Pollo Tropical Marinated Chicken Recipe

Pollo Tropical Marinated Chicken Recipe

4 servings
Make our Pollo Tropical Marinated Chicken Recipe at home. With our Secret Restaurant Recipe your Marinated Chicken will taste just like Pollo Tropical.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds cut up Chicken Pieces

    bone-in or boneless, your choice, choose the pieces you like

  • 1 tablespoon fresh Garlic

    peeled and mashed into a paste.

  • 1 tablespoon Cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
    to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground Black Pepper
    to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon White Pepper
    to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried Oregano
  • 4 cups Sour Orange/Bitter Orange Juice

    or 2 cups each Orange and Lime Juices

  • 1 cup Pineapple Juice
  • 1 Jalapeño Pepper

    seeded and minced

  • 1 tablespoon fresh Cilantro Leaves

    chopped

Directions

  1. 1

    Place chicken pieces on a work surface or cutting board.

  2. 2

    Rub chicken all over with the garlic paste.

  3. 3

    In a small bowl combine cumin, salt, black pepper, white pepper and oregano. Mix well.

  4. 4

    Sprinkle spice mixture over chicken pieces. Rub spices over chicken until well and evenly coated.

  5. 5

    Pour orange juice and pineapple juice into a large shallow dish.

  6. 6

    Add minced jalapeño. Mix

  7. 7

    Add chicken to marinade. Turn to cover chicken pieces completely.

  8. 8

    Cover dish and place in refrigerator. Allow chicken to marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight (overnight is better) shaking or stirring occasionally to evenly marinate the chicken.

  9. 9

    Prepare grill for cooking.

Pollo Tropical Marinated Chicken Recipe

Pollo Tropical Marinated Chicken Recipe

50 min4 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving that unforgettable flavor of Pollo Tropical's famous marinated chicken? Now you can recreate the magic right in your own kitchen with this authentic-tasting recipe, delivering a delicious experience just like the restaurant.

The secret to this "Secret Restaurant Recipe" lies in the vibrant, aromatic marinade itself. A unique blend of sour orange and pineapple juices, combined with pungent garlic, earthy cumin, and a subtle kick from a jalapeño, infuses the chicken with an irresistible taste that's both bright and savory.

Prepare for incredibly tender, succulent chicken bursting with tropical-inspired flavor. You'll savor the tangy brightness of citrus, balanced by sweet pineapple and a gentle warmth from the peppers and spices. The carefully crafted marinade penetrates deep into every piece, ensuring each bite is juicy and incredibly flavorful, reminiscent of your favorite fast-casual spot.

This recipe is wonderfully flexible when it comes to your choice of protein. You can choose your favorite chicken pieces, whether you prefer bone-in for extra depth of flavor or boneless for quicker preparation and ease of eating. If sour orange juice (also known as bitter orange juice) is hard to find, a simple mix of equal parts fresh orange and lime juices works beautifully as a substitute, as indicated in the recipe. Adjust the minced jalapeño to your preference for more or less heat.

This Pollo Tropical marinated chicken is perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a lively weekend barbecue, or any occasion where you want to bring bold, tropical flavors to your table. Serve it alongside rice, beans, or a fresh, crisp salad for a complete, satisfying meal that truly transports you.

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