diff --git a/food_related/el_pollo_loco_chicken.md b/food_related/el_pollo_loco_chicken.md index 256ffb4..75b2d23 100644 --- a/food_related/el_pollo_loco_chicken.md +++ b/food_related/el_pollo_loco_chicken.md @@ -2,6 +2,75 @@ **Ingredients:** +* 4-5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs + +**For the Marinade:** +* 3/4 cup fresh lime juice (6-7 limes) +* 1/3 cup olive oil +* 1/3 cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter taste) +* 1/3 cup soy sauce +* 3 tablespoons honey +* 1 tablespoon dried oregano +* 1 tablespoon ground cumin +* 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder +* 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika +* 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a touch of heat) +* 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat; adjust to taste) +* 1 1/2 teaspoons salt +* 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper + +**Instructions:** + +1. **Prepare the Marinade:** + - In a large bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients: lime juice, olive oil, vinegar, soy sauce, honey, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder (if using), cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. + +2. **Marinate the Chicken:** + - Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a large bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. + - Seal the bag or cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally 4-6 hours for maximum flavor absorption. + +3. **Preheat the Air Fryer:** + - Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 5 minutes. + +4. **Air Fry the Chicken:** + - Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. + - Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better browning and texture. + - Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space for air circulation. You may need to cook the chicken in batches. + - Mist the chicken with a little extra olive oil. + - Cook for 14-16 minutes, then flip the chicken pieces and cook for an additional 12-14 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). + +5. **Rest and Serve:** + - Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute for a more flavorful and tender piece of chicken. + - Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice, if desired. + +**Optional Brine Step (For Extra Juiciness):** + +**Ingredients for Brine:** +- 1 gallon (4 quarts) of water +- 1/2 cup kosher salt +- 1/2 cup sugar + +**Instructions for Brine:** + +1. **Prepare the Brine:** + - In a large bowl, combine water, kosher salt, and sugar. Stir until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved. + +2. **Brine the Chicken:** + - Submerge the chicken thighs in the brine solution. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. + +3. **Rinse and Dry:** + - Remove the chicken from the brine and rinse under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. + +4. **Proceed with Marinating and Cooking:** + - After brining, proceed with marinating and cooking steps as outlined above. + +This refactored recipe ensures clarity and ease of following, making it straightforward to prepare the El Pollo Loco-Inspired Air Fryer Chicken. + +--- + +### El Pollo Loco-Inspired Air Fryer Chicken + +**Ingredients:** + * 4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs * 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (4 limes) * 1/4 cup olive oil