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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Chicken Preparation: Completely immerse chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring thorough coating. Refrigerate for 4-24 hours, allowing flavors to deeply infuse the meat.
- Temperature Equilibration: Let marinated chicken rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cooking to guarantee uniform heat distribution.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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