Pollo Loco Grilled Chicken Thighs with Citrus Marinade Recipe
If you are craving a vibrant, bold, and zesty grilled chicken dish, the Pollo Loco Grilled Chicken Thighs with Citrus Marinade Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. This recipe brings together juicy, tender chicken thighs soaked in a bright, citrus-infused marinade bursting with the smoky warmth of cumin, paprika, and chili powder. The tangy lime and orange juices tenderize and flavor the meat perfectly, while grilling adds an irresistible charred crust that keeps every bite exciting. It’s a beautiful dance of flavors and textures that’s as simple to make as it is satisfying to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is where the magic begins. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to create a perfect balance of zest, spice, and juiciness, making the Pollo Loco Grilled Chicken Thighs with Citrus Marinade Recipe a standout on any table.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These provide tender, flavorful meat that holds up beautifully to grilling.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds a savory foundation and depth to the marinade.
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice: The lime juice gives a zesty brightness that tenderizes the chicken.
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice: Orange juice brings subtle sweetness and balances the tang.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Olive oil ensures the marinade coats the chicken evenly and keeps it moist.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Cumin infuses a warm, earthy flavor that complements the citrus perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds vibrant color and a smoky kick.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Chili powder contributes mild heat and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Oregano lends a subtle herbal note that rounds out the spices.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Salt enhances all the flavors and helps with juiciness.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Black pepper adds a gentle pungency.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a little extra heat, cayenne lights up the dish beautifully.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish): Cilantro provides a fresh, bright finishing touch.
How to Make Pollo Loco Grilled Chicken Thighs with Citrus Marinade Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Begin by whisking together the fresh lime and orange juices, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper in a mixing bowl. This vibrant mixture will infuse your chicken with layers of flavor, tenderizing the meat while packing a punch of zest and spice.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Next, place your chicken thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure every piece is well-coated by gently massaging the marinade into the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or better yet, overnight. This extra time allows the flavors to fully seep into the meat, creating juicy, flavorful results.
Step 3: Preheat Your Grill
About 15 minutes before grilling, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. A properly preheated grill ensures those beautiful char marks and seals in the delicious juices.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, letting the excess drip off to avoid flare-ups. Place them on the hot grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll love the satisfying sizzle and that smoky crust that forms as the marinade caramelizes.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
After grilling, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and tender. Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top for a pop of herbaceous freshness that enhances the citrus notes perfectly.
How to Serve Pollo Loco Grilled Chicken Thighs with Citrus Marinade Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is the classic garnish, adding brightness and a fresh herbal contrast to the smoky, tangy chicken. You can also squeeze a little extra lime juice on top for an added burst of citrus zing that will elevate every mouthful.
Side Dishes
Serving these grilled chicken thighs alongside vibrant sides like Mexican-style street corn, a crisp cabbage slaw, or cilantro-lime rice makes for a balanced and colorful plate. Black beans or a fresh avocado salad also complement the Pollo Loco Grilled Chicken Thighs with Citrus Marinade Recipe nicely, rounding out the meal with healthy textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try slicing the grilled chicken and serving it over warm tortillas for a quick taco night. Add a drizzle of creamy avocado sauce or a sprinkle of queso fresco. Alternatively, dice the chicken into a hearty salad or arrange it atop a bed of quinoa with roasted veggies to keep things light yet satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pollo Loco Grilled Chicken Thighs with Citrus Marinade Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making the leftovers perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze the grilled chicken thighs by placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They will stay good for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through. Avoid overcooking to keep the meat juicy and tender. A quick zap in the microwave works too, but keep an eye on it to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless?
Absolutely! Bone-in thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor, though they may take a few minutes longer to cook through on the grill. Just be sure to check the internal temperature for doneness.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?
Overnight marination intensifies the flavor, but if you’re short on time, 2 hours is sufficient to infuse tasty notes and tenderize the meat.
Can I cook this recipe indoors without a grill?
Yes, you can use a grill pan or even a cast-iron skillet to cook the chicken. Just heat it on medium-high and follow the same cooking times, turning to get those beautiful sear marks.
What if I don’t have fresh citrus juices?
Fresh lime and orange juice truly make this recipe pop, so they’re best to use if possible. If not, bottled juices can work in a pinch but may alter the brightness slightly.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust the heat?
This dish has a mild to moderate heat level, depending on if you add the cayenne pepper. Feel free to adjust the cayenne amount or omit it completely if you prefer milder flavors.
Final Thoughts
The Pollo Loco Grilled Chicken Thighs with Citrus Marinade Recipe is a joyous celebration of fresh, bold flavors combined with tender, juicy chicken grilled to charred perfection. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for weeknights or weekends, and sure to impress friends and family alike. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to grilled chicken recipe that everyone will ask for again and again.
Print
Pollo Loco Grilled Chicken Thighs with Citrus Marinade Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 24 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Pollo Loco is a vibrant and flavorful grilled chicken dish marinated in a zesty blend of lime and orange juice with spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. This recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken thighs with a smoky char, perfect for a casual dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Marinade
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper until fully combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish.
- Refrigerate: Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to penetrate, or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to get it ready for cooking.
- Prepare the chicken for grilling: Remove the chicken from the marinade and gently shake off any excess liquid to prevent flare-ups on the grill.
- Grill the chicken: Place the thighs on the preheated grill and cook for 6–7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the exterior has a nice char.
- Rest and serve: Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes off the heat to retain juices. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- If you don’t have fresh lime and orange juice, bottled juice can be used but fresh is preferred for brightness.
- Cayenne pepper is optional; adjust the spiciness to your preference.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely to 165°F internal temperature.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or cast iron skillet can be used on the stovetop to achieve similar results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
