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El Pollo Loco Chicken Copycat

El Pollo Loco Chicken Copycat

El Pollo Loco Chicken Copycat is a flavorful grilled chicken recipe marinated in a mix of white wine vinegar and garlic, perfect for summer barbecues!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Grilled Chicken, Main Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Grill
  • 1 Mixing bowl
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Refrigerator

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup white wine vinegar - for tangy flavor
  • 1 cup olive oil - for richness
  • 1/2 cup white wine - adds depth
  • 1 tablespoon oregano - herbaceous note
  • 1 teaspoon thyme - earthy flavor
  • 3 tablespoons salt - to enhance flavors
  • 10 garlic cloves minced - for a punch of flavor
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons Tabasco sauce - for a spicy kick

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, olive oil, white wine, oregano, thyme, salt, minced garlic, and Tabasco sauce until well combined.
  • Cut two whole chickens in half and place them in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish.
  • Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated well.
  • Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate. Marinate for several hours, ideally overnight for maximum flavor.
  • Preheat your grill to medium heat.
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade and let excess marinade drip off.
  • Grill the chicken halves slowly, skin side down first, for about 30 minutes, then flip and continue cooking for another 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  • Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

This recipe for El Pollo Loco Chicken Copycat features a marinade that can be prepared ahead of time, allowing flavors to meld.
For a twist, try adding lemon juice or lime for extra zing.
Be sure to grill slowly to achieve that delicious smoky flavor.
Leftover chicken is great in wraps or salads the next day!
Keyword copycat recipe, grilled chicken, marinated chicken