Experience the bold, zesty flavors of Pollo Loco Chicken — tender, citrus-marinated grilled chicken served with rich, creamy rice for a restaurant-quality dish right at home.
📋 Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (thighs for juicier results)
¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a smoky flavor)
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Rice:
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup sour cream
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
📝 Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Add the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated in the marinade.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.
- Grill the Chicken:
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.
Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
For extra flavor, brush some of the leftover marinade on the chicken during the first few minutes of grilling.
Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Prepare the Creamy Rice:
In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and chicken broth.
Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the broth is fully absorbed.
Stir in the heavy cream, sour cream, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, until the rice is rich and creamy.
- Serve:
Spoon the creamy rice onto plates and top with the grilled Pollo Loco chicken.
Garnish with fresh cilantro or a wedge of lime for extra freshness.
✨ Pro Tips:
Chicken Choice: Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay juicy, while chicken breasts provide a leaner option.
Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the chicken rest after grilling helps retain its juices.
Add Extra Flavor: For a smoky twist, add a touch of chipotle powder to the marinade.
Make It Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Want More Creaminess? Swap the sour cream in the rice for cream cheese for an extra velvety texture.