Grilled Chicken from Pollo Campero features tender, marinated chicken grilled to juicy perfection with smoky char marks, served with a side of fresh, vibrant vegetables and seasoned rice, delivering a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Equipments
- Grill or Charbroiler
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
- Mixing bowls
- Marinating container or ziplock bag
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Vegetable peeler
- Saucepan or rice cooker
- Serving plates or trays
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon annatto powder (optional)
- 2 cups white rice
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup frozen peas
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 small red bell pepper
- 1 small zucchini
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces are preferred for grilling as they retain moisture and develop richer flavor with smoky char marks. Marinate the chicken in a mixture of orange juice, soy sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and fresh lime juice to tenderize and infuse vibrant citrus notes. Using a meat thermometer is crucial to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) without overcooking. Fresh vegetables like red bell pepper, zucchini, and carrot add balanced texture and color alongside the seasoned rice cooked in chicken broth for depth. Your homemade version of Grilled Chicken from Pollo Campero captures authentic taste and satisfying juiciness with these key ingredient choices.
Instructions
- Prepare marinade by combining orange juice, soy sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, cumin, oregano, paprika, minced garlic, cilantro, salt, black pepper, and optional annatto powder in a mixing bowl.
- Place chicken pieces in marinating container or ziplock bag; pour marinade over chicken and coat evenly.
- Marinate chicken in refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat grill or charbroiler to medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade and allow excess to drip off.
- Grill chicken pieces, skin side down first, using tongs to flip occasionally, until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Peel and dice carrot; dice red bell pepper and zucchini.
- In saucepan or rice cooker, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Sauté onion until translucent.
- Add rice and stir to coat in oil.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Add diced carrot, red bell pepper, zucchini, and frozen peas; stir to combine.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff rice with fork and stir in chopped parsley.
- Plate grilled chicken alongside vegetable rice.
- Serve fresh and enjoy.
Substitution
Grilled Chicken from Pollo Campero copycat menu captures the authentic taste with its marinated, juicy chicken pieces grilled to perfection. You can substitute bone-in chicken with boneless thighs or breasts if preferred, but adjust grilling time to prevent overcooking. When fresh orange juice is unavailable, a blend of bottled orange juice concentrate and water can be used without compromising flavor. The annatto powder adds a distinctive color and subtle flavor but can be omitted if not on hand. Vegetables such as zucchini and bell pepper can be swapped for seasonal or preferred varieties to customize the side dish.
Tips
Ensure the chicken is marinated for at least 2 hours or overnight to fully absorb flavors and achieve tenderness. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165degF (74degC) for safe consumption. When grilling, start skin side down and avoid frequent flipping to get crispy skin with distinct char marks. For perfectly cooked rice, maintain a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and avoid stirring during cooking to prevent mushiness.
Nutritions
Grilled Chicken from Pollo Campero provides a rich source of protein from the marinated chicken, which supports muscle repair and overall health. The inclusion of fresh vegetables like carrots, red bell pepper, zucchini, and peas adds essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber to aid digestion and boost immunity. Seasoned rice cooked in chicken broth supplies complex carbohydrates, offering sustained energy release throughout the day. Your meal balances macronutrients and micronutrients, making it both flavorful and nutritionally beneficial.
Storage
Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Keep the vegetable rice separately in a sealed container and consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal taste and safety. When reheating, use a microwave or oven until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) to ensure food safety and restore juiciness for your next meal.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, swap bone-in chicken pieces with boneless, skinless thighs to reduce grilling time while maintaining juiciness. You could replace orange juice with pineapple juice for a sweeter, tropical marinade flavor. Stir in diced tomatoes and corn kernels to the rice for extra color and texture. Your grilled chicken meal remains vibrant and delicious with these simple adjustments.
Allergies
Grilled Chicken from Pollo Campero contains soy sauce, which is a common allergen and may cause reactions in individuals sensitive to soy products. The dish also includes garlic, onion, and various spices like cumin and paprika that can trigger allergies or intolerances in some people. Your meal preparation should consider these ingredients carefully to avoid adverse allergic responses.
Why this recipe?
Pollo Campero's Grilled Chicken menu is celebrated for its perfectly marinated, tender chicken infused with a blend of authentic Latin spices that deliver rich, smoky flavors. The juicy texture and slightly charred exterior create a satisfying balance that appeals to both health-conscious and flavor-seeking diners. You can recreate this popular dish at home to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal while customizing seasonings to suit your taste. Trying the copycat recipe offers an opportunity to replicate the unique taste profile and freshness that keep patrons coming back.