El Pollo Loco Chicken Copycat Recipe
Recreate the mouthwatering flavors of your favorite flame-grilled chicken with this El Pollo Loco Chicken Copycat Recipe! Infused with a zesty marinade made from orange juice, lime juice, and a tantalizing blend of spices like cumin, paprika, and turmeric, this recipe delivers perfectly juicy, smoky, and golden-brown chicken that rivals the original. Marinated overnight for maximum flavor and grilled to perfection, each bite bursts with bold, citrusy notes and tender charred goodness. Perfect for family dinners or backyard cookouts, serve this flavorful chicken with warm tortillas, rice, beans, or your go-to Mexican-inspired sides for an authentic dining experience. Bring restaurant-quality flavor to your table with this easy grilling recipe that's sure to become a household favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 lbs Chicken (bone-in, skin-on pieces)
- 1 cup Orange juice
- 0.5 cup Lime juice
- 0.25 cup White vinegar
- 0.25 cup Vegetable oil
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp Ground cumin
- 2 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Freshly ground black pepper
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric powder
- 0.5 tsp Annatto powder (optional, for color)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, white vinegar, vegetable oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, turmeric powder, and annatto powder (if using).
Rinse and pat dry the chicken pieces. Place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
Refrigerate the chicken for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
Grill the chicken skin-side down for 8-10 minutes, until the skin is golden and slightly charred. Flip the chicken and grill for another 20-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve with warm tortillas, rice, beans, or your favorite side dishes for an authentic experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4569 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 329.1 g | 422% | |
| Saturated Fat | 85.8 g | 429% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 33.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1452 mg | 484% | |
| Sodium | 6007 mg | 261% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 46.7 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.1 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 22.7 g | ||
| Protein | 342.8 g | 686% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.3 mcg | 11% | |
| Calcium | 342 mg | 26% | |
| Iron | 22.3 mg | 124% | |
| Potassium | 4396 mg | 94% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
