Chipotle Chicken Burrito El Pollo Loco
When it comes to Mexican food, one of the most popular dishes is the burrito. It's a delicious and satisfying meal that can be customized to suit different tastes. One variation that stands out is the Chipotle Chicken Burrito from El Pollo Loco. It's a flavorful and spicy dish that has become a fan favorite. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what makes this burrito so special.
What is El Pollo Loco?
Before we delve into the specifics of the Chipotle Chicken Burrito, let's first talk about El Pollo Loco. It's a Mexican-inspired fast food chain that was founded in 1975 in California. The name itself means 'The Crazy Chicken' in Spanish. The restaurant specializes in flame-grilled chicken, which is marinated in a special blend of herbs, spices, and citrus juices. This gives the chicken a unique and delicious taste that sets it apart from other fast food chains.
What is a Chipotle Chicken Burrito?
A Chipotle Chicken Burrito from El Pollo Loco is a large flour tortilla that is stuffed with marinated and flame-grilled chicken, Spanish rice, black beans, shredded cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, and guacamole. It's then wrapped into a tight cylinder shape, making it easy to eat on the go. The burrito is served with a side of chips and salsa, adding some extra crunch and flavor to the dish.
What Makes the Chipotle Chicken Burrito Special?
What sets the Chipotle Chicken Burrito apart from other burritos is the smoky and spicy flavor that comes from the chipotle pepper. This hot pepper is widely used in Mexican cuisine and is known for its smoky taste and medium heat. The chipotle pepper in this burrito is blended with other spices and herbs to create a flavorful marinade that is used to coat the chicken before it's grilled. The result is a delicious and tender chicken that has a smoky and spicy kick.
In addition to the chipotle marinade, the burrito also includes a variety of fresh and crunchy ingredients that add texture and flavor to the dish. The Spanish rice and black beans provide a hearty and savory base, while the lettuce adds freshness and crunch. The pico de gallo, sour cream, and guacamole are all classic Mexican toppings that add zing and creaminess to the burrito.
How to Make a Chipotle Chicken Burrito at Home?
If you're feeling adventurous and want to try making a Chipotle Chicken Burrito at home, here's what you'll need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of Spanish rice
- 1 can of black beans
- 1 cup of shredded cheese
- 1 head of lettuce
- 1 cup of pico de gallo
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 1 cup of guacamole
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon of chipotle powder
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Season the chicken breasts with chipotle powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
- Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips
- In a separate skillet, heat the black beans over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through
- Heat the Spanish rice in the microwave or on the stovetop according to package directions
- Assemble the burritos by placing a tortilla on a flat surface. Add a spoonful of rice, a spoonful of black beans, some chicken strips, shredded cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, and guacamole
- Roll the burrito by folding in the sides and then rolling it tightly from one end to the other
- Place the burritos on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the burritos are heated through
- Serve with chips and salsa on the side, and enjoy!
Conclusion
The Chipotle Chicken Burrito from El Pollo Loco is a delicious and satisfying meal that combines smoky and spicy flavors with fresh and crunchy ingredients. It's a fan favorite for a reason, and now you have the option to make it at home if you're feeling adventurous. Whether you're a fan of Mexican food or just looking to try something new, the Chipotle Chicken Burrito is definitely worth a try.