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Mexican pollo asado is one of the juiciest, most flavorful grilled chicken pieces you’ll ever taste. Each chicken thigh is marinated in a tangy lime, orange, and spice blend. You’ll love every tender, flavorful bite.
If you love grilled chicken but want a change from the usual teriyaki, this pollo asado is for you. Serve with Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.
What is Polo Assad?
Pollo Asado is a delicious Mexican grilled chicken dish packed with flavor. The name “pollo asado” means “grilled chicken” and it’s exactly what it says. Soak chicken thighs in a mixture of lime juice, orange juice, garlic, and spices and grill until tangy and juicy. Smoky and slightly spicy taste. people love it! It’s the perfect dish for your last barbecue at the end of summer.
I love this pollo asado recipe because it’s easy and delicious. The marinade is a mixture of lime juice, orange juice, garlic, Mexican oregano, and spices that give the chicken a delicious flavor. Leave the chicken in this delicious marinade for at least an hour for the best flavor. Grilling marinated chicken gives it an irresistible char and smokiness. Seriously, one of the best grilled chicken recipes I’ve had in a while!
what you need to make
These ingredients work together to make pollo asado taste amazing. It’s the best flavor combination! (Exact measurements are in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy chicken that absorbs plenty of flavor. You can also use chicken breast if you like!
- Lime juice: It adds a tangy, refreshing kick that makes the pollo asado taste bright and lively.
- orange juice: It adds a slight sweetness and citrus flavor, making it even more delicious.
- garlic: A must-have dish for flavorful chicken dishes!
- Oregano from Mexico: Oregano has a bright flavor that brings out the flavor of the whole chicken.
- Ground cumin: It brings a warm nutty flavor.
- Ancho chili powder: Add a little heat and it will turn a beautiful red color!
- Salt and black pepper: Adds extra flavor to pollo asado.
How to make pollo asado
Time to fire up the grill! This pollo asado will take your backyard barbecue to the next level. Follow these steps for the most tender and flavorful grilled chicken every time.
- Marinade mixture: To make the pollo asado marinade, add lime juice, orange juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, achiote powder, salt, and pepper to a bowl. Then whisk to combine.
- Marinated chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and pour the marinade over the thighs. Be sure to soak the thighs in the marinade. Cover the bowl and marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour.
- Heat grill: While the chicken marinates, heat the grill to 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cook: Once the chicken has marinated for at least an hour, place it on the preheated grill, cover, and grill until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, about 20 to 30 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking.
- Take a break and then serve: Remove the boiled chicken and place it on a plate. Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before eating.
Can I grill pollo asado instead?
yes! This is a great way to enjoy polo his asado all year round. To bake the chicken while it marinates, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with foil. When the chicken is ready, bake until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, about 30 to 40 minutes.
Tips and variations
Want to make your pollo asado even better? Check out these easy tips.
- Marinate longer to enhance flavor: If possible, marinate the chicken for several hours or even overnight. This will make the pollo asado even more delicious.
- Use wood chips: If you use a charcoal grill, throwing in soaked wood chips (such as hickory or mesquite) will add a smoky flavor to the chicken.
- Let’s make it spicy: Add chopped jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicier kick.
- Use for: Once the chicken is grilled, slice or shred it and use it as a delicious filling for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more. Top with your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, shredded lettuce, and more. Pollo Asado is also great for use in burrito bowls.
Save Polo Assad for later
If you make too much pollo asado, here’s how to keep it fresh and use it later. I’m very happy to have it on hand! You can use it for anything, including salads, wraps, and rice bowls.
- In the refrigerator: Store chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and heat in the oven at 325 degrees F for 15 minutes.
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Make the marinade and add lime juice, orange juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, achiote powder, salt, and pepper to a bowl. Whisk to combine.
Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and pour the marinade over the thighs. Be sure to soak the thighs in the marinade. Cover the bowl and marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour.
While the chicken marinates, heat the grill to 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once the chicken has marinated for at least an hour, place it on the preheated grill, cover, and grill until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, about 20 to 30 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking.
Remove the boiled chicken and place it on a plate. Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before eating.
calorie: 305kcalcarbohydrates: 8gprotein: 45gfat: TengSaturated fat: 2gPolyunsaturated fats: 2gMonounsaturated fats: 3gTrans fat: 0.04gcholesterol: 215mgsodium: 1401mgpotassium: 724mgfiber: 2gsugar: 3gVitamin A: 750IUVitamin C: twenty onemgcalcium: 66mgiron: 3mg
Nutritional information is automatically calculated and should only be used as a rough guide.