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El Pollo Loco Chicken Recipe
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El Pollo Loco Chicken Recipe

If you love juicy chicken with a bold flavor, try this. The El Pollo Loco Chicken Recipe is smoky, tangy, and full of life. It is simple to make at home too.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Marinate Time 8 hours
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Leg Quarters = 04 chicken bone-in, skin-on
  • Fresh Lime Juice = 1/4 cup
  • Fresh Orange Juice = 1/4 cup
  • White Vinegar = 02 tablespoons
  • Olive Oil = 03 tablespoons
  • Garlic = 04 cloves minced
  • Oregano = 01 teaspoon dried
  • Cumin = 01 teaspoon ground
  • Paprika = 01 teaspoon
  • Chili Powder = 01 teaspoon
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Zip-Lock Bag or Deep Dish
  • Grill or Oven
  • Tongs
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Basting Brush (Optional)

Method
 

  1. Step by Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
  1. In a bowl, add lime juice and orange juice.
  2. Pour in vinegar and olive oil.
  3. Add minced garlic and all the spices.
  4. Stir everything until well mixed.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
  1. Place chicken in a zip bag or deep bowl.
  2. Pour the marinade over the chicken.
  3. Turn the chicken to coat it well.
  4. Seal and chill for 4 hours or more.
  5. For best flavor, marinate overnight.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
  1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
  2. Remove chicken from the marinade.
  3. Place chicken on the grill grates.
  4. Grill for 30 to 35 minutes.
  5. Turn halfway through cooking.
  6. Brush on extra marinade if needed.
Step 4: Check the Chicken
  1. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
  2. Chicken is done at 165°F inside.
  3. Juices should run clear, not pink.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
  1. Remove chicken from the grill and let it rest.
  2. Wait 5 minutes before cutting or serving.
  3. Serve hot with your favorite side dish.
Servings and Preparation Times
  1. Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  2. Cook Time: 35 minutes
  3. Marinate Time: 4–8 hours
  4. Total Time: About 5 hours (including marinating)
  5. Serving: This recipe serves 4 people.

Notes

  • Marinate Overnight: Let the chicken sit overnight for a deeper, richer flavor.
  • Use Bone-In Chicken: It stays juicy and adds more taste while grilling.
  • Grill on Charcoal: Charcoal gives that true smoky, restaurant-style flavor.
  • Baste While Grilling: Brush leftover marinade while cooking to keep it moist.
  • Don’t Skip Citrus: Lime and orange juice add the key fresh tang.