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grilled pollo asado on a white platter garnished with cilantro and lime wedges.
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4.89 from 27 votes

Pollo Asado (Chicken Asado)

This easy, juicy and tender Mexican Pollo Asado (Chicken Asado) is marinated in a zesty, earthy and citrusy marinade with lots of Mexican spices and achiote, then grilled to perfection. This chicken is incredibly easy and quick to put together and perfect for a Cinco de Mayo family-style meal or an easy weeknight dinner!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Marinating time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 40 minutes
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: chicken asado, pollo asado
Servings: 6
Calories: 370kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Marinade

  • ½ cup orange juice freshly squeezed
  • ¼ cup lime juice freshly squeezed
  • ¼ cup grapeseed oil
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 teaspoons Mexican oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 ounces achiote powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder

Chicken

  • 3 pounds chicken thighs boneless and skinless
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Make the marinade: Add all the marinade ingredients together to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
  • Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken in a large bowl and pour the marinade over the chicken. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate for at least 2 hours to overnight.
  • Preheat grill pan: Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat then add the vegetable oil and heat. If using an outdoor grill, preheat it to 350°F.
  • Cook the chicken: Cook the chicken thighs in batches, for about 3 to 5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the thighs. If using the outdoor grill, grill the chicken covered for about 20 to 30 minutes, flipping once halfway through. The chicken is cooked through when an instant-read thermometer registers at 165°F to 175°F when inserted in the thickest part of each thigh.

Video

Notes

  1. Make sure to let your grill pan or outdoor grill heat up first to get a good char.
  2. For the best flavor, make sure to marinade the meat for anywhere from 2 to 24 hours.
  3. If using different cuts of chicken, cooking time may vary due to thickness.
  4. You can take your pick of cooking methods, whether a grill pan on the stove, an outdoor grill or even roasted in the oven. They all work amazing.
  5. Use a meat thermometer for the best way to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked. Chicken should be cooked to at least 165°F.
  6. After the chicken is cooked, let it rest on a cutting board of plate for 5-10 minutes before slicing it and serving to allow all the juices time to redistribute.
  7. Store any leftover pollo asado in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 370kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 215mg | Sodium: 979mg | Potassium: 640mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 118IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 2mg