Homemade Pollo Loco, or “crazy chicken” in Spanish, is a delicious and flavorful dish inspired by the popular Mexican grilled chicken served at El Pollo Loco restaurants. This homemade version captures the essence of the original dish with its tender, juicy chicken marinated in a citrusy, spicy marinade.
To make homemade Pollo Loco, you’ll start by preparing the marinade. The marinade typically includes ingredients like orange juice, lime juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, and a touch of chili powder for heat.
The result is a delicious and satisfying dish with a perfect balance of citrusy, spicy, and savory flavors. Homemade Pollo Loco is a great way to enjoy the flavors of Mexican grilled chicken in the comfort of your own home.
Here’s a basic recipe for homemade Pollo Loco along with its ingredients:
Ingredients:
- – 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- – 1/2 cup orange juice
- – 1/4 cup lime juice
- – 3 cloves garlic, minced
- – 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- – 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- – 1 teaspoon paprika
- – 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- – Salt and pepper, to taste
- – 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Optional garnishes:
- – Fresh cilantro, chopped
- – Lime wedges
- – Sliced jalapeños
Instructions:
1. **Marinate the chicken:** In a large bowl, combine orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, making sure they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
2. **Cook the chicken:** Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Brush the chicken breasts with vegetable oil and grill for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
3. **Serve:** Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve the chicken with rice, beans, tortillas, and your favorite garnishes such as fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced jalapeños.
This homemade Pollo Loco recipe captures the essence of the original dish with its flavorful marinade and grilled chicken. Feel free to adjust the seasonings and spices to suit your taste preferences.