Pollo Loco is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines zesty citrus and aromatic spices to create a delicious, tender chicken. The marinade, with its mix of soy sauce, orange juice, and lime juice, infuses the chicken with deep flavor, making every bite juicy and tasty.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Citrusy and Savory: The blend of orange and lime juice with soy sauce adds a perfect balance of tang and umami.
- Quick and Easy: After marinating, the chicken cooks quickly in the skillet, making it a great weeknight meal.
- Versatile: Serve this chicken with rice, tacos, or on a salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it is evenly coated.
- Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding any excess marinade.
- Cook the chicken in the skillet for 6-8 minutes per side, or until browned on both sides and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
Step 4: Serve
- Serve hot with your favorite sides like rice, beans, or a fresh salad.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Tips:
- Marinate Longer for More Flavor: If you have more time, marinate the chicken for 4-6 hours or even overnight for an even more flavorful result.
- Grill Option: You can also grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet for a smoky flavor.
- Toppings: Add some fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a drizzle of crema for extra flavor.
Conclusion:
This Pollo Loco recipe is the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, and it’s super simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping a meal for the week, this dish is sure to be a hit!
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Pollo Loco
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A deliciously tangy and flavorful grilled chicken dish, marinated in a zesty citrus sauce with garlic and spices. Perfect for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over chicken. Seal bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade and discard excess marinade. Cook chicken in hot skillet until browned on both sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can also grill the marinated chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet.
- Serve with your favorite side dishes, like rice, vegetables, or a salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes