Description
Pollo Loco is a flavorful Mexican-American grilled chicken dish featuring tender, marinated chicken thighs infused with a zesty blend of Greek yogurt, spices, and lime juice. Served over warm Mexican rice and garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, this dish delivers a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and spicy flavors ideal for a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Serving Ingredients
- Cooked Mexican rice (for serving)
- Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour; preferably overnight to deepen the flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to get it hot enough for grilling the chicken evenly.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and place them on the preheated grill. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken has a nicely charred exterior.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the grilled chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes to retain juices. Slice the chicken and serve it over warm Mexican rice, garnished with chopped cilantro and lime wedges.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be substituted with boneless chicken breasts if preferred for a leaner option.
- For extra smoky flavor, use a charcoal grill instead of a gas grill or grill pan.
- Add grilled peppers or onions alongside the chicken to make the meal more complete and colorful.
