Description
Pollo Asada is a vibrant, smoky, and tangy dish that captures the essence of Mexican cuisine. The chicken is marinated in a zesty blend of citrus juices, garlic, herbs, and spices, resulting in a flavorful and tender meal that’s perfect for grilling. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or preparing a weeknight dinner, this Pollo Asada recipe is sure to impress with its bold flavors and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
- Chicken Cuts:
- Bone-in chicken thighs (ideal for grilling)
- Boneless chicken breasts (for quicker cooking)
- Whole chicken (for larger groups)
- Marinade:
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1–2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: 1-2 jalapeños, sliced for added heat
- Optional: Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
-
Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the orange juice, lime juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and olive oil. Whisk to combine and taste. Adjust seasoning as needed. -
Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken to a resealable plastic bag or glass dish, pour the marinade over the chicken, and ensure it’s well-coated. Marinate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) in the refrigerator. -
Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375–400°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Place the chicken on the grill, skin-side down for bone-in cuts, and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before serving. -
Serve:
Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Serve with traditional sides like rice, tortillas, salsa, or guacamole.
Notes
For stovetop or oven alternatives, you can cook the marinated chicken on a cast-iron skillet or bake it at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 165 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Pollo Asada, grilled chicken, Mexican cuisine, citrus chicken, easy chicken recipes, BBQ chicken