Pollo Asado is a deliciously seasoned grilled chicken marinated with a mixture of citrus, garlic, and spices. Common in Mexican and Latin American cuisines, this dish gets its smoky slightly charred flavor, which makes it a great filling for tacos or burrito bowls, or works as a simple meal with rice and beans. Whether grilled over an open flame or stovetop, this easy Pollo Asado recipe is sure to bring bold flavors to your table!
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless chicken breasts)
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (omit if you don’t like spice)
For Cooking & Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for grilling or frying)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Make the Marinade: Whisk the orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, garlic and spices in a bowl.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken to a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Cover the chicken with the marinade, coating each piece thoroughly. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for a deeper flavor).
- Grill or Pan-Fry:
- Grill Method: Set the grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F). Add a small amount of oil to the grates and place on the grill for 6-7 minutes on each side — internal temperature of chicken should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Stovetop: Place a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon oil. Fry the side of chicken for 5-6 minutes until golden brown, and thoroughly cooked.
- Rest & Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Top with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Tips & Variations
- Says it Is: Smash a teaspoon of chipotle powder into the onions, or roast over charcoal to blacken.
- Boneless Chicken: If you are using boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of bone-in chicken thighs, reduce the cooking time to 4-5 minutes per side.
- Oven: Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F until golden, about 20 to 25 minutes (flipping once).
- Serving Suggestions: With warm tortillas, rice, beans or in tacos with salsa and guacamole.
Serving & Storage
- Serving: Fresh, with sides of Mexican rice, grilled veggies or a green salad.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, with a splash of broth, to keep it juicy.
Final Thoughts
Pollo Asado is a simple, yet flavorful way to enjoy bold flavors of Mexican cuisine. Grilled, pan-fried or baked, it can’t fail. Give it a shot, and tell us how you serve it! ¡Buen provecho!
Want an alternative, Pollo Asado Tacos or a Spicy Marinade Option? 😊