Easy Polo Fundido Recipe to Try Tonight
Discover a quick and delicious Polo Fundido Recipe perfect for tonight’s dinner that combines melted cheeses, tender chicken, and a blend of spices creating an irresistible, cheesy, flavorful dish. This Polo Fundido Recipe brings together simple ingredients and straightforward steps to make a satisfying meal anyone can enjoy, whether for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this Polo Fundido Recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
- Cheesy Goodness: The rich blend of melted cheeses delivers a creamy, dreamy texture that will keep everyone reaching for more.
- Versatile: Adaptable to different dietary preferences with simple ingredient swaps and easy variations.
- Comfort Food Classic: Warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying, this dish nourishes both body and soul.
- Impressive Yet Simple: Feels fancy enough for guests but easy enough for everyday cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, from the tender chicken filling to the gooey cheese topping, creating a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Using fresh and quality ingredients ensures every bite bursts with deliciousness.
- Chicken breast: Boneless and skinless, diced for tender texture and quick cooking.
- Cheese blend: A combo of mozzarella and Oaxaca or Monterey Jack for smooth melting and mild tang.
- Onion: Finely chopped to add sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Garlic: Minced garlic gives a fragrant aroma and hints of zest.
- Tomato: Diced fresh tomatoes add juiciness and color contrast.
- Jalapeños or mild chilies: For a gentle heat that livens up the dish without overpowering it.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing to bring everything together smoothly.
- Spices: Ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper create warmth and complexity.
- Fresh cilantro: Optional garnish to brighten and freshen every bite.
Variations for Polo Fundido Recipe
The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to make your own by switching up ingredients or catering to dietary needs. Experiment and find the perfect version that suits your palate and pantry!
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped chipotle peppers in adobo or extra jalapeños for more heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables while keeping the same cheesy goodness.
- Low Carb Option: Serve in lettuce wraps or over cauliflower rice to keep carbs in check.
- Extra Creamy: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream before baking.
- Herb Twist: Include chopped oregano or thyme for an added herbaceous note.
How to Make Polo Fundido Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, finely chop the onion and garlic, and dice the tomatoes and jalapeños. Grate or shred the cheeses if not pre-shredded. This prep sets the foundation for quick cooking and even flavor distribution.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until they turn translucent and fragrant. Add the chicken, season with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring frequently until the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Chilies
Stir in diced tomatoes and jalapeños, cooking for a few minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly, and the mixture becomes a colorful, juicy blend.
Step 4: Combine with Cheese
Remove the pan from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese into the chicken mixture. This helps bind the flavors and gets everything ready for that final, melty layer.
Step 5: Bake Until Melty and Bubbling
Transfer the chicken and cheese mixture into a small baking dish, sprinkle the remaining cheese generously on top, and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly, golden, and irresistibly melted.
Pro Tips for Making Polo Fundido Recipe
- Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly shredded cheeses melt more smoothly than pre-packaged shredded varieties with anti-caking agents.
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Cook until just done to keep it tender and juicy under the cheese layer.
- Let It Rest: Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes after baking to let the cheesy layer set slightly for easier serving.
- Customize Your Spice Level: Start with mild chilies if unsure and add spicy elements progressively.
- Use a Broiler for Extra Brownness: If you want a crispier cheese topping, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch carefully to avoid burning.
How to Serve Polo Fundido Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro or parsley adds a burst of green and fresh flavor contrast to the richness of melted cheese, while a squeeze of lime juice brightens and balances the dish perfectly.
Side Dishes
This cheesy chicken delight pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips for scooping, warm tortillas for wrapping, or even a light, crisp salad to complement the dish’s richness with refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Polo Fundido in individual ramekins for a cozy personal portion or present it in a cast iron skillet right from the oven to impress guests with its bubbling, golden cheese top. Garnishing with sliced avocado or pickled onions adds a fun and flavorful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Polo Fundido in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and flavorful for quick reheats.
Freezing
This dish freezes well when transferred to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, but for best results, omit the cheese topping before freezing and add fresh cheese when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese topping is re-melted; avoid microwaving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! Mozzarella and Oaxaca are classic for meltiness, but you can mix in cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of queso fresco for extra flavor.
Is Polo Fundido spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted by the amount and type of chilies used, so it’s as mild or as fiery as you prefer.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, mixed roasted vegetables, or even beans to keep the dish hearty without the meat.
What should I serve with Polo Fundido?
Serve with warm tortillas, tortilla chips, a fresh salad, or rice to complete your meal with complementary textures and flavors.
Is Polo Fundido Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you serve it with gluten-free sides like corn tortillas or chips, this recipe itself is naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a cozy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying meal, the Polo Fundido Recipe is calling your name. It’s simple to prepare yet packed with flavor, making it a perfect choice for any dinner night. Give it a try tonight and enjoy every gooey, delicious bite!
Related Posts
- Why Korean Beef Tacos Are a Must-Try Treat
- Why Tahini Chicken Bowl Is a Must-Try Meal
- Why Healthy Lemon Chicken Pasta Is a Must-Try Meal
Polo Fundido Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and delicious Polo Fundido recipe that combines tender chicken, a blend of melted cheeses, and flavorful spices for a warm, cheesy, and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken & Aromatics
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese Blend
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese
Vegetables & Peppers
- 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes
- 1–2 jalapeños or mild chilies, diced (adjust to taste)
Oils & Spices
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnishes (Optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the onion and garlic. Dice the tomatoes and jalapeños. Grate or shred the mozzarella and Oaxaca (or Monterey Jack) cheeses if not pre-shredded. This prep ensures quick cooking and even flavor distribution.
- Sauté the Aromatics and Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic and sauté until translucent and fragrant. Add the diced chicken, then season with ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir frequently and cook until the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden.
- Add Tomatoes and Chilies: Stir in the diced tomatoes and jalapeños. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly and the mixture forms a colorful, juicy blend.
- Combine with Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir half of the shredded cheese into the chicken mixture to help bind the flavors and prepare for the melty topping.
- Bake Until Melty and Bubbling: Transfer the chicken and cheese mixture into a small baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese generously on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, golden, and melted.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting compared to pre-packaged shredded cheese with anti-caking agents.
- Cook chicken just until done to keep it tender and juicy beneath the cheese.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese layer to set for easier serving.
- Adjust spice levels gradually by starting mild and adding more chili or chipotle peppers as desired.
- Use a broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end to get a crispier cheese topping, but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Polo Fundido, cheesy chicken, melted cheese recipe, quick dinner, Mexican appetizer, baked cheese chicken, gluten free, easy skillet casserole