Description
This Homemade Pollo Loco recipe features juicy, flavorful grilled chicken marinated in a zesty blend of fresh orange and lime juices, aromatic spices, and herbs. Perfectly grilled to juicy perfection, this dish is great for a quick and delicious Mexican-inspired meal, served with rice, beans, or tortillas.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
Marinade
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (from about 1 orange)
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, for balancing acidity)
To Serve
- Lime wedges
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Mexican rice, beans, or tortillas (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs or breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
- Refrigerate: Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 6 hours. For maximum flavor, marinate overnight.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding any leftover marinade. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side if using thighs, or 4-6 minutes per side if using breasts, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain juices.
- Serve: Garnish with lime wedges and freshly chopped cilantro. Serve alongside Mexican rice, beans, or in tortillas for tacos or burritos as desired.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken longer for deeper flavor; overnight is ideal.
- Use chicken thighs for more tender, juicy results, or breasts for leaner meat.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control heat level or omit if preferred.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
- Leftover cooked chicken makes great salads, wraps, or sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
