Grilled Pollo Loco Delight

This grilled Pollo Loco recipe is a vibrant and flavorful way to enjoy chicken with a zesty citrus marinade and smoky grilled finish. Perfect for backyard barbecues or easy weeknight dinners, it combines fresh lime juice, chili and garlic powders, and a touch of savory broth base to infuse the chicken with bold taste that pairs beautifully with Mexican rice and creamy queso.

I first made this for a summer cookout and was amazed how everyone kept coming back for more. It quickly became a requested favorite for family gatherings.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly and keeps it juicy when grilling opt for extra virgin for better flavor
• Fresh lime juice: brightens the dish with citrus tang and tenderizes the chicken
• Better than Bouillon chicken base (optional): adds a concentrated savory depth that enriches the marinade choose a high quality brand for best taste
• Salt: essential to bring out all the flavors
• Chili powder: gives warmth and a subtle smoky heat pick homemade or fresh ground if possible
• Garlic powder: delivers mellow garlic flavor without overpowering fresh garlic can be used but watch for burning on grill
• Chicken breasts: boneless and skinless work best for quick even cooking though thighs or bone in cuts are great too
• Queso dip: adds creamy richness to finish the dish
• Diced tomato: fresh garnish that adds color and a juicy bite
• Chopped cilantro: bright herbal note to tie everything together

Instructions

Combine the Marinade ingredients:

In a large resealable bag, add olive oil, fresh lime juice, chicken base, salt, chili powder, and garlic powder. Seal the bag and gently massage the mixture with your fingers to fully incorporate all the ingredients.

Add Chicken to the Marinade:

Place the chicken breasts into the bag with the marinade. Seal the bag and squish it again to make sure every piece is coated evenly with the flavorful marinade.

Marinate the Chicken:

Lay the sealed bag flat in the refrigerator and let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours. For best results and deeper flavor, marinate overnight. The lime juice and spices will tenderize and infuse the chicken.

Prepare the Grill and Cook:

Preheat your grill to medium high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook each side until the internal temperature reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit, about 6 to 7 minutes per side depending on thickness. This cooking method ensures a smoky char with juicy meat inside.

Warm the Queso Dip:

While the chicken grills, gently warm the queso dip either on the stovetop over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave until creamy and smooth.

Assemble and Serve:

Place grilled chicken over a bed of Mexican rice. Drizzle warm queso generously on top. Garnish with diced tomato and freshly chopped cilantro for a colorful, flavorful finish.

My favorite ingredient in this dish is definitely the fresh lime juice. It wakes up the flavors and makes the chicken incredibly tender. A memorable moment was when I grilled this for a summer party and neighbors stopped by just to ask for the recipe because they loved that smoky tang.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to keep it moist. The queso topping is best reheated separately to avoid curdling.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have better than bouillon chicken base, a splash of low sodium chicken broth or broth concentrate works well. Fresh garlic can replace garlic powder but be sure to check your grill to prevent burning the garlic. Bone in chicken thighs or drumsticks can be used just increase grilling time accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with traditional sides like refried beans, guacamole, and a fresh salsa to keep the Mexican inspired theme going. Grilled vegetables or a crisp green salad also complement this meal beautifully.

Enjoy this grilled Pollo Loco with Mexican rice and warm queso for a bright, smoky weeknight or weekend meal. It keeps well and is easy to scale for gatherings.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What is Pollo Loco?

Pollo Loco is a Mexican-style grilled chicken dish marinated in citrus, herbs, and spices to create a vibrant flavor.

→ How should I cook Pollo Loco for best results?

Grilling the marinated chicken on medium-high heat imparts a smoky flavor and juicy texture essential to this dish.

→ Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight to enhance flavors before grilling.

→ What sides pair well with Pollo Loco?

Traditional sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad complement the grilled chicken nicely.

→ Is the dish versatile with different chicken cuts?

Absolutely, bone-in breasts, thighs, or other cuts work well with the marinade and grilling method.

→ Do I need to buy queso dip to serve with it?

You can use store-bought queso or prepare homemade queso for a creamy topping enhancement.