El Pollo Loco Marinade Copycat

Capture the bold flavors of El Pollo Loco at home with this irresistible Copycat Marinade Recipe! Featuring a zesty blend of citrus juices—orange, lime, and lemon—paired with the earthy warmth of cumin, paprika, and chili powder, this marinade creates tender, juicy chicken bursting with authentic, smoky Mexican-inspired flavors. Fresh cilantro and a touch of garlic elevate the flavor profile, while an overnight soak ensures every bite is infused with deliciousness. Whether grilled to perfection or oven-roasted, this easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your own kitchen. Perfect for weeknight meals or weekend gatherings, serve it with warm tortillas, rice, or a fresh salad for the ultimate feast!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Orange juice
• 0.25 cup Lime juice
• 0.25 cup Lemon juice
• 0.25 cup White vinegar
• 0.25 cup Vegetable oil
• 0.25 cup Water
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Chili powder
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Sugar
• 0.25 cup Cilantro, chopped
• 2.5 pounds Chicken pieces (bone-in or boneless)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, white vinegar, and vegetable oil. Whisk together well.

Step 2

Add the water, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and sugar to the bowl. Stir to combine all the flavors.

Step 3

Stir in the chopped cilantro to finish the marinade.

Step 4

Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag or a glass container with a tight-fitting lid.

Step 5

Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the container.

Step 6

Refrigerate the chicken in the marinade for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for the best flavor.

Step 7

When ready to cook, preheat the grill to medium-high heat or preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 8

Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid, and discard the marinade.

Step 9

Grill the chicken for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), or bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes until cooked through.

Step 10

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your El Pollo Loco-inspired creation!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1778.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2554.2

Total Fat 95.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 19.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 33.7g
Cholesterol 963.9mg	0%
Sodium 5629.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 50.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.2g	0%
Total Sugars 27.8g
Protein 357.1g	0%

Vitamin D 56.7IU	0%
Calcium 261.1mg	0%
Iron 18.8mg	0%
Potassium 3837.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.6%

Protein: 57.3%

Carbs: 8.2%