Pollo Asado: Citrus-Marinated Perfection - An Easy Taste of Mexico
Discover the magic of Pollo Asado! This Mexican grilled chicken recipe is bursting with citrus and spice. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs bone-in skin-on chicken pieces (legs, thighs, or mixed)
- 1 orange juiced
- 2 limes juiced
- 2 tbsp achiote paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Make the marinade:
- In a large bowl, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, achiote paste, olive oil, cumin, oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Make sure the achiote paste is fully dissolved.
Marinate the chicken:
- Place the chicken pieces in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure all pieces are coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
Preheat grill or oven:
- If grilling, preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F or 175-200°C). If oven roasting, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grill the chicken:
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill chicken for about 30-40 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and juices run clear when pierced with a fork, or a meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
Oven roast the chicken:
- Alternatively, place chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Rest and serve:
- Once cooked, let the Pollo Asado rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps to keep it juicy. Serve hot with your favorite sides, like rice, beans, and tortillas.
Notes
- For extra spicy Pollo Asado, add 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the marinade.
- For herb-infused flavor, add 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley to the marinade.
- If you don't have achiote paste, you can substitute with a mix of paprika and a pinch of cumin for color and smoky flavor, though the taste will be slightly different.
- Leftover Pollo Asado can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave, oven, or skillet until heated through.