Copycat El Pollo Loco Chicken: Easy 15-Minute Charred Recipe
A homemade version of the popular restaurant chicken featuring a tangy, smoky citrus marinade and charred skin, cooked quickly in the oven under the broiler.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/2 cup lime juice
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 6 large garlic cloves, minced or pressed
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, oil, honey, garlic, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Place chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour marinade over it, ensuring all pieces are coated. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
- Preheat oven broiler to high and move the oven rack to the top position, about 6 inches from the heating element.
- Remove chicken from marinade and arrange in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet. Discard leftover marinade.
- Broil chicken for 6-7 minutes on the first side until edges bubble and turn golden brown.
- Flip chicken and broil for another 6-7 minutes on the second side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Do not marinate for more than 8 hours as the acid can break down the meat. Ensure chicken is in a single layer to allow for proper charring rather than steaming. Pat chicken dry before marinating for better flavor absorption. If using chicken breasts, reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/4 of
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 22
Keywords: Copycat El Pollo Loco, chicken recipe, broiler chicken, citrus chicken, Mexican chicken, quick dinner, healthy chicken, gluten-free dinner