Pollo Asado (Chicken Asado)
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Marinating time
2 hrs
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Total Time
2 hrs 40 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
370 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Lunch, Dinner
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Cuisine
Mexican
Pollo Asado (Chicken Asado)
Description
Pollo Asado (Chicken Asado) uses a marinade combining freshly squeezed orange and lime juices, achiote powder, garlic, Mexican oregano, cumin, and other spices, creating a vibrant, citrusy, and earthy flavor base. The chicken thighs are marinated for at least two hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.
The cooking method involves grilling the marinated chicken over medium-high heat, either on a grill pan or an outdoor grill, resulting in chicken with nicely charred edges and juicy, fully cooked meat inside. Cooking times vary depending on the thickness of the thighs, with an internal temperature target of 165°F to 175°F to ensure safety and juiciness.
This pollo asado can be served sliced alongside rice, beans, or grilled vegetables. Letting the chicken rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute for optimal moisture retention. The recipe’s flexibility allows for pan frying, grilling, or even roasting if preferred.
For best results, marinade times from 2 to 24 hours maximize flavor absorption. A meat thermometer is recommended to verify doneness. Leftovers store well covered in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Ingredients
Marinade
- ½ cup orange juice freshly squeezed
- ¼ cup lime juice freshly squeezed
- ¼ cup grapeseed oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 teaspoons Mexican oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 ounces achiote powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
Chicken
- 3 pounds chicken thighs boneless and skinless
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Make the marinade: Add all the marinade ingredients together to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken in a large bowl and pour the marinade over the chicken. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate for at least 2 hours to overnight.
- Preheat grill pan: Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat then add the vegetable oil and heat. If using an outdoor grill, preheat it to 350°F.
- Cook the chicken: Cook the chicken thighs in batches, for about 3 to 5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the thighs. If using the outdoor grill, grill the chicken covered for about 20 to 30 minutes, flipping once halfway through. The chicken is cooked through when an instant-read thermometer registers at 165°F to 175°F when inserted in the thickest part of each thigh.
Notes
- Ensure your grill pan or outdoor grill is well heated before cooking to achieve a good char on the chicken.
- Marinate the chicken for a minimum of 2 hours and up to 24 hours to develop the best flavor.
- Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken thighs; use a meat thermometer to verify internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.
- After cooking, rest the chicken for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before slicing.
- Store leftover pollo asado in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 370 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 370kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 44g | 88% |
| Fat | 19g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8g | 47% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 215mg | 72% |
| Sodium | 979mg | 41% |
| Potassium | 640mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 118IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 14mg | 16% |
| Calcium | 45mg | 5% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.