The Original Pollo Bowl from El Pollo Loco features tender grilled chicken marinated in signature citrus and spices, served over a bed of fluffy rice and black beans, topped with fresh pico de gallo, shredded cheese, and creamy guacamole, creating a colorful and flavorful meal with a perfect blend of smoky and zesty tastes.
Equipments
- Grill
- Tongs
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Rice cooker or pot
- Saucepan
- Serving bowls
- Spoon
- Ladle
- Cheese grater
- Guacamole masher or fork
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 (15 oz/425g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup diced white onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 cup pico de gallo
- 1 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese
- 1 cup guacamole
When preparing the Original Pollo Bowl from El Pollo Loco, using fresh citrus juices like orange and lime is essential to achieve the signature tangy marinade that tenderizes the chicken and enhances its smoky flavor. Ensure the chicken breast is boneless and skinless for even grilling and easy slicing. Cooking the rice separately in a rice cooker or pot yields the best fluffy texture to complement the savory black beans. Fresh ingredients like chopped cilantro, diced white onion, and pico de gallo add vibrant color and authentic taste to the dish. Your homemade Original Pollo Bowl from El Pollo Loco copycat menu will capture the perfect balance of zesty, smoky, and creamy flavors.
Instructions
- Marinate chicken with orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Cover and refrigerate marinated chicken for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill.
- Grill marinated chicken until fully cooked, flipping with tongs as needed.
- Let chicken rest, then dice using chef’s knife on cutting board.
- Cook white rice in rice cooker or pot.
- Warm black beans in saucepan.
- Prepare pico de gallo if making fresh.
- Grate cheese if needed.
- Mash avocados with desired seasonings to make guacamole or use pre-made.
- Assemble bowls: add rice to serving bowls.
- Top rice with black beans.
- Add diced grilled chicken on top.
- Spoon on pico de gallo.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over bowl.
- Top with a generous scoop of guacamole.
- Garnish with diced onion and chopped cilantro if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Original Pollo Bowl from El Pollo Loco copycat recipe shines with its grilled chicken marinated in vibrant citrus and spices, paired with rice, black beans, and fresh toppings. If you don't have fresh citrus, bottled orange and lime juice can work in a pinch, though fresh juices provide more brightness. Substitute chicken thighs for breasts to keep the meat juicier and more flavorful during grilling. You can swap black beans for pinto or kidney beans if preferred, adjusting seasoning as needed. Your guacamole can be replaced with store-bought or a simple mashed avocado with lime and salt for ease and convenience.
Tips
Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the citrus and spices to fully penetrate, enhancing flavor and tenderness. When grilling, monitor the chicken closely and use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) for safe consumption. Rest the grilled chicken before dicing to retain its juices and keep the meat moist. Keep your rice and black beans warm until serving, so your bowl stays fresh and hot for the best taste experience.
Nutritions
The Original Pollo Bowl from El Pollo Loco provides a balanced meal rich in protein from grilled chicken breast, which supports muscle repair and growth. The black beans offer a good source of dietary fiber and plant-based protein, aiding digestion and satiety. Your meal includes healthy fats from olive oil and guacamole, contributing to heart health and nutrient absorption. The combination of fresh citrus juices and spices adds antioxidants and vitamins, enhancing the nutritional profile without adding excess calories.
Storage
Store leftover Original Pollo Bowl components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess; refrigerate the grilled chicken, rice, and black beans within two hours of cooking. Keep guacamole in a container with a tight-fitting lid and press plastic wrap directly onto its surface to minimize oxidation and browning. Use refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety, reheating the chicken and beans thoroughly before serving Your next meal.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute chicken breast with thigh meat for a juicier and more flavorful option or opt for grilled shrimp to vary protein choices. Swap the white rice for cilantro lime rice by stirring in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro after cooking to enhance freshness. Consider roasting the black beans with a touch of cumin and chili powder in the saucepan to deepen their smoky flavor. To add crunch, sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds or crushed tortilla chips on top before serving your Pollo Bowl.
Allergies
The Original Pollo Bowl contains several common allergens that could affect your dietary needs, including dairy from shredded cheddar jack cheese and potential sulfites from the marinade ingredients like fresh citrus juices and spices. Black beans and fresh ingredients such as garlic and onions may also trigger sensitivities in some individuals. Always check ingredient labels and consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about allergies or food intolerances before enjoying this meal.
Why this recipe?
The Original Pollo Bowl from El Pollo Loco offers a flavorful blend of citrus-marinated grilled chicken, black beans, and rice, delivering a satisfying and balanced meal. Its fresh ingredients and bold seasoning create an authentic taste that resonates with customers seeking a healthy, quick dining option. You'll appreciate how the bowl combines convenience with nutrition, making it a favorite for busy individuals. Attempting a copycat version allows you to customize flavors and control ingredient quality, ensuring a personalized and cost-effective version of this popular dish.