Mexican delicacy at your fingertips: step-by-step guide to making el pollo loco’s chicken burrito

Are you craving the zesty flavors of El Pollo Loco’s signature chicken burrito? Now you can recreate this iconic dish in the comfort of your own kitchen with our easy-to-follow El Pollo Loco chicken burrito recipe. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with tender, marinated chicken, fluffy tortillas, and a medley of fresh and flavorful ingredients.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Burrito:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup black beans, cooked
• 1 cup corn kernels, cooked
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup guacamole
• Salsa, to taste

Instructions:

Marinating the Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and stir to coat evenly.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium heat.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade.
3. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

Assembling the Burritos:

1. Heat the flour tortillas in a skillet or on a griddle until slightly warmed and pliable.
2. Spread a layer of sour cream down the center of each tortilla.
3. Top with equal portions of the sliced chicken, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, black beans, corn kernels, onion, and cilantro.
4. Drizzle with guacamole and salsa to your liking.
5. Fold the tortillas into burritos, tucking in the sides to secure.

Grilling the Burritos (Optional):

1. For a slightly crispy exterior, heat a grill or grill pan over medium heat.
2. Brush the burritos with olive oil.
3. Grill the burritos for 2-3 minutes per side, or until heated through and slightly charred.

Tips for the Perfect El Pollo Loco Chicken Burrito:

• Use a variety of fresh ingredients for a flavorful and authentic taste.
• Marinate the chicken for as long as possible to enhance its flavor.
• Grill the chicken to perfection for a tender and juicy interior.
• Warm the tortillas before assembling the burritos for better flexibility.
• Don’t overload the burritos with fillings to avoid tearing.
• Experiment with different salsas to customize the heat level.

Variations:

• For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and onions.
• Add other toppings to your liking, such as lettuce, tomatoes, or jalapenos.
• Use different types of tortillas, such as whole wheat or spinach tortillas.
• Serve the burritos with a side of chips and salsa for a complete meal.

Healthier Options:

• Use grilled chicken instead of fried chicken for a healthier alternative.
• Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream.
• Use whole wheat tortillas instead of flour tortillas for added fiber.
• Grill the burritos instead of frying them to reduce fat content.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the El Pollo Loco chicken burritos as a main course for lunch or dinner.
• Pair the burritos with a fresh side salad or tortilla chips.
• Serve the burritos with a variety of salsas and dips for dipping.

The Secret to El Pollo Loco’s Flavor:

The key to recreating the iconic flavor of El Pollo Loco’s chicken burritos lies in the marinade. The combination of lime juice, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper creates a tangy and flavorful base for the chicken. Grilling the chicken enhances its flavor and gives it a slightly smoky taste.

Key Points:

With our El Pollo Loco chicken burrito recipe, you can now enjoy the authentic flavors of your favorite Mexican street food right in your own kitchen. Follow our step-by-step instructions and tips to create delicious and satisfying burritos that will transport your taste buds to the streets of Mexico.

Basics You Wanted To Know

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Thaw the chicken completely before marinating and cooking it.

2. How long can I marinate the chicken?

You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes or up to overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.

3. Can I make the burritos ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the burritos ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven before serving.

4. What are some good dipping sauces for the burritos?

Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo are all great dipping sauces for El Pollo Loco chicken burritos.

5. Can I add other ingredients to the burritos?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to your liking, such as lettuce, tomatoes, jalapenos, or bell peppers.

6. How do I make the burritos crispy?

To make the burritos crispy, grill them for 2-3 minutes per side, or until heated through and slightly charred.

7. Can I use different types of tortillas?

Yes, you can use different types of tortillas, such as whole wheat or spinach tortillas.

8. What is the serving size for the burritos?

One El Pollo Loco chicken burrito is typically a serving size for one person.

9. How many calories are in the burritos?

The calorie content of the burritos will vary depending on the ingredients used. A typical El Pollo Loco chicken burrito contains around 500-600 calories.

10. Can I freeze the burritos?

Yes, you can freeze the burritos for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating them.