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Pollo Loco

This pollo loco recipe brings the vibrant, smoky-citrus flavors of classic Mexican street food to your own kitchen with juicy grilled chicken marinated in lime, cilantro, and spices.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 to 8 ounces each)
  • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice about 4 to 5 limes
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 6 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro finely chopped
For Serving
  • Warm flour or corn tortillas
  • Fresh lime wedges
  • Diced white onion
  • Fresh cilantro sprigs
  • Salsa or pico de gallo

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl or zip-top gallon bag
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Lime juicer or citrus press
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Grill or grill pan
  • Meat thermometer
  • Tongs
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  2. Stir in finely chopped fresh cilantro until fully combined.
  3. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and, if needed, pound to an even 1-inch thickness; place chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish.
  4. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal bag removing excess air or cover dish, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
  5. About 30 minutes before cooking, remove chicken from the refrigerator, bring to room temperature, and pat dry again.
  6. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375 to 400°F) or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat for 3 to 5 minutes until hot.
  7. Place chicken on the preheated grill and cook undisturbed for 6 to 7 minutes until golden brown and charred.
  8. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 6 to 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  9. Transfer the chicken to a clean cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken between 4 to 24 hours and reserve a bit of uncooked marinade to serve as a sauce alongside the chicken.