Description
Spicy Mexican pollo loco brings explosive flavors straight from Latin kitchens to your dining table. Crispy chicken marinated in zesty seasonings delivers a mouthwatering experience that connects family and friends around delicious, authentic cuisine you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Marinade and Spices:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Cheese:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant marinade by blending citrusy juices, aromatic spices, and robust herbs in a spacious mixing vessel.
- Immerse chicken pieces thoroughly in the marinade, ensuring complete coating. Refrigerate for a minimum of half an hour, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Heat outdoor grill to medium-high temperature, lightly oiling cooking surfaces to prevent adherence.
- Extract chicken from marinade, carefully placing on preheated grill grates. Cook each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches safe consumption point, approximately 6-7 minutes per side.
- Allow grilled chicken to rest momentarily, permitting juices to redistribute and preserve tenderness.
- Prepare creamy cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour to create a smooth roux.
- Gradually incorporate milk, stirring continuously to eliminate potential lumps and achieve silky consistency.
- Reduce heat, introducing shredded cheese and complementary spices. Stir until sauce transforms into luxurious, velvety texture.
- Plate grilled chicken atop fluffy rice, cascading cheese sauce over protein for enhanced flavor profile.
- Enhance presentation with fresh cilantro garnish, accompanied by zesty lime wedges and optional side items like warm tortillas or grilled vegetables.
Notes
- Marinate Strategically: Longer marinating times between 4-6 hours intensify flavor absorption without breaking down chicken’s protein structure.
- Temperature Precision: Use a digital meat thermometer to guarantee perfect 165°F doneness, preventing dry or undercooked chicken.
- Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or cashew-based cheese sauce for lactose-intolerant or vegan preferences.
- Grilling Alternatives: When outdoor grilling isn’t possible, use cast-iron grill pan or broil chicken to achieve similar caramelized exterior and juicy interior.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg