Homemade Pollo Loco Recipe

Name: Homemade Pollo Loco Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; ¼ cup orange juice; 2 tbsp lime juice; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp chili powder; ½ tsp oregano; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups chicken broth; ½ cup heavy cream; ¼ cup sour cream; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Isabella

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Juicy, flavorful grilled chicken meets a creamy, indulgent rice side in this Homemade Pollo Loco recipe. This dish captures the essence of a restaurant-quality meal with its bold spices, zesty marinade, and luscious rice—perfect for a family dinner or a weekend barbecue.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The marinade infuses the chicken with vibrant citrus and smoky flavors.

It’s a complete meal that feels like a treat but is surprisingly easy to make.

Creamy rice adds a comforting, rich contrast to the grilled chicken.

Perfect for entertaining or weeknight dinners.

Customizable with your favorite toppings or sides.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken marinade:

1 1/2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless

1/4 cup orange juice

2 tablespoons lime juice

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the creamy rice:

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup sour cream

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

In a large bowl, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and coat well. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.

Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

For the creamy rice, combine the rice and chicken broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Stir in heavy cream, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until creamy.

Serve the grilled chicken over the creamy rice, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating)

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes (plus marinating)

Servings: 4 servings

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade.

Lighter Option: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use light cream in the rice.

Vegetarian Twist: Swap the chicken with marinated tofu or grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.

Herbaceous Touch: Add freshly chopped parsley or cilantro to the creamy rice for extra freshness.

Cheesy Rice: Stir in shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese into the rice for a cheesy upgrade.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover chicken and rice in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. For the rice, add a splash of milk or broth before reheating to restore its creamy texture.

Related Recipes:

Pollo Loco Mexican Chicken and Rice

FAQs

How long should I marinate the chicken?

I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 1 hour, but you can go up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.

Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?

Yes, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely. Adjust the cooking time and liquid according to the brown rice package instructions.

What can I serve with Pollo Loco?

This dish pairs well with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or a refreshing salsa.

Can I freeze leftovers?

You can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months, but I don’t recommend freezing the creamy rice as it may lose its texture upon thawing.

Conclusion

Homemade Pollo Loco is a perfect way to enjoy bold flavors and creamy comfort right in your own kitchen. With a simple yet flavorful marinade and an easy creamy rice recipe, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Whether for a special occasion or a weekday meal, I love how this recipe brings joy to the table every time.

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