This Pollo Asado recipe is quick, easy, and downright delicious! It’s full of bright and zesty flavors. This easy chicken recipe is a great way to make chicken. It’s quick and easy for busy weeknights!
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This is the best Pollo Asado recipe – full of crisp, bright flavors and a little spicy. The chicken came out juicy, tender and well balanced. This summery dish is the perfect weeknight meal and is just as delicious as the Asado Chipotle you know and love! It only takes 20 minutes in total. Pollo Asado originated in Mexico and Cuba, but is perfect for picky eaters.You’ll love these too in no time Blackened Fish Tacos and this Easy Shrimp Tacos Served with lime and jalapeño mayo!
why you will love this recipe
- This pollo asado recipe is quick and easy.
- It only takes 20 minutes in total.
- Marinate chicken for up to 2 hours, if desired. It’s delicious to make.
- This recipe can be baked, broiled or pan-fried.
- The chicken was juicy, tender and delicious.
- The combination of achiote powder, garlic, citrus limes and oranges is great.
- This versatile pollo asado complements many different sides. The options are endless, from beans to rice, salads, potatoes and vegetables.
- Achiote powder gives the chicken its shiny red appearance. This chicken has a bright and summery aesthetic.
- The chicken thighs were cooked with just a little olive oil and no skin.
- As written, this recipe is Whole30, Paleo, Keto, Low Carb, Gluten Free, Dairy Free and No Added Sugar.
- It is suitable for many diets and lifestyles.
- check it out black chicken Another great dinner!
What is Pollo Asado?
Pollo asado refers to a Mexican or Cuban style chicken dish. Directly translated, the name means “grilled” or “grilled” chicken.
The chicken is marinated in a delicious, balanced blend of citrus, garlic, achiote powder, onion powder, and herbs. It’s then grilled, baked, or broiled until juicy and tender.
Ingredients and Substitutes
Scroll down to the recipe card for the full pollo asado recipe.
This recipe calls for boneless, skinless thighs for juicy, melt-in-your-mouth chicken. This dish can also be made with bone-in chicken or other cuts such as fillets or wings.
Olive oil brings out the overall flavor and is a healthy, relatively neutral choice.
Freshly squeezed orange juice adds bright citrus flavor to the marinade. It also helps tenderize the chicken and adds a hint of sweetness.
Lime juice provides a zesty flavor to the pollo asado marinade. It balances the sweetness of the orange juice. Lemon juice is an acceptable substitute. Either way, fresh is best.
Garlic is an essential ingredient that brings depth and saltiness to marinades.
Onion powder balances out the marinade with a saltier tone.
Achiote powder adds a lovely color and smokiness to the whole dish. If you don’t have access to achiote powder, use paprika as a substitute.
Oregano is an herb commonly used in Latin American cuisine. It imparts a slightly bitter, earthy flavor to the marinade.
A warm and aromatic spice. Cumin is a great flavor contributor to marinades.
taste and texture
This pollo asado recipe offers tender, buttery chicken with bright ingredients. The tangy garlic, lime, and onion flavors are tempered with fresh orange and lime juice.
The bright colors of this dish give it the vibe of dining at a long table outside with friends and family on summer and warm evenings.
How to do it
step 1
To start, place chicken thighs and all ingredients in a large bowl. Stir until fully coated with juices and seasonings. Make this recipe immediately or marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours.
step 2
Add olive oil to a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
step 3
When the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet.
step 4
Cook for 5 minutes. Then, flip over carefully.
step 5
Cook for another 5 minutes.
step 6
Reduce heat to medium-low. Continue cooking, tossing occasionally, until chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165°F.
step 7
Finally, remove the pollo asado from the pot. Top with fresh herbs, if desired. Serve!
Expert Tips for Success
Marinate longer: For best flavor, marinate chicken thighs for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This step allows the chicken to soak up all the goodness in this pollo asado recipe.
To coat on the go: Set aside a little of the marinade and coat the chicken as it cooks. This will keep it moist and prevent it from burning.
Allow to rest: Let the chicken rest (covered to keep warm) for a few minutes before serving. Doing this prevents drying out as the juices are redistributed inside the pulp.
Flavor Variations and Add-ons
For an Asian twist, add some honey and soy sauce. This variation of pollo asado will be a warmer color.
Add some jalapeños for a smoky version of this pollo asado.
Dice the ripe mango, pineapple, and jalapeño. Spoon this salsa over the chicken to serve.
Saute the onion slices until caramelized and the slices are golden brown. Serve these over the chicken with some fresh herbs.
For basic chicken recipes, try these Air Fryer Chicken Breasts.
other cooking methods
Bake: Marinate chicken as usual, then preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place marinated chicken pieces in a baking dish and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Slow Cook: Use a slow cooker or slow cooker for hands-off methods and tender, fall-from-the-bone chicken. Simply place marinated chicken in a slow cooker, reduce heat to low, and cook for 6-8 hours or until chicken is tender.
Grilling: Grilling is a great option for getting a nice charred look without using an outdoor grill. Preheat broiler over high heat, then place marinated chicken on a baking sheet or on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Grill 6-8 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through and nicely charred. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
How to Serve and Store
Pollo asado is delicious paired with other Mexican-inspired dishes, such as Mexican street corn salad or these stuffed mini peppers (refried bean style). Serve them with beans, rice, corn, fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime. Perfect!
Store any pollo asado leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The chicken should be completely cool before placing it in the container. Chicken will keep for up to four days in the refrigerator.
Store leftover pollo asado in the refrigerator for about two months. Chicken needs to be in a freezer-friendly container.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Achiote powder, or annatto powder, is a traditional ingredient in pollo asado marinades. It adds a distinctive red color and earthy flavor to the chicken.
no. Achiote powder is made from dried and ground annatto seeds. Achiote paste is a thick paste that combines achiote powder, oil, spices, and vinegar.
Yes, chicken can be baked or broiled in the oven. Bake at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes. Chicken thighs take longer than chicken breasts. If cooking chicken breasts, only bake for about 20 to 25 minutes.
Yes. Chicken breasts and wings can also be used in this recipe. They may need to adjust the cooking time.
Yes, pollo asado is a bit spicy. Feel free to adjust the amount of seasoning to suit your taste.
Marinating the chicken helps to tenderize it. Do not overcook the chicken. The cooked chicken was tender and juicy.
required equipment
meat mallet: If using chicken breast, pound it finely. This device helps to tenderize the chicken.
large nonstick pan: This non-stick pan is perfect for cooking chicken.
cast iron skillet: This is a great cast iron skillet for dinner.
you can also enjoy
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