Pollo Asado (Chipotle Copycat Recipe)

User Reviews

4.7

82 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    15 mins

  • Total Time

    25 mins

  • Servings

    6

  • Calories

    322 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    Mexican

Pollo Asado (Chipotle Copycat Recipe)

Pollo Asado features chicken thighs marinated in a blend of chipotle peppers in adobo, citrus juices, garlic, and herbs, infusing smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. The marinated chicken can be grilled or pan-seared, producing tender, flavorful meat that carries a balance of heat and citrus brightness, typical of authentic Chipotle-style preparations.

Description

Pollo Asado (Chipotle Copycat Recipe) uses boneless chicken thighs marinated in a puréed mixture of chipotle peppers, fresh lime and orange juices, cilantro, garlic, onion, and seasonings including cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. The marinade imparts smoky heat and citrus tang while tenderizing the meat.

After marinating from 15 minutes to 24 hours, the chicken can be cooked on a preheated grill or pan-seared in olive oil, using the marinade as a basting sauce during cooking. Grilling develops a charred exterior and smoky flavor, while pan-searing helps keep the chicken moist by cooking it directly in the marinade.

The result is juicy, tender chicken with a complex flavor profile combining smoky chipotle, fresh herbs, and zesty citrus, suitable served with rice, vegetables, or in tacos.

Marinated chicken can be stored refrigerated for up to five days or frozen for six months. Reheating is best done gently in the microwave with moisture or in a pan with oil to prevent drying out.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 3 pounds chicken thigh or boneless skinless chicken breast sliced in half lengthwise, boneless, skinless
  • 2 teaspoon olive oil
  • 4-5 tablespoon water (for pan frying cooking method, optional)

Marinade

  • 1 can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (7 oz can)
  • 4 tablespoon lime juice fresh
  • 4 tablespoon orange juice fresh
  • ½ cup cilantro fresh
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • 1 medium onion quartered
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon oregano dried
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Marinade

  1. Add all of the marinade ingredients to a blender, food processor, or a large bowl to purée with a handheld immersion blender. Blend the ingredients until evenly combined and the sauce is smooth.
  2. In a large air tight container or Ziploc bag add the chicken thighs and the marinade. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated in the marinade.
  3. Transfer to the fridge and let marinate for up to 24 hours (marinating overnight is ideal for the best flavor but not required, marinate a minimum 15 - 30 minutes).

Grilled Chicken

  1. Preheat grill to high, about 350°F-400°F. Coat the grill with olive oil.
  2. Grill the chicken for 15-30 minutes, flipping, and until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Pan Seared Chicken

  1. Heat a skillet or grill pan on medium-high heat with olive oil.
  2. When hot, add the chicken along with all of the sauce/marinade. Searing the chicken in all of the sauce will keep it from drying out.
  3. Cook for 5 minutes and then flip and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  4. Once the chicken has cooked, drizzle the leftover sauce from the pan over the cooked chicken. This enhances flavor and keeps the chicken juicy. While the chicken is searing, if you notice the sauce is starting to dry out in the skillet add a splash of water.

Air Fryer Chicken

  1. Coat the air fryer basket with olive oil.
  2. Add the chicken to the air fryer basket.
  3. Air fry the chicken at 400°F for 8 minutes. Open the air fryer and flip the chicken. Cook for an additional 6-7 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken at least 15-30 minutes; overnight yields best flavor.
  • Store cooked or uncooked marinated chicken in airtight containers; refrigerated up to 5 days, frozen up to 6 months.
  • Reheat gently using microwave with a splash of water or pan frying with oil to avoid drying.
  • Chicken thighs recommended for juiciness; breast can be used but may be less moist.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 322kcal (16%) Carbohydrates 10g (3%) Protein 44g (88%) Fat 11g (17%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g (12%) Monounsaturated Fat 4g (20%) Trans Fat 0.04g (2%) Cholesterol 215mg (72%) Sodium 1010mg (42%) Potassium 640mg (14%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 3g (6%) Vitamin A 2006IU (40%) Vitamin C 10mg (11%) Calcium 50mg (5%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 322 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 322kcal 16%
Carbohydrates 10g 3%
Protein 44g 88%
Fat 11g 17%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 4g 20%
Trans Fat 0.04g 2%
Cholesterol 215mg 72%
Sodium 1010mg 42%
Potassium 640mg 14%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 3g 6%
Vitamin A 2006IU 40%
Vitamin C 10mg 11%
Calcium 50mg 5%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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4.7

82 reviews
Excellent

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