In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, orange juice, lime juice, oil, garlic, cumin, oregano, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Place chicken in a zip-top bag or dish, pour marinade over, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 4 hours for stronger flavor).
While the chicken marinates, make the finishing sauce:
Making Ernie’s Chicken at home is a rite of passage for any Tex-Mex lover. While the restaurant’s exact proportions are a guarded family secret, this recipe delivers 95% of the experience with 100% of the satisfaction.
The next time you’re craving that specific combination of charred achiote chicken, melted Monterrey Jack, and cool crema, skip the drive. You now have the blueprint.
Pro tip: Make double the marinade and sour cream sauce. Use the extra sauce the next day on tacos, baked potatoes, or as a dressing for a Tex-Mex salad.
Now fire up that grill, pour yourself a Mambo Taxi, and enjoy the best chicken recipe to ever come out of a Tex-Mex kitchen.
Have you tried this Ernie’s Chicken recipe from Mi Cocina at home? Let us know in the comments how your crust turned out, and don’t forget to share your photos.
At , a popular Tex-Mex chain based in Dallas, Ernie's Chicken ernies chicken recipe mi cocina
is a legendary menu staple. While the exact proprietary recipe remains a secret, the dish is characterized by its specific preparation and bold cream sauces. The Dish: Ernie's Chicken Ernie's Chicken
is a hearty, flavorful entree that has been a customer favorite for years. It consists of: The Protein: A marinated, fire-grilled 9 oz chicken breast. The Topping: Your choice of two signature sauces: Sour Cream Sauce: A rich, tangy white sauce. Poblano Cream Sauce : A slightly spicy, savory green sauce.
The Sides: Typically served with Arroz (Mexican rice), fresh pico de gallo The Story Behind "Mi Cocina" Recipes
The recipes at Mi Cocina are centered on the philosophy of hand-crafted food made fresh daily using authentic techniques. The restaurant describes every plate as "telling a story," crafted with tradition and care.
Note for Home Cooks: If you are looking for a recipe from a book titled Mi Cocina, you may be thinking of Rick Martínez's cookbook, Mi Cocina: Recipes and Rapture from My Kitchen in Mexico . His most famous chicken recipe from that book is Pollo Al Pastor
, which features a marinade of achiote paste, chipotle peppers, and pineapple. Where to Find Ernie's Chicken
You can enjoy this dish at various Mi Cocina locations across Texas and Oklahoma, including: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, orange
Dallas, TX: The Highland Park Village location is one of the most iconic spots to try it.
McKinney, TX: Located at District 121, this site is noted for its great outdoor space. Southlake, TX: A popular spot for authentic Tex-Mex. Expand map from Rick Martínez's book?
Rick Martínez's Favorite Recipe in 'Mi Cocina' is Pollo Al Pastor
Ernie’s Chicken is a legendary staple of the Mi Cocina menu, known for its perfectly marinated grilled breast and decadent choice of signature sauces. This Tex-Mex favorite has garnered a cult following in Dallas and beyond, offering a sophisticated twist on classic grilled chicken.
Below is a detailed guide and a "copycat" recreation of this iconic dish. The Anatomy of Ernie's Chicken At Mi Cocina, Ernie's Chicken is defined by three main components:
The Protein: A 9-ounce, high-quality chicken breast that is deeply marinated and grilled to maintain juiciness. The Sauce: The "soul" of the dish. Diners choose between a silky Sour Cream Sauce or a vibrant, slightly spicy Poblano Cream Sauce.
The Sides: It is traditionally served with authentic Mexican rice ( ), fresh , and zesty pico de gallo Copycat Ernie’s Chicken Recipe Have you tried this Ernie’s Chicken recipe from
While the restaurant keeps its exact marinade a secret, this version captures the citrusy, aromatic profile essential to the Mi Cocina style. Ingredients For the Chicken & Marinade: Chicken Loco
Ernie’s Chicken is a classic signature dish from Mi Cocina, a popular Tex-Mex restaurant chain based in Dallas, Texas.
While the restaurant keeps its specific marinade and sauce recipes private, the dish is consistently described as a marinated, fire-grilled 9 oz chicken breast. The hallmark of this meal is the choice of rich, creamy sauces and fresh traditional sides. Key Components of Ernie's Chicken
The Protein: A 9 oz chicken breast, marinated and fire-grilled to order. The Signature Sauces (Choice of one): Sour Cream Sauce: A smooth, tangy white sauce.
Poblano Cream Sauce: A savory green sauce made with roasted poblano peppers for a mild heat. The Sides: Served with traditional Tex-Mex accompaniments: Arroz (Mexican rice). Fresh Guacamole. Pico de Gallo . How to Recreate at Home (Copycat Style)
To emulate this restaurant favorite, focus on the marinade and the distinct sauces: