El Pollo Rico’s Peruvian chicken has earned a spot on The Washington Post’s list of the “40 Essential Dishes of D.C.,” highlighting standout selections from restaurants across Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia.
El Pollo Rico was founded in 1988 by Victor and Nélida Solano, who moved from Peru to Northern Virginia. Inspired by the charcoal-broiled rotisserie chicken sold by street vendors in Victor’s hometown of Trujillo, Peru, the family opened its original restaurant in Arlington.
The Wheaton location of El Pollo Rico, at 2517 University Blvd W, opened soon after. According to Washingtonian, it has served the community since the same year the Solano family opened the original Arlington restaurant.
The restaurant became known for its pollo a la brasa, prepared in charcoal-fired ovens to produce its distinctively smoky flavor and crispy skin. The chicken is served with the restaurant’s signature green and yellow sauces.
The Washington Post praised the restaurant’s chicken for its spice rub, bronze skin and succulent meat, describing El Pollo Rico as a beloved local chain that has served the region since the final years of the Reagan administration.
The publication writes, “The nearly 40-year-old flagship in Arlington remains as busy as ever, cranking out mouthwatering birds that self-baste while spinning into infinity over blazing charcoal.” The Post also highlighted the blend of salt, pepper, cumin, garlic and herbs that flavors the chicken throughout and recommended adding the accompanying chile sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
