try out a new dish. The Pollo Tropical restaurant in Orlando, Florida, is world-famous, so of course, my friends and I had to check it out the moment we arrived in town. The yellow rice with chicken was so good that I immediately fell in love with it when I had its first bite.

When I returned home, I tried to recreate the dish in my kitchen. After several trials and errors, I finally found the perfect recipe for Pollo tropical rice.

This recipe is easy to follow and requires no special ingredients. All you need is long-grain rice, chicken broth, and some vegetables of your choice. I usually use carrots and peas in my Pollo tropical rice.

You can also add other vegetables like green beans or broccoli. To make the dish more flavorful, you can add some spices like cumin or chilli powder.

Pollo tropical rice recipe pin

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Ladle 

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 Tsp garlic powder
  • 1 Tsp turmeric
  • 2 Tsp paprika
  • 1/4 Cup of peas(Frozen)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 Cup of rice
  • 1 Tsp onion powder
  • 2 Tsp sazon
  • 2 Cups of chicken broth
  • 1/4 Cup of chopped carrots(Frozen)

Instructions

Step 1: Take a saucepan. Add oil to it and heat the oil over medium heat.

Step 2: Now add the rice to the oil. Saute the rice until they are semi-translucent.

Step 3: Add the chicken broth. Keep stirring with the ladle until everything is combined.

Step 4: Next, add the garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, sazon and paprika to the mix. Continue stirring.

Step 5: Cook for 20 minutes with the lid on.

Step 6: Then add the peas and carrots to the mix and stir until everything is combined. Continue cooking for 5 more minutes. The rice will look fluffy.

Step 7: Take the heat off and serve it immediately to get a fresh flavor.

Tips

  • You can use any type of rice for this dish. I prefer to use long-grain rice, but you can also use basmati or jasmine rice.
  • If you want to make the dish more flavorful, you can add saffron.
  • You can also add other vegetables like green beans or broccoli.
  • Make sure to cook the rice until it is al dente. Otherwise, it will be mushy and not as enjoyable to eat.
  • You can add corn as a vegetable, or you could add small pieces of seasoned meat for more protein.
  • Lime juice can be added. It will give a citrus flavor. 
  • Serve immediately for best results.

Taste of Pollo Tropical Rice

Taste of Pollo Tropical rice is like rice seasoned with different spices. The most notable spice is sazon, which gives the rice its characteristic flavor. Other spices include garlic, onion, and paprika. This combination of spices makes Pollo Tropical rice taste unique and flavorful.

What to serve with Pollo tropical rice?

Pollo tropical rice is typically served with chicken, beef, beans, and vegetables. However, you can also enjoy it on its own as a side dish.

How to store leftover Pollo tropical rice?

You can store leftover Pollo tropical rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating, be sure to add a little water or broth to moisten the rice.

Pollo tropical rice recipe

Pollo Tropical Rice Recipe

Pollo tropical rice is usually prepared with chicken broth and seasonings. It is a popular dish in many Latin American countries.
It is typically made with white rice, but you can also use brown rice. You can serve this dish with a variety of vegetables, such as peas and carrots. On top of this, it also goes really well with a variety of meats, such as chicken, beef, pork, or seafood.
No ratings yet
Print Pin Rate
Author: Lori Walker, MS, RD
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 1 people
Calories: 338kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Take a saucepan. Add oil to it and heat the oil over medium heat.
  • Now add the rice to the oil. Saute the rice until they are semi-translucent.
  • Add the chicken broth. Keep stirring with the ladle until everything is combined.
  • Next, add the garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, sazon and paprika to the mix. Continue stirring.
  • Cook for 20 minutes with the lid on.
  • Then add the peas and carrots to the mix and stir until everything is combined. Continue cooking for 5 more minutes. The rice will look fluffy.
  • Take the heat off and serve it immediately to get a fresh flavor.

Notes

  • You can use any type of rice for this dish. I prefer to use long-grain rice, but you can also use basmati or jasmine rice.
  • If you want to make the dish more flavorful, you can add saffron.
  • You can also add other vegetables like green beans or broccoli.
  • Make sure to cook the rice until it is al dente. Otherwise, it will be mushy and not as enjoyable to eat.
  • You can add corn as a vegetable, or you could add small pieces of seasoned meat for more protein.
  • Lime juice can be added. It will give a citrus flavor. 
  • Serve immediately for best results.
Keyword: Pollo Tropical Rice, Pollo Tropical Rice Recipe

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving And % Daily Values

Serving: 1 people; Calories: 338 kcal; Total fat: 22g; Unsaturated fat: 18g; Trans fat: 1g; Saturated fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 5mg; Fiber: 3g; Sodium: 1244 mg; Sugar: 3g; Carbohydrates: 31g; Protein: 6g

You Might Also Like These Recipes!

Wrapping Up

Thanks for taking the time to learn about how to make Pollo tropical rice. This dish is a great way to get your daily dose of protein and fiber, and also a good source of vitamins and minerals. It’s flavorful and easy to make, so it will be sure to please everyone at the table.

Please share this recipe with your family and friends, and enjoy the delicious taste of Pollo tropical rice!

Sharing is caring! 
Author Profile

My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating