Don Pollo has been serving up mouthwatering Peruvian chicken in Maryland, DC, and Virginia for years But what exactly makes their chicken so tasty and keeps customers coming back for more? As a Don Pollo fan, I decided to dig into the history and cooking methods behind this local favorite to uncover the secret of their irresistible chicken
A Brief History of Don Pollo
Don Pollo was founded in 2007 with a mission to bring authentic charbroiled Peruvian chicken to the DMV area Their chicken is inspired by Peruvian pollo a la brasa, where chicken is marinated in bold Peruvian spices, skewered, and slowly roasted over an open flame This cooking style infuses the meat with tons of flavor while keeping it incredibly tender and juicy.
Don Pollo sources their chickens from local farms and prepares them in-house daily at their Bethesda and Gaithersburg locations. Their commitment to fresh, quality ingredients is at the core of their success. Over the past 15 years, Don Pollo has earned a reputation for serving up the best Peruvian chicken around.
The Peruvian Chicken Experience at Don Pollo
From the moment you walk into a Don Pollo, you know you’re in for a truly Peruvian experience. Latin music is playing, and you can watch the chickens roasting over open flames behind the counter. The smell is incredible!
You can order a whole, half, or quarter chicken plate complete with two sides like yuca fries, rice, beans, or plantains. Don’t forget to add on their authentic green and yellow sauces for a kick. The chicken arrives perfectly charred on the outside and so tender and juicy on the inside – absolute perfection!
Beyond their famous chicken, Don Pollo also serves up authentic ceviche, lomo saltado (Peruvian stir fry), and chaufa rice dishes. There are even soups, salads, and sides to round out your meal. With such variety, everyone can find something delicious to enjoy.
The Secret Behind the Chicken’s Irresistible Flavor
So what makes Don Pollo’s chicken so addicting? Here are a few of their tricks:
Marination
Don Pollo marinates their chickens for 24 hours in a proprietary blend of Peruvian spices and herbs. This marinade deeply seasons the meat and ensures juicy, flavorful results. They keep the exact ingredients a secret, but I detect notes of garlic, cumin, oregano, and aji pepper.
Rotisserie Roasting
Cooking the chickens slowly on a rotating rotisserie allows the fat to baste the meat while roasting. The chickens cook evenly and absorb all those delicious flavors from the marinade. The skin gets perfectly crispy!
Wood Fire Flavor
Don Pollo uses wood fires fueled by charcoal to roast their chickens. Cooking over an open wood flame infuses the signature smoky, charbroiled taste you can only get from this traditional cooking method. It adds unmatched depth of flavor.
Fresh, High-Quality Chickens
The starting quality of the chicken matters, too. Don Pollo sources theirs locally from farms that raise chickens without hormones or antibiotics. This results in a more natural, better tasting chicken.
Special Equipment
Don Pollo roasts their chickens in authentic Peruvian rotisserie ovens that they import directly from Peru. This specialized equipment is designed to roast chickens to absolute perfection.
Why People Line Up for Don Pollo’s Chicken
It’s easy to see why Don Pollo has such a loyal following after learning about their methods. People come from all over the DMV area to get their fix of Don Pollo’s famous Peruvian chicken. Here’s why this local spot is so popular:
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Their chickens are perfectly seasoned and juicy every single time.
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You can taste the wood fire flavors in every bite.
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It’s an authentic Peruvian chicken experience you can’t get anywhere else nearby.
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Prices are reasonable, especially for the high quality.
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The chickens are always fresh since they make them in-house daily.
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Beyond chicken, they offer delicious Peruvian sides and entrées.
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Service is fast, portions are generous, and takeout is convenient.
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Customers rave about the flavor and say it’s their favorite chicken.
For amazingly tasty Peruvian chicken worth waiting in line for, check out Don Pollo. Once you try it, you’ll immediately taste why it’s so beloved in the DMV area!
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Don Pollo Chicken
FAQ
What country is Don Pollo from?
Don Pollo, the musician, is from the Dominican Republic. Specifically, he was born in Santiago de los Caballeros.
What is pollo chicken in English?
Pollo is a chick or the meat. Gallina is a full grown chicken, and in some cases can refer to the meat (from a tougher bird – Peru is one place you’ll see this). Gallo is rooster.
How many calories are in don pollo chicken?
| 100 g | |
|---|---|
| Energy | 398 kJ (94 kcal) |
| Fat low | 1.6 g |
| of which saturates low | 0.5 g |
| Carbohydrate | 1.9 g |