Grilled Pollo Asado

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Grilled Pollo Asado is not your run-of-the-mill chicken recipe. It’s a mouthwatering Mexican grilled chicken dish that’s bursting with flavors and aromas. After a quick marinade, this tender grilled Asado chicken cooks in just minutes and can be served on its own, or with your favorite Mexican side dish like grilled corn, elote, black beans, rice, tortillas to make the perfect family dinner.

Pollo asado on a platter with lime wedges.

Grilled Pollo Asado is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors, tradition, and the art of outdoor cooking. A Mexican classic, grilled chicken asado has a distinctive marinade and the chicken is juicy and flavorful. Traditionally prepared over an open flame on an outdoor grill, it’s versatile enough to be recreated on a griddle or grill pan indoors so you can enjoy this flavorful Mexican Pollo Asado year round.

If you love flavorful chicken thighs, try my Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs or Creamy Sundried Tomato Chicken Thighs.

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Grilled Chicken Recipe
Pollo Asado Ingredients
How To Make Grilled Pollo Asado
Tips To Make Grilling Pollo Asado
Frequently Asked Questions
More Grilling Recipes
Grilled Pollo Asado Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Grilled Chicken Recipe

It’s tasty year-round. No need to wait for summertime – you can enjoy the deliciousness of Grilled Pollo Asado throughout the year, regardless of the weather. Cook it on an outdoor grill or use a griddle or grill pan right in your kitchen.
It’s easy yet elegant. Despite its complex taste, the recipe’s straightforward preparation means you can impress guests with minimal effort. It’s also simple enough for a quick weeknight family meal.
It’s not too spicy. The Asado chicken marinade’s heat level is perfectly balanced, offering a gentle kick without overpowering the flavors of the chicken.

Pollo Asado Ingredients

Before we get into the cooking process, let’s gather the essential ingredients for this tantalizing Pollo Asado recipe:

Ingredients needed to make grilled pollo asado recipe.

Orange Juice: The tangy sweetness of fresh orange juice provides a delightful citrusy flavor to the marinade. If you don’t have fresh orange juice, you can use store-bought orange juice, but make sure it’s 100% pure juice without added sugars or artificial flavors.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice adds a tangy kick to the marinade. It’s best to use fresh lime juice for optimal flavor, but you can use bottled juice.
Oil: Vegetable oil helps emulsify the marinade and evenly distribute the flavors. You can substitute any light, neutral-flavored oil.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings depth and a rich, savory aroma to the marinade. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can use garlic powder as a substitute.
Achiote Powder or Mexican Red Chili Powder: Achiote powder, also known as annatto powder, adds vibrant color and a subtle earthy flavor. If you can’t find achiote powder, use Mexican red chili powder for similar color and heat. Ancho chili powder is also a good substitute.
Onion Powder: Onion powder imparts a gentle onion flavor without the texture of fresh onions.
Dried Oregano: Dried oregano contributes herbal notes and depth to the marinade. If you have fresh oregano, you can use that as well but use a larger quantity since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Cumin Powder: Cumin offers warm, smoky undertones to the marinade. Its unique flavor is essential to Mexican and Latin American cuisine.
Salt and Black Pepper: Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients and ensures a well-seasoned chicken. Black pepper adds a touch of heat and a hint of complexity.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a juicier and more flavorful cut for grilling. If you prefer chicken breasts, you can use them as a substitute, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Cilantro: Cilantro adds freshness and a burst of color to the finished dish. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can skip this ingredient or replace it with chopped parsley.
Lime Wedges: Lime wedges are served alongside the dish to provide an extra burst of citrus flavor and a touch of acidity.

How To Make Grilled Pollo Asado

Combine spices and citrus for asado chicken marinade.

Prepare the marinade. The secret to the incredible flavor of Pollo Asado lies in its marinade. In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, oil, garlic, red chili powder, onion powder, oregano, cumin powder, salt, and pepper.

Chicken thighs marinate is citrusy asado marinade.

Marinate the chicken. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Grill the chicken. Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill. Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill pan or grill over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until it is fully cooked and has beautiful grill marks.
Garnish and serve. Transfer the grilled chicken thighs to a serving platter. Garnish the chicken with chopped cilantro and serve it with lime wedges on the side.

Pieces of Mexican grilled chicken thighs on a platter.

Tips To Make Grilling Pollo Asado

Marinating Time: While the recipe suggests marinating for at least 30 minutes, if you have the time, consider marinating the chicken 2-4 hours or overnight. This extended time allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender chicken.
Reserve Marinade: Before adding the chicken into the marinade, set aside a small portion of the marinade in a separate container to brush right before getting it out of the grill. This reserved marinade can be used for brushing without worrying about cross-contamination from the raw chicken.
Avoid Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to ensure that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Overcooking can lead to dry chicken, while undercooking can compromise food safety.
Let It Rest: After removing the chicken from the grill, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is juicy and flavorful.
Prep the Grill: To prevent sticking, lightly oil the grill grates before placing the chicken on them. Whether using an outdoor grill or an indoor griddle/grill pan, make sure it’s properly preheated. This prevents sticking and helps achieve those beautiful grill marks.
Customize the Marinade: While the provided marinade recipe is exceptional, feel free to experiment with additional spices, herbs, or even a touch of heat if you enjoy some kick in your dishes.
Fresh Citruses: Use freshly squeezed orange and lime juice for the marinade. The natural acidity and flavors of fresh citrus are essential for creating a vibrant marinade.
Room Temperature: Take the chicken out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before grilling. This helps ensure even cooking throughout the chicken.
Garnishing: Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the chicken for a burst of freshness. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a final citrusy touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pollo Asado?

Pollo Asado is a Mexican dish that translates to “grilled chicken”. The marinade used in grilled chicken asado typically consists of a combination of citrus juices, spices, and herbs.

Can I use other chicken cuts?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Remember that chicken breasts may cook slightly faster than thighs, so adjust the grilling time accordingly to prevent overcooking.

How do I store and reheat grilled pollo asado?

Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat leftover grilled chicken, gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat or use a microwave. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the chicken.

Can I freeze Grilled Chicken?

It’s best to marinate the chicken and then freeze it rather than freezing it in the marinade. Transfer the chicken to a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, thaw the marinated chicken in the refrigerator before grilling.

What to serve with Mexican Pollo Asado?

Grilled Pollo Asado pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with grilled vegetables, a fresh Avocado Salad, or even as the filling for delicious tacos or burritos. Serve it as the centerpiece of a Mexican-inspired feast with tortillas, Salsa, Street Corn and Guacamole, or slice it and add it to salads, tacos, or burrito bowls. You can also pair the chicken with Mexican Fried Rice.

Chicken asado with rice and Mexican corn.

More Grilling Recipes

Pollo Asado recipe elevates grilled chicken to a whole new level of culinary excellence. whether you’re celebrating with friends at a barbecue or treating your family to a special dinner, Pollo Asado is perfect to impress everyone’s taste buds. I hope you enjoy all the recipes I share with you, including this delicious grilled chicken recipe. I hope you try it, enjoy it, rate it, and share it with your friends and family!

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