Pollo Asado: Easy and Flavorful Mexican Grilled Chicken

There’s something truly magical about the aroma of Pollo Asado sizzling on the grill. As the citrusy, herb-infused chicken cooks, it fills the air with an irresistible fragrance that brings people running to the table. I first discovered this beloved Mexican dish during a trip to a small coastal town where street vendors had perfected the art of Pollo Asado – chicken marinated in a blend of citrus juices and traditional spices, then grilled to smoky, tender perfection. Now, I’m bringing that authentic experience to your kitchen with this easy, foolproof recipe. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner solution or planning a weekend feast, this Pollo Asado delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Pollo Asado

• ✅ Perfect authentic Pollo Asado marinade for grilling that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort
• ✅ Ready in under 1 hour (plus marination) making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings
• ✅ Uses simple pantry ingredients to create traditional ingredients for Pollo Asado seasoning
• ✅ Versatile recipe that works for easy Pollo Asado street food style tacos, burritos, or as a main dish
• ✅ Makes excellent leftovers for healthy Pollo Asado variations for meal prep throughout the week
• ✅ Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with protein for a nutritious family meal

Ingredients for Pollo Asado

• 2 pounds chicken thighs (boneless and skinless)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ⅓ cup fresh orange juice
• 3 tbsp lime juice
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp achiote powder (or paprika)
• 2 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp cumin

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Chicken: While thighs are recommended for their juiciness, you can substitute with chicken breasts if preferred. Just watch cooking time as they can dry out more quickly.
• Citrus Juices: Fresh is best! If fresh oranges aren’t available, bottled juice works in a pinch, but reduce to ¼ cup as it’s more concentrated.
• Achiote Powder: This gives Pollo Asado its distinctive color and flavor. If unavailable, substitute with a mix of paprika and turmeric for similar results.
• Herbs and Spices: Mexican oregano is traditional, but Mediterranean oregano works too. For a spicier version, add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.

How to Make Pollo Asado – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, onion powder, achiote powder (or paprika), oregano, and cumin. Whisk thoroughly until well blended.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer everything to a zip-top bag. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor. This marination time is one of the most important Pollo Asado cooking tips for juicy chicken.

Step 3: Prepare for Cooking

Remove the chicken from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. This helps ensure even cooking. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F) or preheat your oven to 375°F if cooking indoors.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

For grilling (traditional method):

• Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
• Place chicken on the preheated grill.
• Cook for 5-7 minutes on the first side until nice grill marks form.
• Flip and cook for another 5-7 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

For oven method:

• Place marinated chicken on a lined baking sheet.
• Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Let the Pollo Asado rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender, flavorful chicken.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Pollo Asado

• Don’t Skip the Marination: The longer you marinate, the more flavorful your Pollo Asado will be. Aim for at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal.
• Temperature Matters: Make sure your grill or pan is properly preheated before adding the chicken to get those beautiful caramelized edges.
• Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F for food safety without overcooking.
• Save the Marinade: If you want to use the marinade as a sauce, be sure to boil it for at least 2 minutes to kill any bacteria before serving.
• Charred Edges are Good: Those slightly charred bits are where much of the flavor lives in Pollo Asado, so don’t be afraid of some dark spots.

Best Ways to Serve Pollo Asado

Best Side Dishes for Pollo Asado Meals

• Mexican Rice: The perfect companion to soak up the flavorful juices.
• Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and onions grilled alongside the chicken make a complete meal.
• Fresh Corn Tortillas: Warm these up for instant easy Pollo Asado street food style tacos.
• Guacamole and Salsa: Fresh, homemade versions elevate the meal.
• Cilantro Lime Rice: A zesty alternative to traditional Mexican rice.
• Mexican Street Corn (Elote): The perfect summer side dish.

Pollo Asado Serving Suggestions for Parties

For a festive gathering, create a Pollo Asado taco bar with:

• Sliced Pollo Asado
• Warm tortillas
• Various salsas (verde, roja, pico de gallo)
• Diced onions and cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Pickled jalapeños and onions
• Crumbled queso fresco

This interactive setup is perfect for entertaining and allows guests to customize their meal.

Nutritional Information for Pollo Asado

• Calories: 285 kcal
• Protein: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 1.5g
• Sodium: 345mg

This healthy Pollo Asado variation for meal prep is high in protein, low in carbs, and fits well into most dietary plans including keto and paleo. The recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.

Storage & Leftovers

Properly stored, Pollo Asado makes excellent leftovers that can be repurposed in multiple ways:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked Pollo Asado for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in a covered skillet with a splash of water over medium-low heat until warmed through (about 5-7 minutes). Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.
• Leftover Ideas: Use in salads, grain bowls, quesadillas, or enchiladas for quick meals throughout the week.

How to Make Pollo Asado in a Slow Cooker

For those busy days when you can’t tend to the grill, try this slow cooker method:

1. Marinate chicken as directed above.
2. Place marinated chicken in slow cooker.
3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. For crispy edges (optional): Transfer chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 3-5 minutes.

This method produces incredibly tender meat that falls apart easily, perfect for tacos and burritos.

Frequently Asked Questions

¿Cuál es la mejor manera de marinar pollo asado?

The best way to marinate Pollo Asado is in a mixture of citrus juices (orange and lime), olive oil, and spices including achiote, cumin, and oregano. For maximum flavor, marinate boneless chicken thighs for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.

¿Cuánto tiempo se cocina el pollo asado en el horno?

When baking Pollo Asado in the oven, cook boneless chicken thighs at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Bone-in pieces will require 35-40 minutes.

¿Qué especias se utilizan para el pollo asado?

Traditional Pollo Asado seasoning includes achiote powder (or annatto), cumin, oregano, garlic, and onion powder. These spices, combined with citrus juices, create the signature flavor profile that makes Pollo Asado distinctive in Mexican cuisine.

¿Se puede cocinar pollo asado en una parrilla?

Yes, grilling is actually the traditional and preferred method for cooking Pollo Asado. It creates authentic smoky flavors and beautiful char marks. Cook marinated chicken on a medium-high grill (375-400°F) for approximately 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Conclusion

Pollo Asado is more than just a recipe—it’s a celebration of simple ingredients transformed through the magic of marination and fire. From casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings, this versatile dish deserves a regular spot in your meal rotation. The beauty of this recipe is in its flexibility; once you master the basic technique, you can customize it to your family’s preferences or what’s available in your pantry.

Whether you serve it as popular Pollo Asado dishes in Mexican cuisine like tacos and burritos, or alongside rice and beans for a complete meal, this chicken will quickly become a household favorite. Don’t forget to try the different cooking methods—grill for traditional flavor, oven for convenience, or slow cooker for busy days.

I’d love to hear how your Pollo Asado turns out! Did you make any modifications to the recipe? What sides did you serve it with? Share your experience in the comments below, and don’t forget to rate this recipe if you enjoyed it!

Print