If you’re ready to shake up your dinner routine with something truly irresistible, you need to try Pollo Loco. This vibrant Mexican-inspired grilled chicken is juicy, smoky, and bursting with flavor from a creamy marinade of Greek yogurt, lime, and spices. Each bite is tender and zesty, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners or a weekend fiesta. The best part? You only need a handful of simple ingredients, yet the result tastes like a dish from your favorite taqueria!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pollo Loco recipe celebrates simple ingredients, each one working hard to deliver big flavors and beautiful color to your plate. Don’t skip any—every item has a role, and together they create chicken you’ll want to make again and again.
- Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs stay extra juicy and soak up the marinade perfectly—ideal for grilling.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Lends creamy tanginess to the marinade and tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
- Mayonnaise: Adds richness, ensuring every bite of Pollo Loco is extra moist.
- Lime juice: Offers a fresh, citrusy punch that brightens all the flavors.
- Olive oil: Helps carry the spices and keeps the chicken luscious on the grill.
- Garlic cloves: Minced garlic brings bold, aromatic depth to the marinade.
- Chili powder: Delivers gentle heat and that classic Mexican color.
- Paprika: Smoked or sweet, it adds a subtle earthiness and beautiful red color.
- Cumin: A must for its warm, savory undertones that deepen the dish’s flavor.
- Oregano: Dried oregano offers a hint of herbal brightness that sets this dish apart.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together!
- Black pepper: Adds a simple, sharp edge that balances richness.
- Cooked Mexican rice: The perfect bed for your finished Pollo Loco—soak up every last bit of sauce and juice.
- Chopped cilantro and lime wedges: Fresh garnishes that add color and a vibrant final flourish.
How to Make Pollo Loco
Step 1: Make the Marinade
Start by whisking together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and all those beautiful spices in a large bowl. Take a moment to appreciate the aromatic blend coming together—it’s the secret behind the unforgettable Pollo Loco flavor! The marinade will be thick and creamy, perfect for clinging to every inch of chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add your chicken thighs right into the bowl, making sure each piece is completely coated. Don’t be shy—massage the marinade in with your hands if you like! Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour (overnight is even better). This is where magic happens: the chicken turns tender and all those spices soak in deeply.
Step 3: Preheat and Grill
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If you’re using charcoal, you’ll get an extra hit of smoky flavor that takes your Pollo Loco to restaurant-worthy heights. Shake off any excess marinade and lay the chicken on the grill, listening for that satisfying sizzle.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
Grill the chicken thighs for about 5 to 7 minutes per side. Watch for those gorgeous char marks and a rich golden color—the hallmark of great Pollo Loco! Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, then let the meat rest for a couple of minutes to keep it extra juicy.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once your chicken is ready, slice it against the grain for maximum tenderness. Pile it high over a generous scoop of warm Mexican rice, and get ready for a meal that tastes every bit as lively as its name.
How to Serve Pollo Loco
Garnishes
Bring your Pollo Loco to life with a scatter of chopped cilantro and plenty of fresh lime wedges. The cilantro adds color and a touch of herbal freshness, while a squeeze of lime right before serving heightens every flavor in the dish.
Side Dishes
Mexican rice is a classic, soaking up the zesty drippings from the chicken. To round out the meal, consider a side of charred corn, black beans, or a simple avocado salad—the cool, creamy texture balances the smoky heat of the chicken perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, serve Pollo Loco family-style on a big platter surrounded by grilled veggies and bright garnishes. You can also slice the chicken and tuck it into warm tortillas for instant tacos, or layer it over a vibrant salad bowl with beans and corn for a lighter twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pollo Loco keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors keep deepening, making for delicious next-day lunches—try it on a salad or tucked into a wrap!
Freezing
This chicken is totally freezable! Slice or shred the cooled Pollo Loco, seal it tightly in a freezer bag, and it’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight so it stays juicy and flavorful when reheated.
Reheating
To reheat, just warm the chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist. You can also microwave leftovers with a cover, but be careful not to overcook—just heat until warmed through, and you’re ready for another burst of those signature Pollo Loco flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! If you prefer leaner cuts, boneless chicken breasts work well—just keep an eye on the cooking time, as breasts can dry out faster on the grill than thighs. Marinating overnight will help them stay tender and delicious.
Is there a way to make Pollo Loco without an outdoor grill?
Definitely. A grill pan or even a regular cast-iron skillet on the stovetop can achieve the lovely charred edges and juicy interior. You might miss the smoky flavor of charcoal, but the marinade still brings loads of character.
What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
No worries! Sour cream or regular plain yogurt is a fine stand-in for Greek yogurt, though Greek yogurt gives the marinade its extra-thick, tangy texture that hugs the chicken so well.
Can this Pollo Loco be made spicy?
If you crave more heat, feel free to add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade. Top with sliced fresh chiles for even more kick at the table!
Is Pollo Loco gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since it’s all about chicken, dairy, spices, and rice. Just double-check your chili powder and mayonnaise for any hidden gluten to be safe!
Final Thoughts
This Pollo Loco is my go-to recipe when I want maximum flavor with minimum fuss. It’s vibrant, family-friendly, and perfect for making memories around the table. Don’t wait to try it—your tastebuds will thank you!
Print
Pollo Loco Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Pollo Loco is a delicious Mexican-inspired grilled chicken dish marinated in a flavorful yogurt and spice mixture, served over a bed of warm Mexican rice and garnished with cilantro and lime wedges. It’s a perfect dish for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- cooked Mexican rice
- chopped cilantro and lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, coat thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill over medium-high heat, cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is charred.
- Serve: Rest the chicken, slice, and serve over warm Mexican rice. Garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts.
- For extra smoky flavor, grill over charcoal.
- Add grilled peppers or onions for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with rice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
