El Pollo Loco Style Citrus Marinade And Grilling Baste Recipe

Fire up the grill for juicy, flavorful chicken thighs with a zesty citrus marinade! Inspired by El Pollo Loco's signature style, this recipe delivers similar bold flavors without being an exact copycat. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ, this recipe is easy to follow and yields incredibly tender and delicious chicken. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 3 hours for maximum flavor) before grilling to perfection.

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 50 mins
Calories 561.1 kcal
Protein 4g
Rating Be the first
El Pollo Loco Style Citrus Marinade And Grilling Baste 72

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for El Pollo Loco Style Citrus Marinade And Grilling Baste

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How to Make El Pollo Loco Style Citrus Marinade And Grilling Baste

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons lime zest, 2 tablespoons orange zest, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional), 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Add 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to a resealable plastic bag.
  3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.
  4. Seal the bag, removing excess air, and place it in a leak-proof dish. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 3 hours.
  5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
  6. Remove chicken from marinade and discard marinade.
  7. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste with remaining marinade during the last few minutes of grilling for extra flavor.
  8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

28 g

Sugar

29g

Fat

36g

Carbs

5g

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make El Pollo Loco Style Citrus Marinade And Grilling Baste?

El Pollo Loco Style Citrus Marinade And Grilling Baste takes about 65 minutes from start to finish — roughly 15 minutes to prepare and 50 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in El Pollo Loco Style Citrus Marinade And Grilling Baste?

El Pollo Loco Style Citrus Marinade And Grilling Baste has approximately 561.1 calories per serving, with about 4 g protein, 5 g carbohydrates and 86 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for El Pollo Loco Style Citrus Marinade And Grilling Baste?

The key ingredients for El Pollo Loco Style Citrus Marinade And Grilling Baste are Orange Juice, Lime Juice, Lemon Juice, Vegetable Oil, Garlic Cloves, Cilantro. See the full list with measurements above.

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