Description
Have you craved the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine that dance on your palate, especially those grilled delights that boast juiciness and bold seasoning? Today, we’re diving deep into the world of Pollo Asado Recipe
Ingredients
For the perfect Pollo Asado, gather the following ingredients. Each element brings its own charm, ensuring the chicken is packed with succulent flavors:
- 2 pounds of chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in for juiciness)
Tip: You can utilize boneless chicken for quicker cooking, but bone-in provides superior flavor. - 1/4 cup of fresh orange juice
For the best taste, opt for freshly squeezed orange juice instead of bottled. - 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- 1 tablespoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
-
Make the Marinade
Combine the orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using) in a medium bowl. Mix well to create a fragrant marinade that will infuse your chicken with authentic Mexican flavors. -
Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag or a bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are nicely coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour—overnight is ideal if time allows! This step is critical as it helps to tenderize the meat while imparting all those wonderful flavors. -
Preheat the Grill
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using charcoal, wait until the coals are glowing red before placing the chicken on. -
Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess marinade drip off. Place the chicken skin-side down on the grill. Grill for about 6-7 minutes until you see beautiful grill marks. Flip the chicken and cook for another 6-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Adjust the grilling time based on the size of your chicken pieces. -
Rest the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period ensures the juices redistribute, resulting in tender, juicy meat. -
Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve your Pollo Asado with warm tortillas, salsa, and your favorite sides like Mexican rice or beans. Enjoy the burst of flavors with every bite!
Nutrition
- Calories: 250
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g