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Pollo Loco

Pollo Loco
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Pollo Loco is a vibrant, juicy chicken dish bursting with bold spices and fresh flavors. This easy-to-make, restaurant-style recipe uses simple pantry ingredients to create a zesty, smoky, and tender chicken meal perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or versatile dishes like tacos and rice bowls.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4–6 chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in for more flavor or boneless for quicker cooking)

Marinade

  • Juice of 2 fresh limes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for sprinkling)
  • Lime wedges (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper until fully blended into a fragrant marinade that will infuse wonderful flavors into your chicken.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place your chosen chicken pieces in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over. Ensure each piece is fully coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2-4 hours, to allow deep flavor penetration.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked, caramelized, and slightly crispy on the edges.
  4. Rest and Garnish: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juiciness. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

  • Marinate longer (overnight) for extra tenderness and depth of flavor.
  • Use fresh spices for a stronger, more vibrant flavor.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; cook chicken in batches for an even sear.
  • Let chicken rest before slicing to lock in juices.
  • Start with less chili powder for mild heat, and adjust to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pollo Loco, Mexican chicken, grilled chicken, lime chicken, smoky chicken, quick chicken recipe, gluten free chicken

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/pollo-loco/