Family Meal from Pollo Campero features crispy golden fried chicken, seasoned with a blend of Latin spices, accompanied by fluffy white rice, savory beans, and fresh, tangy coleslaw, offering a hearty and flavorful feast perfect for sharing.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Saucepan
- Rice cooker or pot
- Strainer
- Skillet or saucepan (for beans)
- Coleslaw shredder or grater
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving platters or trays
- Serving spoons
Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs bone-in chicken pieces
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups dried black beans or pinto beans (or 3 cans cooked beans)
- 1 small onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 head green cabbage
- 1/4 head purple cabbage (optional)
- 2 carrots
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper
- 1 lime
Ensure your chicken pieces are fully submerged in buttermilk for at least 4 hours to tenderize and infuse flavor, which is essential for crispy, juicy fried chicken. Use fresh spices like paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper to replicate the authentic Latin seasoning in the batter. When choosing beans, canned options save time but soaking and cooking dried beans enhances texture and flavor significantly. For the coleslaw, finely shred both green and purple cabbage to achieve the crisp, tangy crunch characteristic of Pollo Campero's side. Your Family Meal from Pollo Campero copycat menu will deliver an authentic taste experience by balancing these key ingredients and traditional preparation methods.
Instructions
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk (refrigerate 2–4 hours).
- Mix flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, cayenne in a bowl.
- Heat oil in deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Dredge marinated chicken in seasoned flour.
- Fry chicken in batches until golden and cooked through (12–15 mins); drain on strainer or rack.
- Rinse rice until water runs clear.
- In rice cooker or pot, combine rice, water, oil, and salt; cook until fluffy.
- If using dried beans, soak overnight and drain.
- Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in skillet with oil.
- Add beans, bay leaf, cumin, and enough water to cover; simmer until tender (or heat canned beans with seasonings).
- Shred cabbage and carrots with chef’s knife or coleslaw shredder.
- In mixing bowl, toss cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and lime juice to taste.
- Arrange fried chicken, rice, beans, and coleslaw on serving platters.
- Serve using serving spoons.
Substitution
The Family Meal from Pollo Campero copycat menu offers crispy, spiced fried chicken paired with fluffy rice, savory beans, and fresh coleslaw for an authentic Latin-inspired feast. If buttermilk is unavailable, you can substitute by mixing 2 cups of milk with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 10 minutes. When using canned beans instead of dried, reduce cooking time significantly and rinse well to control sodium levels. For frying, vegetable oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil ensures crispy results. Your coleslaw can be adjusted with different types of cabbage or even shredded kale depending on availability and preference.
Tips
Make sure to marinate your chicken for at least 2 hours in buttermilk to ensure it's tender and flavorful. When frying, keep the oil temperature steady at 350degF (175degC) to achieve a crispy golden crust without overcooking. Rinse your rice several times until the water is clear to remove excess starch and prevent clumping. For the coleslaw, finely shredding the cabbage and carrots will help the dressing coat every bite evenly, enhancing the overall texture and taste.
Nutritions
Your Family Meal from Pollo Campero delivers a rich balance of macronutrients, featuring protein-rich crispy fried chicken marinated in nutrient-dense buttermilk and coated with seasoned flour. The side of fluffy white rice provides complex carbohydrates to fuel your energy needs, while the savory beans add plant-based protein, fiber, and essential minerals such as iron and magnesium. Fresh coleslaw made from cabbage and carrots contributes dietary fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants, enhanced by a tangy dressing containing apple cider vinegar and fresh lime juice that supports digestion and adds vitamin C. This well-rounded meal combines flavors and nutrients, making it both satisfying and nourishing for your family.
Storage
Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain crispiness, consuming within 3-4 days. Keep cooked rice and beans separately in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to preserve texture and flavor. Store coleslaw in a covered container, ensuring it stays chilled to keep the fresh, tangy taste lasting for up to 2 days.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute bone-in chicken pieces with boneless thighs or drumsticks for quicker cooking while maintaining juiciness. Swap buttermilk for plain yogurt or milk mixed with lemon juice to achieve a similar tenderizing effect on the chicken. Instead of frying, try oven-baking the coated chicken at 400degF (200degC) for 30-35 minutes for a healthier alternative that still yields crispy skin. For the beans, using canned beans reduces prep time, and adding a splash of smoky chipotle in adobo sauce can enhance their savory depth.
Allergies
The Family Meal from Pollo Campero contains common allergens such as buttermilk, which poses a risk for those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. The use of all-purpose flour introduces gluten, making this dish unsuitable for individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. Your ability to enjoy this meal safely depends on awareness of these potential allergens and any personal dietary restrictions.
Why this recipe?
The Family Meal menu from Pollo Campero offers a perfect blend of crispy chicken, fresh sides, and authentic Guatemalan flavors, making it a popular choice for group dining. Its generous portions and well-balanced ingredients provide convenience and satisfaction without sacrificing taste. You can recreate the same beloved flavors at home by trying a copycat recipe, which ensures a cost-effective and customizable dining experience. Replicating Pollo Campero's signature dishes brings the comfort and excitement of this restaurant right to your kitchen table.