Description
Mexican-inspired chicken sensation Pollo Loco brings sizzling flavor and zesty spices to your dinner table. Marinated grilled chicken promises a delicious journey through authentic southwestern culinary traditions you can savor at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade Liquids:
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) orange juice
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable or olive oil
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Combine citrus nectar, fermented soybean liquid, culinary oil, crushed garlic cloves, ground cumin, dried oregano, cracked pepper, kosher salt, ground chili powder, and smoky paprika in a mixing vessel.
- Transfer chicken portions into a sealable plastic container, thoroughly coating with prepared marinade. Refrigerate for minimum 120 minutes to allow flavor infusion.
- Prepare outdoor cooking surface by heating to approximately 400°F, ensuring grill grates are lightly coated with protective oil layer.
- Extract chicken from marinade, carefully discarding remaining liquid to prevent cross-contamination.
- Position marinated protein onto heated cooking surface, maintaining consistent medium-high temperature zone.
- Grill each side for 6-7 minutes, rotating once to create appealing crosshatch markings and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Allow grilled chicken to rest momentarily, permitting internal juices to redistribute and enhance overall tenderness before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for maximum flavor by allowing it to sit in the refrigerator overnight, letting the citrusy orange juice and spices deeply penetrate the meat.
- Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils when handling raw chicken, and always wash hands thoroughly after preparation.
- Enhance the smoky taste by adding wood chips to the grill, which will infuse the chicken with an extra layer of delicious complexity.
- Create a healthier version by using skinless chicken breasts and reducing the oil content, making this dish more diet-friendly without compromising on taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 282 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg