Tangy Orange-Infused Pollo Asado Recipe for Summer Grilling

Grilling brings out the most incredible flavors in chicken, and this zesty citrus pollo asado recipe delivers a punch of tangy deliciousness.

Marinated in a vibrant blend of fresh citrus juices, the chicken absorbs every drop of bright, punchy goodness.

Lime, orange, and garlic dance together to create a marinade that infuses the meat with incredible depth and character.

The secret lies in letting the chicken soak up those zesty notes before hitting the grill.

Charred edges and juicy interior make this dish a standout at any summer gathering.

Each bite promises a burst of sunshine and bold Mexican-inspired flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to fire up the grill and experience this mouthwatering culinary adventure right away.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 385 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients for Zesty Citrus Pollo Asado

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and create a silky coating for even cooking.
• Orange Juice: Adds bright, sweet citrusy notes and helps tenderize the meat.
• Lime Juice: Provides tangy acidity and helps break down protein fibers.
• Onion: Brings depth and aromatic sweetness to the marinade.
• Garlic: Infuses intense, pungent flavor and offers natural antibacterial properties.

• Achiote Paste: Delivers rich, earthy color and traditional Mexican flavor profile.
• Spices (Salt, Pepper, Cumin, Chili Powder): Create complex, layered taste sensation and authentic regional warmth.

• Vegetable Oil: Prevents sticking and helps achieve beautiful grill marks.
• Chicken Thighs: Provides juicy, tender meat with rich flavor and crispy skin potential.
• Warm Tortillas: Perfect vehicle for enjoying the succulent grilled chicken.
• Cilantro: Adds fresh, bright herb notes and classic Mexican garnish.
• Mexican Street Corn: Complements the chicken with traditional side dish.
• Pina Colada Fruit Salad: Offers sweet, tropical counterpoint to savory meat.
• Cilantro Lime Rice: Provides complementary zesty, fresh accompaniment.

Equipment Needed for Zesty Citrus Pollo Asado

• Large Bowl: Essential for mixing marinade ingredients and coating chicken thoroughly.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending marinade components smoothly and evenly.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Precise for measuring olive oil, juices, and spices accurately.
• Freezer Bag (optional): Alternative to bowl for marinating chicken.
• Grill or Baking Sheet: Key for cooking chicken with desired method.
• Tongs: Great for flipping and handling chicken during grilling or baking.
• Meat Thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's internal temperature for safe cooking.
• Cutting Board: Needed for any preliminary food preparation.
• Sharp Knife: Used for trimming or preparing chicken if necessary.

Instructions for Zesty Citrus Pollo Asado

• Citrus Marinade Preparation

Blend vibrant orange juice, tangy lime juice, fragrant onion, and robust garlic in a spacious container. Introduce achiote paste and aromatic spices to create a zesty flavor profile that will transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.

• Chicken Bathing

Immerse chicken thighs completely in the citrusy mixture, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Let the meat rest in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to dance and penetrate deeply for several hours.

• Grilling Adventure

Fire up the grill to a sizzling medium-high temperature. Position chicken skin-side down, letting it develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Flip carefully, cooking until the meat reaches perfect doneness with a crispy exterior.

• Alternative Oven Method

For indoor cooking, arrange marinated chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet. Roast until the meat becomes tender and achieves a rich, caramelized appearance with an irresistible aroma.

• Feast Presentation

Plate your succulent chicken alongside warm tortillas, vibrant Mexican street corn, and fragrant cilantro lime rice. Create a colorful spread that celebrates bold, sunny flavors and invites everyone to dig in.

Flavor Boosters for Zesty Citrus Pollo Asado

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the perfect internal temperature, preventing undercooked or dry meat.
• Extend flavor depth by piercing chicken with a fork before marinating, allowing more seasoning to penetrate the meat thoroughly.
• Pat chicken dry before grilling to achieve crispy, golden-brown skin that locks in juicy tenderness and adds irresistible texture.
• Substitute achiote paste with smoked paprika and oregano for a similar vibrant color and robust southwestern flavor profile when ingredients are unavailable.
• Marinate chicken up to 24 hours in advance, enabling busy home cooks to have a quick, delicious dinner ready with minimal day-of preparation time.

Serving Zesty Citrus Pollo Asado

• Wrap and Roll: Serve the juicy chicken in warm, soft tortillas with a splash of fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro for a handheld delight.
• Colorful Sidekick Platter: Arrange grilled Mexican street corn, zesty cilantro lime rice, and vibrant pina colada fruit salad alongside the chicken to create a festive and balanced meal.
• Fresh Garnish Boost: Top the chicken with additional fresh herbs like chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco to enhance flavor and visual appeal.
• Sauce it Up: Prepare a quick dipping sauce using extra marinade (boiled for safety) or whip up a creamy avocado salsa verde to complement the citrusy chicken.

Storage Tips for Zesty Citrus Pollo Asado

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety.
• Freeze for Later: Package cooled chicken in freezer-friendly bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chicken maintains top quality for 2-3 months.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Meal Prep Magic: Slice cold chicken for salads, tacos, or quick lunch bowls. Chop and mix with fresh ingredients to transform leftovers into exciting new meals throughout the week.

Vibrant Citrus Pollo Asado Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mexican pollo asado sizzles with tangy lime and smoky spices, creating a mouthwatering grilled chicken dish. Succulent meat marinates in bold seasonings, promising a zesty flavor experience that delights palates and delivers authentic southwestern charm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4–5 lbs (1.8–2.3 kg) bone-in chicken thighs (skin removed)
• ½ cup (120 ml) orange juice
• ¼ cup (60 ml) lime juice
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) olive oil
• 2 oz (56 g) achiote paste
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ground coriander
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp chipotle chile pepper

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Instructions

1. Marinade Creation: Whisk olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, onion, garlic, achiote paste, and spices in a large bowl or freezer-safe plastic bag, creating a zesty flavor base.
2. Chicken Preparation: Completely immerse chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring thorough coating. Refrigerate for 4-24 hours, allowing flavors to deeply infuse the meat.
3. Temperature Equilibration: Let marinated chicken rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cooking to guarantee uniform heat distribution.
4. Grilling Method: Ignite grill to medium-high heat (425-450°F). Clean and lightly oil grates to prevent adhesion. Position chicken skin-side down, grilling 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 175°F with a crispy, golden exterior.
5. Oven Alternative: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line baking sheet with foil and apply cooking spray. Arrange chicken in a single, non-overlapping layer. Roast 25-35 minutes until internal temperature hits 175°F.
6. Serving Suggestion: Present Pollo Asado with warm tortillas, Mexican street corn, pina colada fruit salad, and cilantro lime rice for a complete, vibrant culinary experience.

Notes

• Marinate Timing Matters: Allow chicken to soak in citrus marinade for at least 4 hours but no more than 24 hours to maximize flavor absorption without breaking down meat texture.
• Temperature Control is Key: Let chicken rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent dry, tough meat.
• Grill vs. Oven Options: Choose between grilling for crispy exterior or oven-baking for consistent cooking, both methods delivering delicious results when internal temperature reaches 175°F.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair with complementary sides like warm tortillas and cilantro lime rice to elevate the zesty citrus chicken experience and create a complete, authentic meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 385
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg