Print

Copycat El Pollo Loco Chicken Warm Citrus Marinade Makes This Real and Satisfying

El Pollo Loco Chicken recipe, served and ready to eat, easy homemade dish
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Enjoy this Copycat El Pollo Loco Chicken recipe featuring a bright citrus marinade perfect for easy dinner nights. It’s a family-friendly weeknight dinner delivering juicy grilled chicken with smoky flavor and crispy skin.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
  • 1/4 jalapeno seeded and minced very finely
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil spray
  • 8 chicken thighs bone in and skin on

Instructions

  1. Combine all marinade ingredients except chicken in a large bowl and mix thoroughly. Set aside a quarter cup of this mixture in a small container for later use.
  2. Place chicken thighs into the marinade bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate and let marinate for 2 to 4 hours, avoiding longer times to prevent texture changes.
  3. Heat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange chicken skin side up in a cast iron grill pan and bake for 25 minutes.
  4. Remove the pan carefully and place it on the stovetop over medium-high heat.
  5. Spray a piece of foil with canola oil spray and lay it sprayed side down over the chicken. Press down using a heavy object like a bacon press or another skillet and cook for 3 minutes.
  6. While pressing, spoon half of the reserved marinade over the chicken.
  7. Remove the press, flip the chicken, baste with more marinade, and cook an additional 3 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For crisp tops, broil 2–3 minutes at the end

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.amgroyal.com/copycat-el-pollo-loco-chicken/