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Grilled Pollo Loco Delight

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Pollo Loco features chicken marinated with fresh lime juice, garlic, chili powder, and herbs to create a vibrant, smoky flavor. Grilled to perfection, the chicken is juicy and aromatic, ideal for summer gatherings. Topped with warm queso dip, diced tomatoes, and fresh cilantro, this dish delivers a balance of zest and creaminess. Marinating for at least two hours ensures deep infusion of flavors, creating a mouthwatering meal best enjoyed with Mexican rice or grilled vegetables.

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A woman in a white chef's coat holding a glass of wine.
Provided By Lina
Last updated on Sun, 09 Nov 2025 18:49:49 GMT
Grilled Pollo Loco with rice and tomatoes. Bookmark
Grilled Pollo Loco with rice and tomatoes. | deliciousrecipeshere.com

This grilled Pollo Loco recipe brings the vibrant flavors of citrus, herbs, and spices right to your backyard. The chicken is marinated to soak in a tangy and smoky profile, then grilled to juicy perfection. It’s a perfect choice for a lively weeknight dinner or a festive barbecue that will impress friends and family alike.

I first made this for a family cookout and was amazed how everyone raved over the bold yet familiar flavors. Since then it’s become a regular pick when I want a flavor-packed meal that comes together hassle free.

Ingredients

  • Olive oil: adds richness while promoting even cooking choose extra virgin for best flavor
  • Fresh lime juice: brings bright acidity and tenderizes the chicken pick juicy limes for more zing
  • Better than bouillon chicken base: is optional but concentrates savory depth enhancing the marinade
  • Salt: essential for balancing and bringing out all the flavors
  • Chili powder: adds smoky warmth choose a good quality blend for authentic taste
  • Garlic powder: gives a pungent savory punch avoid fresh garlic here because it can burn on the grill
  • Chicken breasts: are classic but thighs or bonein cuts work beautifully adapt to preference
  • Queso dip: for drizzling adds creamy richness and mild heat to finish the dish
  • Diced tomato: provide fresh garnish for color and brightness
  • Chopped cilantro: provide fresh garnish for color and brightness

Instructions

Make the Marinade:
Combine the first six ingredients in a large sealable plastic bag. Close the bag and press with your fingers to mix the marinade thoroughly.
Coat the Chicken:
Add the chicken breasts into the bag ensuring all pieces get coated well by massaging gently.
Marinate:
Place the bag in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight to maximize flavor absorption.
Preheat Grill:
Preheat your grill to mediumhigh heat so it is hot enough to sear the chicken and lock in juices.
Grill the Chicken:
Grill the chicken on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit indicating safe doneness and juicy meat.
Warm the Queso:
While the chicken grills, warm up the queso dip on the stove or microwave until smooth and ready to drizzle.
Serve:
Serve the grilled chicken atop a bed of Mexican rice or your preferred side.
Finish and Garnish:
Drizzle warm queso generously over the chicken then garnish with diced tomatoes and fresh cilantro for a bright finishing touch.
Grilled chicken with tomatoes and white sauce.
Grilled chicken with tomatoes and white sauce. | deliciousrecipeshere.com

I have always been drawn to the bright citrus notes in this dish. It reminds me of summer evenings when my family gathers around the grill sharing stories and laughter while that irresistible aroma fills the air.

Storage Tips

Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently to preserve juiciness and avoid drying. You can also freeze the cooked chicken wrapped tightly in foil or freezersafe bags for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have better than bouillon chicken base use a teaspoon of good quality chicken broth or stock powder. Swap chili powder for smoked paprika if you want a milder smoky flavor or add a pinch of cayenne for extra spice. For a dairy free option omit the queso or replace it with an avocado based cream sauce for richness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Pollo Loco with traditional Mexican sides like cilantrolime rice, refried beans, or grilled corn. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables also pair beautifully to add freshness and balance. Consider warm tortillas or crusty bread to make it easy to scoop up every last bit of queso and chicken.

Grilled Pollo Loco with rice and tomatoes.
Grilled Pollo Loco with rice and tomatoes. | deliciousrecipeshere.com

Enjoy your grilled Pollo Loco with warm queso and fresh garnishes. It’s a flavorful, family friendly dish that’s easy to scale.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ What makes Pollo Loco flavorful?

The marinade combines lime juice, garlic, chili powder, and herbs, which infuse the chicken with bright and smoky flavors when grilled.

→ How long should the chicken marinate?

For optimum flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight, allowing the citrus and spices to deeply penetrate.

→ Can I use other chicken cuts?

Yes, bone-in breasts, thighs, or other cuts all work well when marinated and grilled using this method.

→ What sides complement this dish?

Traditional sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, salsa, or grilled vegetables pair beautifully with this grilled chicken.

→ Is it possible to prepare ahead?

Marinating the chicken in advance and refrigerating it makes meal prep simple and enhances flavor when grilled later.

→ Do I have to buy store-bought queso?

No, homemade queso or your preferred cheese dip can be warmed and served on top for added creaminess.

Grilled Pollo Loco Flavor

Smoky grilled lime chicken paired with queso, tomatoes, and cilantro for vibrant backyard meals.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
15 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Provided By: Lina

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Medium Effort

Cuisine Inspiration: Mexican

Portion Size: 4 Serving Size (4 chicken breasts)

Dietary Preferences: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

What You’ll Need

→ Marinade

01 1/4 cup olive oil
02 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
03 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon chicken base (optional)
04 1 teaspoon salt
05 1 teaspoon chili powder
06 1 teaspoon garlic powder

→ Protein

07 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

→ Toppings

08 1 cup queso dip
09 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
10 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Steps to Make This

Step 01

Combine olive oil, lime juice, chicken base (if using), salt, chili powder, and garlic powder in a large resealable plastic bag. Mix well by squishing the bag with your fingers.

Step 02

Add chicken breasts to the bag, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the marinade. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for enhanced flavor.

Step 03

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, preparing it for direct cooking.

Step 04

Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill and cook each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), typically about 6-7 minutes per side.

Step 05

While the chicken grills, warm the queso dip on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Step 06

Plate the grilled chicken over Mexican rice or preferred sides. Drizzle warmed queso over the top and garnish with diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro before serving.

Additional Notes

  1. Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the flavors and tenderness.
  2. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely through.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Resealable plastic bag
  • Meat thermometer

Allergy Warnings

Always check ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if needed.
  • Contains dairy due to queso dip