The Twisted Burrito from El Pollo Loco features tender grilled chicken, flavorful rice, fresh pico de gallo, and melted cheese, all wrapped in a warm, soft tortilla for a delicious blend of smoky, savory, and zesty flavors.
Equipments
- Grill or Griddle
- Rice Cooker
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl
- Cheese Grater
- Ladle or Spoon
- Tortilla Warmer or Microwave
- Tongs
- Serving Spoon
- Burrito Wrapping Foil (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup pico de gallo
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 lime
Using boneless, skinless chicken breast ensures tender and juicy meat for your Twisted Burrito, while freshly cooked white rice adds the perfect base texture. Fresh pico de gallo made with ripe tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice enhances the zesty and bright flavor profile. Combining shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses creates a creamy, melted layer that balances the smoky spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic, and onion powder. It's important to warm the tortillas in a tortilla warmer or microwave to prevent tearing during wrapping and to achieve the classic soft texture. Your homemade Twisted Burrito from El Pollo Loco copycat menu will replicate the delicious blend of smoky, savory, and zesty flavors you crave.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or griddle to medium-high heat.
- Brush chicken breasts with olive oil.
- Season chicken with chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Grill chicken until fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice grilled chicken into thin strips or bite-size pieces.
- Cook white rice in rice cooker if not already prepared.
- Grate cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Prepare pico de gallo or use pre-made.
- Warm flour tortillas using tortilla warmer or microwave.
- Lay out a warm tortilla on cutting board.
- Spoon cooked rice onto center of tortilla.
- Add grilled chicken on top of rice.
- Add pico de gallo.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over fillings.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over ingredients.
- Fold sides of tortilla and roll tightly to form burrito.
- Repeat steps 11–17 for remaining tortillas.
- If desired, wrap each burrito in foil.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Twisted Burrito from El Pollo Loco copycat menu combines grilled chicken, seasoned rice, fresh pico de gallo, and melted cheese wrapped in a soft tortilla. If you don't have Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese, you can substitute with any mild melting cheese such as mozzarella or Colby Jack. When grilling the chicken, a stovetop griddle can replace an outdoor grill without sacrificing flavor, using a grill pan to create those signature sear marks. For quicker preparation, precooked or rotisserie chicken can be used, just reheat and season accordingly to maintain the smoky, savory taste. You can warm tortillas in a microwave or tortilla warmer to keep them pliable before rolling.
Tips
Make sure your chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) to ensure food safety. Resting the grilled chicken before slicing helps retain its juices and keeps your burrito moist. Use warmed tortillas to prevent tearing and make rolling easier while also enhancing texture and flavor. Fresh lime juice squeezed over the fillings brightens flavors, so don't skip this final step when assembling your Twisted Burrito.
Nutritions
Your Twisted Burrito from El Pollo Loco offers a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, with grilled chicken providing lean protein essential for muscle repair and growth. The combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses adds calcium and healthy fats, supporting bone health. White rice supplies easily digestible carbohydrates for energy, while pico de gallo contributes vitamins A and C along with antioxidants. This meal provides a flavorful, nutrient-dense option that supports your daily nutritional needs.
Storage
Store your Twisted Burrito wrapped tightly in foil or an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent drying out. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, reheating in a microwave or oven until piping hot before serving. Avoid freezing to preserve the texture and flavor of the fresh pico de gallo and cheeses.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap boneless chicken breast with grilled shrimp or seasoned tofu to cater to different dietary preferences. Instead of white rice, try using cilantro-lime brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and nutrients. For a smoky twist, add chipotle peppers or smoked paprika to the seasoning blend. Warming tortillas on a dry skillet over medium heat can enhance their texture and flavor compared to using a microwave.
Allergies
The Twisted Burrito contains dairy from shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, which may cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to milk products. The use of flour tortillas introduces gluten, posing a risk for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Your allergy concerns should also consider potential sensitivities to chicken, spices like chili powder, or ingredients in pico de gallo such as tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
Why this recipe?
The Twisted Burrito from El Pollo Loco stands out for its bold combination of marinated fire-grilled chicken, creamy guacamole, and melted cheese wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. Its balance of smoky flavors and fresh ingredients creates a satisfying and flavorful meal option that appeals to a wide range of palates. Making a copycat version allows you to customize the spice levels and ingredient quality to suit your tastes while enjoying the same crave-worthy experience at home. This versatility and rich taste profile make the Twisted Burrito a memorable and worth-trying dish.