El Pollo Loco's Original Fire-Grilled Chicken (Copycat Recipe)

This copycat recipe captures the essence of El Pollo Loco's famous fire-grilled chicken, marinated in a zesty blend of citrus and spices, then grilled to perfection. The result is juicy, flavorful chicken with a smoky char, perfect for any gathering. This dish is gluten-free and packed with protein, making it a healthy choice for dinner.

Ingredients:

• 4 whole chicken leg quarters
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to create the marinade.
2. Place the chicken leg quarters in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off.
4. Place the chicken skin-side down on the grill. Grill for about 10-15 minutes, then flip and grill for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy and charred.
5. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.