Pollo asado, or grilled chicken, is a classic and flavorful dish in Mexican cuisine. Here’s a simple recipe to make pollo asado at home:
Grilled chicken, particularly in the form of “Pollo Asado,” is a classic and flavorful dish that holds a special place in Mexican cuisine. Known for its vibrant flavors and aromatic spices, Pollo Asado is a beloved choice for family gatherings, barbecues, and festive occasions.
The dish features marinated chicken that is grilled to perfection, resulting in tender, juicy meat with a smoky char and a burst of flavor in every bite.
The key to making delicious Pollo Asado lies in the marinade, which is a harmonious blend of spices, citrus, and herbs that infuse the chicken with rich flavors. The marinade typically includes ingredients such as lime juice, orange juice, garlic, cumin, oregano, and chili powder. The acidity from the citrus juices not only adds brightness but also helps tenderize the chicken, ensuring that it remains juicy and flavorful during the grilling process.
To prepare Pollo Asado at home, start by selecting your chicken. Bone-in, skin-on pieces such as thighs, drumsticks, or even whole chickens are popular choices, as they retain moisture and flavor during cooking. For a leaner option, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can also be used, though they may require careful attention to avoid drying out.
Once you have your chicken, it’s time to prepare the marinade. In a mixing bowl, combine freshly squeezed lime juice and orange juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. For an extra kick, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce, depending on your heat preference. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined, creating a fragrant marinade that will elevate the flavor of the chicken.
Next, place the chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over the chicken. Ensure that each piece is well coated in the marinade, then seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but for best results, let it marinate for several hours or even overnight. This extended marinating time allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, allow the coals to burn down until they are covered with white ash. For a gas grill, simply preheat it for about 10-15 minutes. While the grill is heating, remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Discard the leftover marinade, as it has come into contact with raw chicken.
Once the grill is hot, place the marinated chicken pieces on the grates, skin-side down if using skin-on pieces. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on one side, allowing it to develop a beautiful char and grill marks. After that, flip the chicken and continue grilling for another 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces, so it’s essential to use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked through.
As the chicken grills, the enticing aroma of the spices and citrus fills the air, creating an inviting atmosphere that is hard to resist. The combination of the smoky grill flavor and the zesty marinade creates a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress.
Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that each bite is tender and juicy. After resting, the chicken can be served whole or sliced into pieces, making it perfect for sharing.
Pollo Asado is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. It can be served as the main dish alongside traditional sides such as Mexican rice, refried beans, or grilled vegetables. For a more casual meal, the grilled chicken can be shredded and used in tacos, burritos, or quesadillas, topped with fresh salsa, avocado, and cilantro for added flavor.
In addition to its delicious taste, Pollo Asado is also a great option for meal prep. The grilled chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for several days, making it easy to incorporate into salads, wraps, or grain bowls throughout the week.
In summary, Grilled Chicken, or Pollo Asado, is a classic and flavorful dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. With its zesty marinade, smoky grill flavor, and tender meat, this dish is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to festive celebrations. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, Pollo Asado is sure to become a favorite in your home. So gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and enjoy the delightful flavors of this beloved Mexican dish!
Ingredients
- – 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- – 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
- – 1/4 cup orange juice
- – 1/4 cup lime juice
- – 1/4 cup lemon juice
- – 3 cloves garlic, minced
- – 2 tablespoons olive oil
- – 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- – 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- – 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- – 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- – 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- – 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- – Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
- – Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
2. Add the chicken thighs and drumsticks to the marinade, turning to coat them evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade to a resealable plastic bag. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess marinade.
4. Place the chicken thighs and drumsticks on the preheated grill, skin side down. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy and charred in spots. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and transfer it to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired, and serve hot with lime wedges on the side.
6. Enjoy the delicious and flavorful pollo asado with your favorite sides, such as rice, beans, grilled vegetables, or tortillas.
This pollo asado recipe is perfect for summer grilling or anytime you’re craving juicy and flavorful chicken. The combination of citrus juices, garlic, and spices creates a marinade that infuses the chicken with delicious flavor. Serve the pollo asado as a main dish for a family dinner or as part of a festive Mexican-inspired meal. Enjoy!