Description

There’s something magical about the flavors of grilled chicken paired with a rich, creamy side that brings comfort and warmth to any meal. Homemade Pollo Loco is the perfect dish to elevate your weeknight dinner, weekend gathering, or even a special occasion. This recipe combines juicy, tender grilled chicken marinated in vibrant citrus and bold spices, served over a bed of luscious, creamy rice. It’s a restaurant-quality dish you can make in the comfort of your own home.

Ingredients

Scale

For the chicken marinade:
1 1/2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless
1/4 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the creamy rice:
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken and coat well. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours.
Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
To make the creamy rice, combine the rice and chicken broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Stir in heavy cream, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until creamy.
Serve the grilled chicken over the creamy rice, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

Choosing the Right Chicken: While you can use both chicken breasts and thighs, boneless, skinless chicken thighs tend to retain more moisture and flavor, making them ideal for grilling.
Let the Chicken Marinate Longer for More Flavor: Marinating the chicken for at least 1 hour will infuse the meat with amazing flavors. If you have time, marinate the chicken overnight for an even deeper flavor profile.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add more chili powder or even cayenne pepper to the marinade.
Make the Rice Creamier: For extra creaminess, substitute the sour cream with cream cheese or add extra heavy cream.
Grilled Vegetables Make a Great Side: Consider adding grilled vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to complement the chicken.

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating)
Cook Time: 30 minutes