Double Chicken Bowl from El Pollo Loco features char-grilled marinated chicken served over a bed of fluffy rice, black beans, fresh salsa, and shredded lettuce, topped with zesty pico de gallo and creamy avocado slices for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Equipments
- Grill
- Tongs
- Rice cooker
- Saucepan or pot
- Large mixing bowl
- Serving bowls
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Spoons (serving and mixing)
- Ladle
- Avocado slicer or pitter
- Measuring cups
- Food prep gloves
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 4 cups water
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (for beans)
- 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup fresh pico de gallo
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 cup mild salsa
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- 1 lime (cut into wedges)
When preparing the Double Chicken Bowl from El Pollo Loco, use fresh, ripe avocados for creamy texture and zesty pico de gallo made from fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro to enhance flavor. Marinate the boneless, skinless chicken breast with a blend of spices including garlic powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder to mimic the authentic taste. Long grain white rice cooked with water provides a fluffy base that contrasts well with the black beans seasoned with onion powder and cumin. Make sure to drain and rinse canned black beans thoroughly to reduce excess sodium and improve texture. Your efforts in selecting and preparing these fresh ingredients will bring you closer to the savory, well-balanced flavors of the Double Chicken Bowl from El Pollo Loco copycat menu.
Instructions
- Preheat grill.
- Prepare marinade: Combine olive oil, lime juice, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl.
- Add chicken breasts to marinade and coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook rice in rice cooker or pot with water until fluffy.
- Heat black beans in a saucepan with onion powder and ground cumin.
- Grill marinated chicken until cooked through. Let rest, then slice.
- Shred iceberg lettuce and set aside.
- Prepare pico de gallo (if not using store-bought).
- Cut avocados, remove pits, and slice.
- Dice red onion and chop cilantro for garnish.
- Assemble bowls: Add rice as base in serving bowls.
- Layer black beans over rice.
- Add shredded lettuce.
- Top with sliced grilled chicken.
- Spoon pico de gallo and salsa over chicken.
- Add avocado slices.
- Sprinkle with chopped red onion and cilantro.
- Garnish with lime wedges.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Double Chicken Bowl from El Pollo Loco copycat menu can be adapted by substituting boneless, skinless chicken thighs for breast to retain moisture and enhance flavor while grilling. If a grill is unavailable, a grill pan or broiler works well to achieve the charred texture. Using canned black beans saves time, but slow-cooked or freshly cooked beans provide a richer taste. Fresh avocado is ideal, but guacamole or sliced cucumbers offer a creamy or refreshing alternative if avocados are out of season. Be sure to adjust seasoning slightly if substituting ingredients to maintain the dish's vibrant and balanced flavors your palate expects.
Tips
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to ensure it absorbs all the spices and stays juicy when grilled. When cooking rice, use the exact 2 cups of rice to 4 cups of water ratio to achieve fluffy, perfectly cooked grains. Heat the black beans gently with onion powder and cumin to enhance their flavor without overpowering the dish. Slice your avocado just before assembling the bowls to prevent browning and keep your Double Chicken Bowl fresh and visually appealing for your meal.
Nutritions
Your Double Chicken Bowl from El Pollo Loco provides a balanced mix of macronutrients with char-grilled chicken offering high-quality protein essential for muscle repair and growth. The black beans contribute a rich source of plant-based fiber and complex carbohydrates, promoting digestive health and sustained energy. Fresh salsa, shredded lettuce, and avocado slices add vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats from the avocado that support heart health. This meal also offers antioxidants from spices like cumin and paprika, enhancing overall nutrient absorption and immune support.
Storage
Store leftover Double Chicken Bowl components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess; keep grilled chicken, rice, black beans, and vegetables chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Avocado slices are best stored with a squeeze of lime juice in a sealed container to slow browning, or prepare fresh before serving for optimal taste. When reheating, warm chicken, rice, and beans thoroughly using the grill, stove, or microwave while keeping fresh ingredients like lettuce and pico de gallo cold for your best experience.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, consider swapping boneless chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result. Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice to increase fiber content and add a nutty taste to your meal. You can mix in charred corn kernels or diced roasted bell peppers to enhance the texture and add sweetness. When cooking, try finishing the grilled chicken with a quick brush of chipotle-lime sauce to bring a smoky, tangy kick to the bowl.
Allergies
The Double Chicken Bowl contains common allergens such as avocado, which can cause reactions in individuals with latex-fruit syndrome. Garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder may trigger sensitivities or intolerances in some people. If you have known allergies to any of these ingredients, it is important to check with El Pollo Loco or modify your order accordingly to ensure your meal is safe.
Why this recipe?
The Double Chicken Bowl from El Pollo Loco is beloved for its generous portions of marinated grilled chicken, fresh pico de gallo, and zesty cilantro-lime rice, offering a balanced and flavorful meal. Its combination of smoky, charred chicken with vibrant, fresh ingredients creates a satisfying taste experience that appeals to many. You can replicate this dish at home to enjoy a healthier, customizable alternative while saving money and controlling ingredient quality. The ease of preparation and fresh flavors make the Double Chicken Bowl a worthwhile copycat recipe to try.