Juicy, flame-kissed, and dripping with tangy citrus marinade, this Homemade El Pollo Loco Copycat recipe brings restaurant flavor right to your kitchen. The chicken is marinated to the bone with smoky, zesty, and herby depth, then grilled to achieve that irresistible char—perfect for any backyard cookout or family dinner.
Unlike store-bought shortcuts, this version stays true to the vibrant Mexican-inspired essence of El Pollo Loco. Think garlic, cumin, oregano, and citrus melding together to create a flavor profile that’s both bold and refreshing. Pair it with lime wedges and creamy slaw for a full-on fiesta.
Ingredients for this Homemade El Pollo Loco Copycat
- 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, orange juice, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, paprika, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Remove chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Grill for 5–7 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 4: Rest and Garnish
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal to deeply infuse the spices and citrus.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely. While thighs are juicier and more flavorful, breasts work well too—just adjust grill time accordingly to avoid drying out.
What if I don’t have a grill?
You can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or bake it in the oven at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from chili powder, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. Feel free to add cayenne for more heat.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and even grill it a day early. Just reheat gently.
What sides go best with this?
Coleslaw, Spanish rice, grilled veggies, or even warm tortillas make perfect pairings.
Homemade El Pollo Loco Copycat
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner Recipe
Description
Bring bold, citrusy flair to your dinner table with this Homemade El Pollo Loco Copycat recipe. It delivers the juicy, smoky grilled chicken you crave with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Perfect for summer grilling, easy dinner prep, or weekly meal planning, this dish captures the iconic flavor of the beloved restaurant favorite. Whether you’re after quick dinner ideas, flavorful food ideas for a party, or simply love a good grilled chicken, this easy recipe hits all the right notes. With hints of garlic, lime, and herbs, each bite promises to be satisfying and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
1/3 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp smoked paprika
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients. Add chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat grill to medium-high. Clean and oil the grates.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill 5–7 minutes per side, until internal temp hits 165°F.
- Rest chicken 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro and lime. Serve warm.