Description
Pollo Loco, or “Crazy Chicken,” is a flavorful Mexican-inspired dish featuring marinated grilled chicken served with seasoned rice. Topped with melted cheese, fresh cilantro, and a zesty lime squeeze, this dish will satisfy your craving for bold, vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
For the chicken marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the rice:
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Optional toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream or Mexican crema
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken:
In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken breasts, coating well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for maximum flavor. - Prepare the rice:
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic for about 2 minutes until softened. Add the rice and stir for 2 minutes to toast lightly. Pour in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir, bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat. Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork before serving. - Cook the chicken:
Heat a grill pan or large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips. - Assemble the dish:
Serve a portion of rice on each plate, top with grilled chicken slices, and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Garnish with cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and a lime wedge.
Notes
- For added heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the marinade.
- Feel free to substitute brown rice for a healthier option, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling and Stove-Top Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg