El Pollo Loco is known for its delicious flame-grilled chicken that is marinated in a special blend of herbs, spices, and citrus juices. The chicken is cooked over an open flame, which gives it a unique smoky flavor and juicy, tender texture.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/4 jalapeno seeded and minced very finely
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 8 chicken thighs bone in and skin on
Instructions
- Mix up all the ingredients except for the chicken into a large bowl.
- Whisk well then reserve ¼ cup of the marinade in a small tupperware.
- Add the chicken to the bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
- Marinade overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.
- In a cast iron grill pan add the chicken skin side up.
- Cook in the oven for 25 minutes.
- Using potholders, add the pan to the stove-top on medium high heat.
- Spray some foil with canola oil spray and put sprayed side down over the top of the chicken.
- Press onto the meat with either a bacon press, a foil wrapped brick or a second heavy pan (I used my normal cast iron skillet on top of the chicken.
- Spoon half the reserved marinade over the chicken while it cooks.
- Cook for another 3 minutes then remove the bacon press/brick, flip chicken (add some more marinade) and cook a final three minutes before serving.
Notes
In the authentic recipe yellow food coloring is added. This adds nothing to your dish, but if you want to add it, use 6 drops.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 281kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 110mg | Sodium: 233mg | Potassium: 270mg | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 90IU | Vitamin C: 4.9mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 0.9mg
Heart Healthy Meals 