The Tropichop Bowl from Pollo Tropical features tender grilled chicken, seasoned rice, black beans, fresh mango salsa, and crisp greens, served in a vibrant bowl that balances savory, sweet, and tangy flavors for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Rice cooker or pot
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon or spatula
- Serving bowls
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup (185g) long grain white rice
- 2 cups (480ml) water
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 (15 oz/425g) can black beans
- 1/4 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1/2 small red onion
- 1 ripe mango
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- 1 small jalapeño
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
Using boneless, skinless chicken breast ensures tender and juicy meat after grilling, while seasoning it with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper delivers the signature savory flavor of the Tropichop Bowl. Long grain white rice cooked with turmeric adds vibrant color and subtle earthiness that complements the black beans seasoned with oregano for a well-rounded taste. Fresh mango salsa made from ripe mango, red onion, jalapeno, red bell pepper, cilantro, and lime juice provides a sweet and tangy contrast to the seasoned chicken and rice. Crisp romaine lettuce and shredded carrots add refreshing crunch to balance the dish's textures and flavors. When preparing your own Tropichop Bowl from Pollo Tropical copycat menu, focus on quality fresh ingredients and balancing bold seasonings to recreate its signature vibrant and satisfying meal.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add chicken breasts to seasoning mixture, coating evenly.
- Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked.
- Remove chicken from grill; let rest, then slice.
- Rinse rice under cold water.
- In a rice cooker or pot, add rice, water, turmeric, and a pinch of salt.
- Cook rice according to package instructions.
- Drain and rinse black beans.
- In a saucepan, heat black beans with oregano over medium heat until warmed through.
- Dice red onion, mango, and red bell pepper.
- Mince jalapeño and chop cilantro.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mango, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice to make mango salsa.
- Toss romaine lettuce and shredded carrots together.
- Assemble bowls: layer seasoned rice, black beans, lettuce-cabbage mix, grilled chicken, and mango salsa.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Tropichop Bowl from Pollo Tropical copycat menu blends grilled chicken, seasoned rice, black beans, mango salsa, and fresh greens into one colorful dish. If fresh mango is unavailable, canned or frozen mango can be used, but drain excess liquid to avoid soggy salsa. Black beans can be substituted with pinto or kidney beans depending on availability and preference. When grilling chicken, a grill pan works well if you don't have access to an outdoor grill. You can adjust the spice levels in the seasoning mix or salsa to match your personal taste for a customized bowl.
Tips
Ensure you let the grilled chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking; this helps retain its juices and keeps it tender. Rinse the white rice thoroughly under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping. Warm the black beans gently on medium heat to enhance their flavor without drying them out. When preparing the mango salsa, finely mince the jalapeno to control the spice level, adjusting it to your taste.
Nutritions
The Tropichop Bowl offers a balanced meal with lean protein from boneless, skinless chicken breast, providing essential amino acids for muscle repair. Your serving delivers complex carbohydrates from turmeric-seasoned rice and fiber-rich black beans, supporting sustained energy and digestive health. Fresh mango salsa adds natural vitamins A and C, enhancing immune function with antioxidants. Crisp romaine and shredded carrots contribute additional fiber and micronutrients for overall wellness.
Storage
Store leftover Tropichop Bowl components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess--grilled chicken should be refrigerated within two hours and consumed within 3-4 days. Keep the mango salsa chilled and consume it within 1-2 days for optimal flavor and safety. Your rice and beans can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, but for longer preservation, freeze them in portions for up to 1 month.
Variation or Alternatives
Substitute chicken breast with grilled shrimp or tofu to add a different protein source while maintaining the bowl's vibrant flavors. Use quinoa or brown rice instead of white rice for a higher fiber content and nuttier taste. Replace mango salsa with pineapple salsa for a sweeter, tropical twist that pairs well with the spices used on the protein. Marinate your chicken overnight to enhance seasoning absorption and achieve a more tender texture.
Allergies
The Tropichop Bowl contains common allergens such as black beans, which might cause legume allergies in some individuals, and bell peppers that can trigger sensitivities. Your meal also includes spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric, which may lead to allergic reactions in rare cases. Be cautious if you have a history of food allergies related to these ingredients when enjoying this flavorful bowl.
Why this recipe?
The Tropichop Bowl from Pollo Tropical menu offers a vibrant blend of Caribbean flavors featuring seasoned grilled chicken, fresh tropical fruits, and a zesty rice base that tantalizes taste buds. You'll enjoy its balanced combination of protein, fruits, and grains that provide both nutritional value and a satisfying meal experience. Making a copycat version allows you to customize ingredients to your preference while recreating the restaurant's unique flavor profile at home. Fans appreciate the bowl's bold seasoning and fresh ingredients, making it a popular choice for those craving a healthy yet flavorful dish.