Pollo Asado, a Latin-inspired grilled chicken dish, is the perfect blend of bold flavors and tender texture. Originating from Mexico, this dish features juicy chicken marinated in a mix of spices, citrus, and garlic, then grilled to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, preparing a family dinner, or simply craving a vibrant meal, Pollo Asado is a fantastic choice. The marinade is key to infusing the chicken with a rich depth of flavor, while grilling adds a delicious smokiness. This recipe is easy to follow, and the results are nothing short of amazing.
What sets Pollo Asado apart from other chicken recipes is its unique combination of ingredients. The use of ingredients like orange juice, garlic, and Mexican spices creates a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. Plus, it’s versatile – you can serve it with rice, tacos, or even enjoy it on its own with a side of grilled veggies. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this Pollo Asado recipe guarantees an unforgettable meal that will impress everyone at the table.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make the best Pollo Asado with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions. Prepare to elevate your chicken game and enjoy a dish that’s not only delicious but also bursting with authentic Latin flavor!
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
This Pollo Asado recipe will quickly become your go-to for flavorful and juicy chicken. The marinade, a combination of citrus, garlic, and spices, tenderizes the meat while infusing it with incredible flavor. It’s a versatile dish, easy to adapt to different tastes or dietary preferences. Plus, grilling the chicken gives it a smoky, charred edge that enhances its flavors.
One of the best things about Pollo Asado is how well it pairs with a variety of sides. Serve it with a fresh salad, rice, beans, or tortillas for a complete meal that’s sure to please. It’s an ideal recipe for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or any time you want a hearty and flavorful meal.
Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. While it may seem like a complex dish, the process is straightforward, and the ingredients are easy to find. The marinade does most of the work, infusing the chicken with its vibrant flavors while you let it rest. When you’re ready to cook, just throw the chicken on the grill and enjoy!
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional for extra heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Equipment Used
- Grill (Charcoal or Gas)
A grill is essential for achieving the smoky, charred flavor that makes Pollo Asado stand out. Whether you use a charcoal or gas grill, preheat it to medium-high heat to get the perfect sear on the chicken. - Mixing Bowl
A medium-sized mixing bowl is used to whisk together all the ingredients for the marinade. This helps to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed and well-combined. - Resealable Plastic Bag or Shallow Dish
For marinating the chicken, you can either use a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Both options allow the marinade to coat the chicken evenly. A plastic bag helps with easy cleanup and better marinade distribution, while a dish allows for quicker access when you’re ready to cook. - Tongs or Spatula
Tongs or a grill spatula are important for flipping the chicken on the grill. Using tongs ensures that the chicken is turned gently, avoiding the risk of piercing it and losing flavorful juices. - Meat Thermometer
A meat thermometer is crucial to ensure that your chicken is fully cooked. Pollo Asado should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety and optimal taste. - Serving Platter
Once your chicken is grilled and rested, a large serving platter will help display the finished dish beautifully, ready to serve to your guests. - Grill Brush
To maintain a clean grill, a grill brush is essential. Cleaning the grill grates before cooking ensures that your chicken won’t stick and the cooking process will be smooth. - Basting Brush (Optional)
If you like to baste your chicken during grilling, a basting brush is helpful to apply extra marinade or glaze to the chicken for added flavor.
Directions & Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, chili powder, salt, pepper, and cinnamon. This blend of citrus and spices creates the perfect marinade to infuse the chicken with flavor.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results. The longer it marinates, the more flavor it will absorb.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are hot and ready.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). For extra char, leave the chicken on the grill for an additional 2-3 minutes per side.
- Rest and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and added flavor.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh (without skin)
Calories: 240
Protein: 22g
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 300mg
Pollo Asado is a well-balanced meal, offering a good source of protein while being relatively low in carbohydrates. The healthy fats from olive oil and the fresh citrus provide additional nutritional benefits, making it a great choice for those on a high-protein or low-carb diet.
Variations
- Spicy Pollo Asado: For an extra kick, add a chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper to the marinade. This will infuse the chicken with more heat.
- Oven Baked: If you don’t have a grill, bake the marinated chicken at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked.
- Pollo Asado with Beer: Add a little beer to the marinade for extra moisture and a unique depth of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken for Pollo Asado?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts or thighs can be used. Just reduce the cooking time to prevent overcooking.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour. However, you can marinate it up to 12 hours for a more intense flavor.
Can I cook Pollo Asado on a stovetop?
Yes, you can cook the chicken in a skillet on medium-high heat. Just be sure to sear both sides until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Pro Tips by Emma
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed orange and lime juice will provide the best flavor for the marinade. Avoid bottled juice for the most vibrant taste.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: After grilling, let the chicken rest before cutting into it. This helps retain the juices, ensuring a moist and flavorful bite.
- Grill with Care: Make sure the grill is preheated properly to avoid the chicken sticking. If using bone-in chicken, cook with the skin side down first for a crispy texture.
Serving Suggestions
- With Rice and Beans: Serve Pollo Asado alongside Spanish rice and black beans for a traditional Latin meal.
- In Tacos: Shred the grilled chicken and fill soft corn tortillas with the Pollo Asado, topped with fresh salsa, avocado, and cilantro.
- Grilled Vegetables: Pair with grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and onions for a colorful and healthy meal.
Best Pollo Asado Recipe : Flavorful and Easy Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Grill (Charcoal or Gas)
- A grill is essential for achieving the smoky, charred flavor that makes Pollo Asado stand out. Whether you use a charcoal or gas grill, preheat it to medium-high heat to get the perfect sear on the chicken.
- Mixing Bowl:
- A medium-sized mixing bowl is used to whisk together all the ingredients for the marinade. This helps to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed and well-combined.
- Resealable Plastic Bag or Shallow Dish
- For marinating the chicken, you can either use a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Both options allow the marinade to coat the chicken evenly. A plastic bag helps with easy cleanup and better marinade distribution, while a dish allows for quicker access when you’re ready to cook.
- Tongs or Spatula:
- Tongs or a grill spatula are important for flipping the chicken on the grill. Using tongs ensures that the chicken is turned gently, avoiding the risk of piercing it and losing flavorful juices.
- Meat Thermometer
- A meat thermometer is crucial to ensure that your chicken is fully cooked. Pollo Asado should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety and optimal taste.
- Serving Platter
- Once your chicken is grilled and rested, a large serving platter will help display the finished dish beautifully, ready to serve to your guests.
- Grill Brush
- To maintain a clean grill, a grill brush is essential. Cleaning the grill grates before cooking ensures that your chicken won’t stick and the cooking process will be smooth.
- Basting Brush (Optional)
- If you like to baste your chicken during grilling, a basting brush is helpful to apply extra marinade or glaze to the chicken for added flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/4 cup orange juice freshly squeezed
- 1/4 cup lime juice freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder optional for extra heat
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional for depth of flavor
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, chili powder, salt, pepper, and cinnamon. This blend of citrus and spices creates the perfect marinade to infuse the chicken with flavor.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results. The longer it marinates, the more flavor it will absorb.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you're using a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are hot and ready.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). For extra char, leave the chicken on the grill for an additional 2-3 minutes per side.
- Rest and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and added flavor.