Pollo Asado, or chicken asado, is a flavorful Latin-inspired dish that is perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-make recipe brings together bold spices and citrus notes, creating a juicy, smoky, and tender chicken that can be grilled or roasted. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or preparing a weeknight dinner, this chicken asado recipe is sure to be a hit!
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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Asado Recipe
Chicken asado is a dish that combines vibrant flavors with ease of preparation. The marinated chicken, with its zesty citrus notes and earthy spices, is succulent and juicy, offering a satisfying meal without the hassle. The marinade not only infuses flavor but also tenderizes the meat, ensuring every bite is full of taste. The best part? You can either grill or roast the chicken, making it a versatile choice for any cooking style.
Ingredients for Chicken Asado
- Achiote paste: Adds a unique nutty, sweet, and smoky flavor, along with the signature red-orange color.
- Olive oil: Provides a rich, smooth texture for the marinade.
- Orange juice: Adds a fresh, citrusy tang that balances the spices.
- Lime juice: Offers brightness and acidity to complement the marinade.
- Yellow onion: Imparts a mild sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Garlic: Essential for a rich, aromatic base.
- Ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor that rounds out the marinade.
- Smoked paprika: Brings a mild, smoky flavor without heat.
- Dried oregano: Provides an herbal, slightly bitter note that enhances the marinade.
- Chipotle chile pepper: Gives the chicken a smoky heat.
- Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavors and ensures the chicken is well-seasoned.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you don’t have access to achiote paste, you can substitute it with a combination of paprika, vinegar, garlic powder, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, and cloves. While it won’t provide the exact same flavor, it still offers a tasty alternative. For a spicier kick, consider using a fresh jalapeño or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper in place of chipotle chile pepper.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Asado
- Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients: achiote paste, olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, chipotle chile pepper, salt, and pepper. - Marinate the Chicken
Place your choice of chicken (bone-in thighs are recommended for their juiciness) in a large ziplock bag or bowl, and pour the marinade over the chicken. Ensure the chicken is fully coated. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally up to 24 hours, to allow the flavors to meld. - Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 425-450°F). Ensure the grates are clean and lightly greased with vegetable oil. - Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 175°F for bone-in thighs. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. - Serve
Serve your flavorful pollo asado with warm tortillas, cilantro lime rice, or a side of Mexican street corn. It also pairs beautifully with fresh salsas like mango or pineapple salsa.
Tips & Tricks
- Don’t skip the marination: The longer you marinate the chicken (up to 24 hours), the more flavorful and tender it will become.
- Room temperature chicken cooks better: Before grilling or roasting, let your marinated chicken sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. This ensures more even cooking.
- Grill marks are key: Resist flipping the chicken too often while grilling. Let it sit undisturbed to develop a beautifully charred crust.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This chicken asado is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
- Tacos: Serve the grilled chicken in soft tortillas with your favorite toppings such as guacamole, pickled onions, or cilantro.
- Burrito Bowls: Layer the chicken over rice, beans, and veggies for a hearty bowl. Top with sour cream and salsa for extra flavor.
- Salads: Add sliced pollo asado to a fresh salad for a light and nutritious meal.
- Meal Prep: Make a big batch of pollo asado and use it throughout the week in tacos, salads, or wraps.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Pollo asado is great for meal prep. The marinated chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and it reheats wonderfully. You can also freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before grilling or roasting.
Health Benefits of Pollo Asado
This chicken asado recipe offers a healthy, protein-packed meal that is full of flavor without being overly heavy. The combination of citrus juices, spices, and lean chicken ensures that you’re getting a meal full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, it’s a great source of lean protein, making it perfect for a balanced diet.
With its rich flavors and versatility, this chicken asado recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether grilled or roasted, it brings the delicious tastes of Latin cuisine right to your table. Enjoy!
Conclusion
Chicken Asado, or Pollo Asado, is a flavorful and simple dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Latin cuisine straight to your table. Whether you’re grilling or roasting, this recipe offers a juicy, tender chicken that’s bursting with zesty citrus, smoky paprika, and earthy spices. Perfect for tacos, bowls, or just served on its own, Chicken Asado is a versatile and crowd-pleasing meal. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your cooking repertoire. So fire up the grill or preheat your oven, and enjoy this delicious and satisfying dish with your loved ones!
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Chicken Asado recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts for this recipe. However, since chicken breasts tend to dry out more easily than dark meat, make sure to marinate them for up to 12 hours. Also, pound the breasts to an even thickness before marinating, ensuring even cooking and tenderness. Keep an eye on the internal temperature to avoid overcooking, and remove them from the heat as soon as they reach 165°F.
How long should I marinate the chicken for Chicken Asado?
For optimal flavor, marinate your chicken for at least 4 hours, though marinating overnight or up to 24 hours will yield the best results. The longer the chicken marinates, the more it will absorb the vibrant flavors from the marinade, making every bite juicier and more flavorful.
Can I make Chicken Asado in the oven instead of grilling it?
Absolutely! If grilling is not an option, you can cook Chicken Asado in the oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F, place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil, and roast for 25-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 175°F for dark meat or 165°F for chicken breasts. The result will be just as delicious, with a slightly different texture.
More Relevant Recipes
- Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos with Bacon and Jalapeno Lime Ranch
- Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken
- Huli Huli Chicken Recipe
Chicken Asado Recipe
- Total Time: 4-24 hours (including marinating time)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Kosher
Description
Pollo Asado, or Chicken Asado, is a juicy, smoky, and flavorful Latin-inspired chicken dish. Marinated in citrus juices, spices, and achiote paste, this recipe is perfect for grilling or roasting, delivering a bold taste that can be served in tacos, burritos, bowls, or simply with rice and beans.
Ingredients
- 4–5 pounds bone-in chicken thighs (skin removed)
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ounces achiote paste
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp chipotle chile pepper
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients: achiote paste, olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, onion, garlic, coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, and chipotle chile pepper.
- Place the chicken in a large ziplock bag or bowl and pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it is fully coated.
- Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours for best results.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cooking.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (425-450°F) and grease the grates with vegetable oil.
- Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 175°F for bone-in thighs. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve the Chicken Asado with warm tortillas, cilantro lime rice, or a fresh salsa like mango or pineapple salsa.
Notes
- For the best results, marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours to enhance the flavor and tenderness.
- If you’re using chicken breasts, marinate them for no longer than 12 hours to prevent them from becoming too tender or mushy.
- If you don’t have achiote paste, substitute it with paprika, vinegar, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, and cinnamon as a replacement.
- This recipe is perfect for grilling, but you can also roast the chicken in the oven at 425°F for 25-35 minutes depending on the thickness of the chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-35 minutes (if roasting) or 15-20 minutes (if grilling)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled or Roasted
- Cuisine: Latin
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 chicken thigh)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
