Description
Pollo Loco is a vibrant and flavorful grilled chicken dish featuring juicy boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of lime and orange juices, garlic, and warming spices. Perfectly charred on the grill, this recipe combines smoky, tangy, and spicy notes for a satisfying meal that serves four people.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Marinade
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the chicken is well coated with the marinade. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the Grill: When ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to ensure a good sear and char on the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and shake off any excess. Place the thighs on the hot grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the exterior has developed a nice char.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the grilled chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving to add a fresh burst of flavor.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan on the stovetop works well.
- Cayenne pepper is optional and can be adjusted to taste depending on your heat preference.
- Serve with rice, grilled vegetables, or in tacos for a complete meal.
