Classic Chicken Burrito from El Pollo Loco features tender, grilled chicken seasoned with smoky spices, combined with warm cilantro-lime rice, black beans, fresh salsa, and melted cheese wrapped in a soft, warm flour tortilla, delivering a hearty and flavorful Mexican-inspired meal.
Equipments
- Grill or stovetop grill pan
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Rice cooker or pot
- Skillet
- Spoon or spatula
- Grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil (optional, for wrapping)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup fresh tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, minced (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for salsa)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (for salsa)
- Salt (for salsa, to taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack)
- 4 large flour tortillas
Using boneless, skinless chicken breast ensures the meat stays tender and cooks evenly when seasoned with smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder for that signature smoky flavor. Fresh cilantro and lime juice are essential to enhance the cilantro-lime rice and salsa, providing a bright, zesty contrast to the savory chicken. Black beans should be thoroughly rinsed to remove excess sodium and canned preservatives, improving the dish's overall freshness. Choose shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for meltability and mild flavor that complements the burrito's spices without overpowering them. Your Classic Chicken Burrito from El Pollo Loco copycat menu will capture the authentic taste by carefully balancing these ingredients to replicate the original's smoky and vibrant profile.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or stovetop grill pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat chicken breasts evenly with spice mixture.
- Grill chicken over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Remove chicken; let rest, then slice into strips.
- Rinse rice under cold water.
- In a rice cooker or pot, combine rice and water; cook according to package instructions.
- Once rice is cooked, fluff and mix in chopped cilantro and lime juice.
- In a saucepan, heat black beans until warmed through.
- In a mixing bowl, combine diced tomato, red onion, jalapeño (optional), cilantro, lime juice, and salt to make salsa.
- Shred cheese using grater.
- Warm flour tortillas in a skillet or microwave until pliable.
- Lay out one tortilla; add a portion of cilantro-lime rice, black beans, grilled chicken, cheese, and salsa.
- Fold in the sides of tortilla and roll tightly into a burrito.
- (Optional) Wrap burrito in aluminum foil to keep warm.
- Repeat steps 13-15 for remaining tortillas.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Classic Chicken Burrito from El Pollo Loco copycat menu can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. If boneless chicken breast is unavailable, boneless chicken thighs offer a juicier alternative without compromising flavor. You can substitute long-grain white rice with brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and nutrients. When fresh jalapeno is too spicy or unavailable, mild bell peppers can provide crunch without heat, and replacing cheddar cheese with a dairy-free cheese makes it suitable for lactose intolerance. Using aluminum foil to wrap the burrito keeps it warm and helps the cheese melt evenly.
Tips
Make sure to let the grilled chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain its juices and ensure tender, flavorful strips. Rinsing the rice under cold water removes excess starch, preventing clumping and resulting in fluffy cilantro-lime rice. When warming the flour tortillas, avoid overheating as they can become dry and brittle, making them difficult to roll. You can customize the heat level of your salsa by adjusting the amount of jalapeno to suit your taste preferences.
Nutritions
The Classic Chicken Burrito from El Pollo Loco offers a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, with 1 lb of grilled chicken breast providing approximately 100 grams of lean protein essential for muscle repair and growth. The inclusion of long-grain white rice and black beans contributes complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber, supporting sustained energy and digestive health. Fresh salsa made from tomatoes, red onion, and jalapeno adds antioxidants and vitamins, while cheddar cheese delivers calcium and healthy fats. Your meal combines nutrient-dense ingredients within a flour tortilla to fuel your body with essential macronutrients and micronutrients.
Storage
Store leftover Classic Chicken Burritos in airtight containers or tightly wrapped in aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent drying out. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the burritos are cooled to room temperature before storage. When reheating, use a microwave or oven to warm thoroughly, preserving the tender grilled chicken and vibrant flavors of your burrito.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute boneless chicken thighs for chicken breasts to add more juiciness and flavor to your burrito. For a healthier twist, swap flour tortillas with whole wheat or low-carb wraps. Consider cooking the rice with chicken broth instead of water to enhance its taste, and add sauteed bell peppers and onions to the black beans for extra texture and aroma. Using pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar will introduce a subtle, spicy kick to your meal.
Allergies
Classic Chicken Burrito from El Pollo Loco contains common allergens such as dairy from melted cheddar cheese and gluten from the flour tortillas. Your burrito may also cause reactions if you have sensitivities to black beans or spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Individuals with food allergies should review ingredient labels carefully and consult with restaurant staff to ensure safe meal options.
Why this recipe?
The Classic Chicken Burrito from El Pollo Loco is loved for its perfectly marinated fire-grilled chicken, fresh salsa, and melted cheese wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. Its balance of smoky, savory, and tangy flavors creates a satisfying and flavorful meal that appeals to many. Making a copycat version at home allows you to customize ingredients, control freshness, and replicate the authentic taste without dining out. Your homemade Classic Chicken Burrito can capture the same bold flavors while being tailored to your personal preferences and dietary needs.