El Pollo Loco Marinade Copycat
Capture the bold flavors of El Pollo Loco at home with this irresistible Copycat Marinade Recipe! Featuring a zesty blend of citrus juices—orange, lime, and lemon—paired with the earthy warmth of cumin, paprika, and chili powder, this marinade creates tender, juicy chicken bursting with authentic, smoky Mexican-inspired flavors. Fresh cilantro and a touch of garlic elevate the flavor profile, while an overnight soak ensures every bite is infused with deliciousness. Whether grilled to perfection or oven-roasted, this easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your own kitchen. Perfect for weeknight meals or weekend gatherings, serve it with warm tortillas, rice, or a fresh salad for the ultimate feast!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Orange juice
- 0.25 cup Lime juice
- 0.25 cup Lemon juice
- 0.25 cup White vinegar
- 0.25 cup Vegetable oil
- 0.25 cup Water
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Chili powder
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 0.25 cup Cilantro, chopped
- 2.5 pounds Chicken pieces (bone-in or boneless)
Instructions
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, white vinegar, and vegetable oil. Whisk together well.
Add the water, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and sugar to the bowl. Stir to combine all the flavors.
Stir in the chopped cilantro to finish the marinade.
Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag or a glass container with a tight-fitting lid.
Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the container.
Refrigerate the chicken in the marinade for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for the best flavor.
When ready to cook, preheat the grill to medium-high heat or preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid, and discard the marinade.
Grill the chicken for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), or bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes until cooked through.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your El Pollo Loco-inspired creation!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
632 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 23.7 g | 30% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.7 g | 24% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 241 mg | 80% | |
| Sodium | 1196 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 12.5 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.9 g | ||
| Protein | 89.1 g | 178% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 61 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 4.3 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 944 mg | 20% | |
*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.
