Description
Pollo Asado is a delicious Mexican grilled chicken dish marinated in citrus and traditional spices, perfect for quick dinners or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove the chicken from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F) or preheat your oven to 375°F if cooking indoors.
- For grilling, 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 to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender, flavorful chicken.
Notes
- While chicken thighs are recommended, you can substitute with chicken breasts if preferred. Just watch cooking time as they can dry out more quickly.
- For a spicier version, add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 1.5
- Sodium: 345
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 27
- Cholesterol: N/A
Keywords: pollo asado, mexican grilled chicken, citrus marinated chicken, gluten-free chicken recipe, mexican cuisine