Name: Homemade Pollo Loco
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred); 2 tablespoons olive oil; Juice of 2 limes; Juice of 1 orange; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon oregano (Mexican oregano if available); 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for heat; Fresh cilantro for garnish; Lime wedges for serving

This Homemade Pollo Loco is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings a taste of Mexican cuisine right to your home. With a perfect blend of citrusy, smoky, and spicy flavors, it’s a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether served with tortillas, rice, or a fresh salad, this recipe will definitely spice up your meal times.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Juice of 2 limes

Juice of 1 orange

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon oregano (Mexican oregano if available)

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for heat

Fresh cilantro for garnish

Lime wedges for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Marinate the chicken:
In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, coriander, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the chicken thighs and toss well to coat. Cover the bowl and marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, or ideally for 2-4 hours or overnight to enhance the flavors.

Cook the chicken:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the marinade). Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it’s fully cooked and beautifully charred. Alternatively, cook the chicken in a hot skillet over medium-high heat until it’s browned and cooked through.

Serve:
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. This dish goes wonderfully with warm tortillas, rice, beans, or a light salad.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people, making it perfect for a small family meal or gathering. The marinating time is flexible, but I recommend letting it sit for 2-4 hours or even overnight for the best flavor. Cooking the chicken takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on your heat source, so this is a quick meal to prepare after marination.

Variations

Make it spicier: If you enjoy some heat, add chipotle powder or fresh chopped jalapeños to the marinade for a smoky and spicy kick.

Add a salsa or crema: For extra flavor, pair the chicken with a smoky charred corn salsa or creamy avocado crema.

Lean option: If you prefer a leaner protein, substitute chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid drying them out.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave it for about 1-2 minutes, depending on the portion size. To keep the chicken moist, I recommend adding a small amount of water or broth when reheating.

FAQs

How long can I marinate the chicken for?

You can marinate the chicken for as little as 1 hour, but I recommend marinating it for 2-4 hours or even overnight for the best flavor.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Just be mindful of the cooking time to avoid overcooking and drying them out.

Can I cook this recipe in the oven?

Yes, you can bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

What can I serve with Pollo Loco?

Pollo Loco pairs beautifully with rice, beans, tortillas, or a light salad. You can also add toppings like guacamole, salsa, or sour cream for extra flavor.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

Conclusion

Homemade Pollo Loco is a flavorful, versatile dish that brings a punch of citrusy and smoky goodness to your table. It’s easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, and offers endless ways to customize to your taste. Whether served with classic sides or topped with a vibrant salsa, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Recipe:

Homemade Pollo Loco

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Homemade Pollo Loco is a flavorful, easy-to-make Mexican dish with a citrusy, smoky, and spicy profile. Marinated chicken is grilled to perfection, offering a juicy and tender result that’s perfect for any meal.