How to make "El pollo loco" INSPIRED chicken | Grilled chicken recipes | Villa Cocina

[@maryjackson9625]

As a former Californian, El Pollo Loco used to be the bomb but this was when they first opened back in the 70s. I used to go to the original restaurant over in East Los Angeles near the County Hospital where I worked. It was truly the best chicken around. Not so much anymore. I used to visit when I made my California visits from Maryland every year since 2014 but stopped. The chicken was always dry, over cooked and tasteless. Not what it used to be. This recipe sounds like what it used to taste like. Please send it to the company so they can start using it again. Gonna try this myself. Sounds soooo good. Thanks for sharing. I always wondered what their marinade was.

[@sx8472]

The chicken are so dry, and plain. My dog won’t even eat it. Worse chicken I’ve even tasted.

[@patriciapearl2529]

You're right about that, the recipe and flavor has sure changed a lot. I used to love the pinto beans which came with a cooked jalapeño that gave it this unique flavor but that too is gone, sadly😢

[@100hooker]

Not to mention, grossly overpriced.

[@terrykirk6951]

😄 PLEASE SEND THE RECIPE TO THE COMPANY...GOOD ONE!

[@rmendoza5953]

The original owner sold the "American rights" to El Pollo Loco but kept his rights to sell the same name chicken in Mexico. The recipe is still the original but it depends on who cooks it.

[@louierivera7512]

I used to work at El Pollo back in my college days, I miss it so much, Mexican food is a rarity here in the East Coast particularly in Boston, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York! Many try to pass off their restaurant meals as authentic Mexican dishes and street food…BUT IT’S NOT! I live in Boston,MA but In Cali (Los Angeles, California) where I grew up and went to school remembering those authentic smells and tastes and the use of particular spices never leave you …EVER! I miss it

[@milesdufourny4813]

I always use ground coriander when using any marinade that has citrus in it. It truly enhances the flavor. It also works well with spicy rubs.

[@marvinharms1891]

Agreed 100% I do home distilling, and with gin it's the second most abundant spice, because it has limonool. It's that citrus molecule that's a little subtle. Oh crap, I just went chemistry on someone I don't know😮 and I'm not a chemist😁🙉

[@misterad4782]

We made this last night, marinated for 24 hours. Oh my, this was so good. Thank you. And Happy Fathers Day to you all.

[@VillaCocina]

That is awesome! Glad you all enjoyed a delicious homemade meal 😊

[@blackscotydog]

My Wife and I made this for July 4 th marinated for 24 hours. Cooked on my Kamado grill ......OMG this was so good. Thank you so much!

[@donfrussell]

Just a note- check out zwilling glass storage - it come with a hand held vacuum and 60 minutes works for the marinade.

[@moblack5883]

the fact they couldnt talk tells you how good it is. and yes home cooked with love is always better!

[@kels3972]

Oh my goodness!!! I use to live in Florida years ago & there was a Pollo Loco!! We loved that chicken!!! I just happen to come across this video yesterday!! I went out & got everything to make it for Father's Day!! My husband can't wait!!! Thank you for such a step by step video!!!!

[@goldilocksfh7744]

Did you make the chicken yet?

[@kels3972]

@@goldilocksfh7744 Hello, I made the chicken on Father's Day & my husband absolutely loved it!!!! The chicken was so moist & tender!!! I will be making this again!!! It took us back to our 'younger' years when my husband was in the Navy!!! Hope you try this recipe & enjoy it!! We sure did!! 🤗

[@goldilocksfh7744]

@@kels3972 thanks so much for the update! I’m glad it worked out. I’m getting most of the ingredients & will try it this week. This recipe visually looks like El Pollo Loco the most-which we don’t have in NY.

[@mabelbradley6604]

yes me too, love it in Fl. But I moved to Cali o I missed this so much! Then moved to Co, again no Pollo Loco either!Now I can make it to! but sure miss the Pollo Loco, wish they would come to Co!!!

[@blackclavish]

@@mabelbradley6604 I don’t know what El Pollo Loco you’re talking about. They are big in California with dozens of locations all over the state and there is also a Denver, CO location with more opening soon.

[@PumpkinPails]

My chicken is marinating as I type this. I'm so excited to try it! Update: Since this last comment, I've made this recipe like 4 or 5 more times. It's incredible and so flavorful. I also save the left over bones to make a pollo asado flavored chicken bone broth to use in soups and rice.

[@erichbrinkerhoff2360]

I made this last night. I let it marinade overnight. It was one of the best chicken dishes I have ever tasted. thank you so very much!

[@rebeccasanford8607]

Greetings from East Texas! I MISS El Pollo Loco SOOOOOO Much! Have one down the street from my Mom’s house in San Diego! Thank you for sharing this! Now I can quit whining about not having an El Pollo Loco here in the Ark-La-Tex 😀

[@kitanul788]

You can actually pull the chicken when it reaches 155 degrees. Once you pull it and let it rest, it'll reach the desired 165 degrees and will be even juicer :) Delicious looking recipe, i'll definitely be making it!!

[@crackerbrick1903]

pollo loco over cooks all their chicken

[@Jessssy310]

I made your chicken & it was delicious. My family loved it, it’s on our menu every Sunday ❤🇲🇽🎉 Thank u Villa Cocina!

[@VillaCocina]

Way to go!!! Glad your whole family enjoyed it! 😊

[@coachlawlor]

I have wondered for years how to make crazy chicken. Thank you!

[@andrewbird57]

Nelson knows how good he has it and it shows. My sweetheart is also a graduate of a cooking school (CIA in Napa, CA) and used to own a restaurant. She only cooks for pleasure now and I am the lucky beneficiary. I've suggested she start a KZbin cooking channel, but she doesn't want to work that hard. We are both retired.

[@brianmoody2549]

The chicken is cooked very well great color there’s a lot of juice, and how all the ingredients work together as one to give the dish that great flavor you’re looking for.

[@masterGAWK9]

Love El Pollo Loco when I was in California in the 90s. One came to Chicago in the early 2000s but closed soon afterwards, so I've collected any recipe the net had to offer. Thanks for sharing!

[@PoeLemic]

Do you wanna share those recipes with the rest of us? I'm fed up with how much Pollo Loco charges. Have you been there lately? It is outrageous for just a small entree.

[@masterGAWK9]

@@PoeLemic I just searched for El Pollo Loco copycat on KZbin and picked the ones that have ingredients similar to what I remember tasting. I experimented with a few and this channels is pretty close.

[@vaughnslavin9784]

El Pollo Loco! I haven't eaten this great tasting chicken in decades! Thank you, now I can make it!

[@VillaCocina]

Enjoy!

[@417plasma6]

My ex wife's Uncle started this company from Mexico back in the 60's, brought to the US in the early 70's if i remember correctly...best chicken and the menu for sure...

[@crackerbrick1903]

sure bud

[@Truckngirl]

Wow! I'm super excited to try this because I've not had El Pollo Loco for many years. I got to eat at the original one in LA on Alvarado, before he sold in 1983. The original was the best!

[@VillaCocina]

Hope you enjoy!

[@TheTferrer]

I wanted to let you know that I tried this recipe for dinner. It was DELICIOUS!!!! Great flavor, an outstanding balance of ingredients, and fantastic color after the BBQ was done. I could eat it every day. Thank you for sharing... Yummy!

[@VillaCocina]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@juancervantes313]

This was probably my favorite video so far! That marinade and the grill everything came together perfect. Please do more grilling videos!! ☺️

[@VillaCocina]

Glad you enjoyed it. 😊

[@boxhawk5070]

I made two of these on my pellet grill and they were FANTASTIC. The skin was so good, everybody wanted it. I pulled both apart and have plenty of shredded meat for the next couple of days. I wish I could upload a picture. Homemade pico, guac,queso, and of course the corn tortillas heated up in lard made for a great dinner. Two thumbs up!

[@VillaCocina]

You can always follow us on instagram and tag us there if you like 😊

[@glennshimabuku7990]

What temp did you cook it on the pellet grill?

[@PoeLemic]

@@glennshimabuku7990 Yeah, I wonder which pellet grill and what temp? I have one, and I'd love to cook it on that. Mine is a Traeger, so I assume that I could do this chicken on it.

[@Kiss__Kiss]

Nelson is surely living the life.... The life of a food taster.. lol Honestly, that recipe looks delish!!!!

[@VillaCocina]

He sure loves it!

[@Kiss__Kiss]

@@VillaCocina I can see that, in every video!!! LOL!!! Honestly, you both are.. "Not lucky," but fortunate, and blessed to have each other. 🙏

[@smccoy1860]

One of my 1st. Jobs was working at El Pollo Loco I still grill my chicken this way over the last 30 years!

[@kurtrudolph1825]

I made this over the weekend on my Traeger. The flavors were so good! I'm definitely adding this to my regular rotation.

[@VillaCocina]

Great to hear!

[@curtiscarter634]

This evening we tried out this recipe. We cooked it on a pellet grill and it was fantastic. We tried on corn tortillas and flour tortillas. I’m partial to the corn tortillas on this one. It fed three of us, and we have enough left overs to make enchiladas tomorrow night.

[@VillaCocina]

Sounds great! Taking advantage of that delicious chicken till the end! 😄

[@rbarron007]

What type/flavor of pellets do you recommend?

[@DisposableEgo]

I'm a California Native living on the East Coast and I needed this badly. Thank you mija!!!

[@borb57JC]

That's what you call making love ! 😋 I will try this soon. I only have like a 20 inch Weber, but I love using charcoal and varieties of wood chips. Thank you for sharing your recipe and directions !👍

[@MasteringTheModel]

I agree, small clove garlic sucks big time. I find myself buying elephant garlic over regular garlic this past year because of all the small clove garlic they've been selling. This looks really delicious and will be making this soon. Great job showing us how it is made.

[@FRANKSNAKE71]

Elephant garlic is the BEST!

[@danielclooney6248]

I eat this chicken as much as I can. I found EPL in Los Angeles about 40+ yrs ago and loved it then. It finally opened in Houston a couple years ago. Everything they fix is wonderful. Pozole soup at Christmas is a winner also.

[@joanwilliams9928]

Thank you sooooo much, I love El Pollo Loco and I’ll definitely use this recipe. 🤤😋🥰

[@TM-qj4yr]

This recipe is making my mouth water. I am going to try it today! Thank you for this amazing recipe.

[@CrescentRollCarl]

I usually do a whole Tandoori style chicken on the grill, but this recipe looks amazing! I need to try it. I love El Pollo Loco.

[@Elle3211]

El Pollo Loco is one of my favorite things to eat when in Dallas. It's delicious and low in calories. Yesterday I bought ingredients to make the green sauce.

[@sleaverbar3717]

I’m going to be making this soon like maybe this weekend if I got time. I remember my parents taking us to restaurant in Mexico like once a month for this chicken and it was delicious. Only thing missing is pickled red onions in lime juice.

[@VillaCocina]

That sounds awesome! We do have a recipe on pickled red onions if you want to try it out.

[@sleaverbar3717]

@@VillaCocina awesome I’m gonna check it out also. Thank you

[@watermain48]

I think the recipe came originally from Sinaloa, Mexico.

[@harigdj88]

Can't wait to try this recipe. Moved from San Diego in 1990 and have longed for this chicken ever since. Yum.

[@robbyhall1757]

I'm from California and I moved to Oklahoma and there aren't many places that make this kind of chicken like El Pollo Loco so this recipe is 🔥

[@rawfeekee657]

I believe their recipe includes vinegar. But the tumeric for color instead of food dye was awesome ❤

[@antoniobanderas9769]

❤ i used apple 🍎 cider vinegar & pineapple 🍍 juice too

[@Schwidawg]

I live in southern California and Pollo Loco is a great place but it is also hit-and-miss. When cooked right, it is the best but when cooked wrong, it's usually overcooked and dry. It's always best to do it yourself. I have a similar recipe but don't baste it with oil because it tends to darken the skin too much. Also, when the chicken reaches 160, I place the chicken on the hot side of the grill for about five minutes to finish it off with a little char on the underside. Overall, great video and thank you for posting.

[@VillaCocina]

You are very welcome! 😊

[@3rdplanetimmigrant203]

i used to eat EPL every single day for lunch. i always ordered Double Chicken Tostada Salad. my daughter got hired at EPL and later became a manager. i'm hungry.🌮🌮🌮

[@rhondaroberts7275]

Oh my I am here for this!!!! I love their chicken!

[@VillaCocina]

It was delicious!!

[@smith.jacob701]

as someone from California who recently moved to Philadelphia, I needed this!

[@VillaCocina]

Glad you found it helpful. ☺️

[@dennissloatman3971]

Tan delicioso! Eres una reina de la cocina!

[@akcharlie1960]

This is one of THE BEST cooking videos I've ever seen. I will make the whole meal. Thank you both.

[@johnjuarez8005]

Been following Claudia, but now I am here, and this If I master it, will be the greatest neighbor on my block!!! Thanks!

[@VillaCocina]

You got this!

[@Sigking41]

Looks delicious... trying to backwards plan, I understand the internal temperature guidelines, but what was the approximate cooking time? Thanks for the recipe.

[@vernalbug]

I made this on Saturday, and it was absolutely delicious! My whole family kept raving how moist and flavorful it was. We used to love going to Pollo Loco, but the quality hasn't been the same for years, so thank you so much for this recipe! Now we can have Pollo Loco every weekend, lol. I highly recommend everyone to try this recipe! You'll never have bbq chicken the same way again!

[@VillaCocina]

Thank you so much! So happy for your great result! Enjoy!

[@michaelogden5958]

Looks great! I'll bet clarified butter in place of the oil would notch this up even more. Cheers!

[@VillaCocina]

Sounds interesting! Please let us know if you try it!

[@MikeL-t3b]

Rosanna, thank you so very much for this video and recipe! I made it tonight (half-chicken) and it was every bit as amazing as you said it would be. My wife loved it too and said it was the best chicken I've ever made. You sure did make me look good, thanks.

[@lema7030]

The chicken looks fantastic! Thanks for sharing. ✌🏻

[@deepakdeepak-vp3bd]

Hello dear Thanks for the beautiful recipe. Just want to know the spice box which you used to put all the spice bottles. I just love it can you plz tell me from where to get it. Thanks for the help

[@VillaCocina]

Hi there! here is the affiliate link: Allspice wood spice rack, 30 jars: amzn.to/3nyUmd8

[@eltonrice7392]

I have made this 3 times. The first 2 times were very good. The 3rd time I let it marinade for 2 days it was amazing.

[@VillaCocina]

Good for you! This chicken really is beyond delicious!

[@SurlyDeath]

Someone's extra sassy today!

[@VillaCocina]

😅

[@charlesatlas9123]

I have been using a marinade similar to yours. I cook like my mother taught me, without the use of a thermometer and my chicken always come out juicy. I guess with practice you know when its done. Thanks for sharing.

[@VideoAL935]

Great, work on this. I like how you setup the pre-work and he gets the grill flaming. But you are doing most of the work!

[@jeromegarcia5396]

I was a cook at El pollo loco very briefly transitioning from state to state, and thought your marinade looks way more delicious, the trick to grilling the chicken is in how you break the back, tuck the wings after you dislocate them so they actually stay and lay flat, same with the thighs and legs, start grilling skin side up if I recall our gill was set up to grill each side like 16mins, but I can't remember exact but something like that 😂 I would eat the most choice burritos for lunch working there that was the bonus making your own fat fresh burrito, sometimes I didn't want to go back to work after eating 😂

[@VillaCocina]

Sounds like you had great meals! 😄

[@bill.Latham]

The chicken looks fantastic , what was the temperature throughout the cook? I am going to try this out next week? Thank You

[@juanconde5392]

wow I tried your recipe and I cane out so good, having the familia over this weekend and I'm gonna make this chicken again thank you for you recipe, it's delicious !!!!!!

[@rayrodriguez4001]

I tried this recipe to the letter , it came out real purdy but I feel it needed more flavor Im sorry to say. Not sure if it needs more lime juice or cayenne or maybe a little squirt of vinegar. Maybe all three. I appreciate you sharing it was definitly the start of something good.👍

[@PoeLemic]

next time, try all three. Lot of times, you really have to season things if they are exposed to high heat for a good while.

[@kassidyfelix4108]

I work in a chicken plant and EPL is one of our top customer ❤ I process their chicken but never eat their chicken..I will definitely go there my next visit in Cali.😅 But your video freaking cool ❤

[@robertkaspert4092]

That looks amazing I've been looking for a recipe like this I'm going to be making this real soon. Thank you.

[@evelynaleman123]

What type of charcoal did you use? Great recipe, thank you!

[@17forever64]

Very detailed thank you, have you ever done this chicken on a pellet smoker?

[@stephenedwards5038]

Lived in Guadalajara in the late 80's!!!! Fantastic food!!! Loved the POLLO LOCO open air parrilla chicken down the street !! Only thing missing in your dinner are the quesadillas made from queso casera ( a little getting used to) but fantastic once you're hooked! would love to see you cook up those quesadillas! Never ate chicken or quesadillas as good as Pollo Loco's!

[@592Whocares]

I will try this with my wife. You are an excellent story teller. Enjoyed fully. Thank you

[@VillaCocina]

My pleasure!

[@TheDetroitman20]

Looks amazing as always guys!! 💛💙🍺👍🏾🙂💯

[@VillaCocina]

ThNk you so much! We enjoyed it as well!

[@tangledline]

Very awesome. I caught their trick awhile back and never told my friends. You can get away with the basics of: squeezed Lemon/Lime/Orange and some salt, garlic pepper with a hint of chili power. I sometimes marinate it but when its last minute..I am basting as we go. You know guys..they are the best brisket BBQ guys...but they cant touch my chicken...another thing...AIR FRYER...works awesome for wings and small chicken parts. Thank you !

[@VillaCocina]

Thanks for sharing! 😊 and you’re welcome!!

[@brucemiller8109]

Ive made this marinate but add 2 shots of any clear Liquor and let set for 4 hours. Great Video.

[@philt5782]

Beauty recipe! Love it!

[@davidlee2945]

Nailed it! Pollo Campero (a Pollo Loco copy) was one of our favorite restaurants in the Twin Cities. After moving east a few years ago, we have tried several recipes that claimed to be copycats. This one is the real deal! We marinaded 24 hr and used boneless skin-on thighs in the grill. So juicy and flavorful! Thank you so much!

[@adolfobriceno1635]

Yummy. We love Peruvian chicken. It's delicious 😊😊😊

[@stevenparman6761]

Looks good. Any reason for not mixing all of the marinade all at once instead of making it a 2 part process?

[@schuylardiamond8438]

El Pollo Loco! I lived in Los Angeles and fell in love with El Pollo Loco! My daughter, who was born in Cali, and I, every now and then remember the taste! Kentucky Fried Chicken is okay but El Pollo Loco yard bird is the bomb! Frankly, I wish that I could convince them to come further east. Hopefully the taste I became used to in California will be consistent no matter where they locate.

[@gawebm]

First time I watched one of your videos. You have a great voice and endearing attitude. I appreciate the detail on the recipe as well. Going on my shopping list. Thank you!

[@Route66Wanderer]

The best Sinaloa style chicken recipe I’ve seen. It’s everything El Pollo Loco is and so much better!

[@VillaCocina]

Thank you so much! It sure was delicious!

[@amyhollingsworth16]

Can't wait to make this one Rossana! Would you consider filming a vlog or short that shows us how to cut up a cooked chicken? I've never been very good at it and always end up butchering the chicken, especially when trying to remove the two breast sections. Just one more thing, I've been looking for the written/printable recipe for your Apple Cake on your website but can't seem to find it. Do you have any plans to post the recipe on your website in the near future? Maybe this Fall during apple season you can film a new/updated YT vlog of your Apple Cake. Am sure everyone would love it! Every recipe of yours that I've made has been outstanding. You truly are an amazing Cook.....thank you for sharing all the deliciousness with us!😋

[@bwcasas]

Approximately how long was it on the grill? We really like Polo Loco. I can’t wait to try this. Thank you!

[@VillaCocina]

Time can vary depending on the temperature of your grill. The goal is to have a fully cooked chicken.

[@vargasb14]

Gracias 👍👍

[@VillaCocina]

De nada!

[@sofarokintn8166]

Thank you for this great recipe. Can't wait to try it at home.

[@RafaelDeLaGhetto2]

That grill charcoal set up idea is simply genius 🤯

[@VillaCocina]

It definitely works

[@thomasgrable1746]

I grilled this last night on my offset smoker, and it was delicious! Thank you for the excellent recipe.

[@VillaCocina]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@alfrazz1799]

Thanks for a great recipe and a sparkling presentation!

[@RonR]

Nelson is going in, primal 😂

[@VillaCocina]

The man was not willing to wait any longer 😅

[@garys1092]

Great job covering essentials and using great techniques. Love El Pollo and now I know how to mimic the flavor profile to mmm perfection. Lol

[@guysolis5843]

I made this recipe before and it was fabulous. I even smoked it but I went to a new El Loco Pollo near us and Rossana's recipe is the best..

[@jerrybdlben231]

So glad I found your channel. Love your down home friendly style and willingness to laugh at yourself!!

[@VillaCocina]

Thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed the video ☺️

[@bounnongkhoukone7234]

“Hi”looks yummy”😋💖💖😛😋💖🙏👍👍👍👍👍👋👍👍👍

[@garya1809]

How much difference would a gas grill make in flavor? or can I add something to my propane grill setup ?

[@charlesgamble9494]

🎉😅 This was an excellent recipe. It could be smelled all around the block. I'm doing 5 more Saturday. Thanks so much for this perfection.

[@VillaCocina]

I can see you enjoyed it! That’s awesome!

[@drupp1706]

This chicken was fuego🔥 That Turmeric such good idea for givin it that yellow glow like the El pollo Loco of old when it was good. I wish you success & nothing less for this delicious recipe!

[@VillaCocina]

Thank you so much!

[@krissielongknife1479]

Thank you so much!! I left cali in 99' and i have teally missed this restaurant.

[@frankwillet1609]

Gracious for this fantastic looking recipe. I can hardly wait to try it. I look forward to seeing your kitchen ideas again soon. Cheers🇬🇧

[@VillaCocina]

We have other chicken recipes as well. Feel free to check them out!

[@chanamillard5965]

I’m homesick for California. Thank you for sharing. I miss El pollo loco

[@VillaCocina]

Our pleasure!

[@Mjk112]

That looks amazing. Can’t wait to give it a try. I’m going to try it on my Traeger grill. Thank you for sharing. I also enjoy the black beans and rice from there.

[@PoeLemic]

Can you say how you'd do it on the Traeger? I have one also. I know how to smoke, but I don't know how to grill it. Can you, please, explain? If so, thanks.

[@Mjk112]

Sure, set your Traeger to smoke with the lid open for 10 minutes. You want to make sure the fire pot is ignited. After 10 minutes close the lid and turn the heat up to 350 degrees. Once it reaches 350 you can cook on it as if it were a grill. Took me a while to learn that as I had tunnel vision that it was only a smoker. Some of the best steaks so far have been with my Traeger. Hint of smoke to them. Hope this helps. I have a nice Weber that I’m not even using any longer.

[@lunchmoneydnb]

Got the grill on now, made the marinade yesterday. Invited the parents over and am going to give this a try. Thank you;]

[@midwestslotdiva]

Whenever I visit Vegas, I MUST go to El Pollo Loco

[@suasponte6230]

I am sooooo impressed. Thank you both.

[@VillaCocina]

Our pleasure!

[@gratesmil]

I really like your recipe ingredients and your tutorial. Great insight too. Nailed it! 😊

[@VillaCocina]

Glad you liked it!

[@rudygonzales2003]

I will be attempting to make this for the 2 ladies in my life. (Wife and daughter) 🤞🏼. What kind of oil did you use to brush on during grilling?

[@RespectMyAuthoritaah]

Really enjoyed your presentation. Well done.

[@manuelaleman6960]

Recently these days start watching your channel of cooking very great the recipes you using. I'm Puertorriqueños born in Brooklyn NY but live almost most of my life in Puerto Rico now living in Orlando Florida since 2010. Watching this video de pollo loco I see you have like a shelter for the different herb and spices ingredients with name you use where did you buy it so I can get one. Do you speak and understand Spanish so sometimes write it.