pollo loco recipe chicken
Enjoy your Pollo Loco chicken—an easy, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a regular favorite!
Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Meat thermometer (optional, but recommended)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Tongs or spatula
- Resealable bag or shallow dish for marinating
Ingredients
4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp orange juice
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 jalapeño (optional, for extra spice)
Instructions
Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, soy sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and jalapeño (if using). Whisk until well-mixed.
Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
Preheat your grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F or 200°C).
Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the leftover marinade. Place the chicken on the grill. Cook for 7-10 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.
Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Low Carb: With only 6g of carbs per serving, this is a great option for low-carb diets like keto or paleo.
- High Protein: Each serving packs 34g of protein, making this a fantastic post-workout meal to fuel your body.
- Optional Spiciness: Adjust the heat level by adding more jalapeño or chili powder to suit your spice tolerance.