This pollo asado recipe is quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful. Full of bright and tangy flavor. This easy chicken recipe is a great way to make chicken. It’s easy and quick to use even on a busy weekday night!
This is the best pollo asado recipe. Full of zesty bright flavors and mild spiciness. The chicken is juicy, tender, and has a well-balanced flavor. This summery dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, and tastes just as good as the asado chipotle you know and love. It only takes 20 minutes in total. Polo Asado’s roots are in Mexico and Cuba, but it’s perfect for picky eaters. You will love it too. blackened fish tacos this easy shrimp tacos Serve with lime and chipotle mayonnaise!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This pollo asado recipe is quick and easy.
- Total travel time is just 20 minutes.
- Marinate chicken for up to 2 hours, if desired. This gives a very flavorful finish.
- This recipe can be grilled, baked, or pan-fried.
- The chicken is juicy, tender and delicious.
- The combination of achiote powder, garlic and citrus lime, and orange is so delicious.
- This versatile polo asado pairs beautifully with many different sides. From beans to rice to salads to potatoes to vegetables, the options are endless.
- Achiote powder gives the chicken a bright red appearance. The chicken looks bright and summery.
- Grill the chicken thighs with the skin on in a little olive oil.
- As written, this recipe is Whole30 Compliant, Paleo, Keto, Low Carb, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, and Sugar Free.
- Suitable for various diets and lifestyles.
- check this out blackened chicken For a hearty dinner!
What is Pollo Assad?
Pollo asado refers to a Mexican or Cuban-style chicken dish. Literally translated, the name means “roasted” or “barbecue” chicken.
The chicken is deliciously marinated with a balanced blend of citrus, garlic, achiote powder, onion powder and herbs. It is then barbecued, grilled, or roasted until juicy and tender.
Ingredients and Substitutes
Scroll down to the recipe card for the full pollo asado recipe.
This recipe calls for boneless, skinless thighs and results in juicy, melty chicken. This dish can also be made with bone-in chicken or other parts such as fillets or wings.
Olive oil disperses the overall flavor and is a healthy and relatively neutral choice.
Freshly squeezed orange juice adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the marinade. It also has the effect of tenderizing the chicken and adding sweetness.
Lime juice gives the pollo asado marinade a tangy flavor. Balanced with the sweetness of orange juice. Lemon juice can also be used as a substitute. In any case, fresh is best.
Garlic is a key ingredient that brings depth and flavor to marinades.
Onion powder adds extra flavor and balance to the marinade.
Akiote powder gives the whole dish a beautiful color and smokiness. If achiote powder is not available, use paprika as a substitute.
Oregano is a herb commonly used in Latin American cuisine. Gives the marinade a slightly bitter, earthy flavor.
A fragrant spice that warms the body. Cumin is an important ingredient that gives the marinade its flavor.
taste and texture
This pollo asado recipe offers tender, buttery chicken that’s bursting with tangy, bright ingredients. Fresh orange and lime juices lend rich garlic, achiote and onion flavors.
Punchy and bright, this dish evokes the feeling of summer and warm evenings dining with friends and family at long tables outside.
how to make
step 1
First, place chicken thighs and all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix until juices and seasonings are completely coated. Make this recipe right away or marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours.
step 2
Add olive oil to a large nonstick skillet and heat over medium heat.
step 3
Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken to the frying pan.
step 4
Cook for 5 minutes. Then carefully flip it over.
step 5
Cook for another 5 minutes.
step 6
Reduce heat to medium-low. Continue cooking, turning occasionally, until chicken is fully cooked. The inside of the chicken should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
step 7
Finally remove the pollo asado from the pan. Top with fresh herbs if desired. serve!
expert tips for success
Marinate longer: For best flavor, marinate chicken thighs for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This step allows the chicken to absorb all the beautiful flavors of this pollo asado recipe.
Season the chicken halfway through: Set aside some of the marinade to season the chicken as it cooks. This keeps it moist and prevents it from burning.
Let rest: Let chicken rest for a few minutes (cover to keep warm) before serving. This will redistribute the juice inside the pulp and prevent it from drying out.
Flavor variations and add-ins
For an Asian twist, add honey and soy sauce and mix. This variation of the Polo Asado comes in warm colors.
Throw in some chipotle peppers for a smoky version of this pollo asado.
Dice the ripe mango, pineapple and jalapeño. Spoon this salsa mix over the chicken.
Fry the sliced onions until they are caramelized and the slices are golden brown. Serve these over the chicken with fresh herbs.
For basic chicken recipes try these air fryer chicken breast.
Other cooking methods
Bake: Marinate the chicken as usual and preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken in a baking dish and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Slow Cooking: Use your slow cooker or crockpot to make tender, bone-free chicken without using your hands. Simply place the marinated chicken in the slow cooker, set the heat to low, and cook for 6 to 8 hours or until the chicken is tender.
Searing: Searing is a great option for a nice charred outside without using an outdoor grill. Preheat the broiler over high heat and place the marinated chicken in a broiler pan or wire rack set on a baking sheet. Bake 6 to 8 minutes per side or until chicken is cooked through and nicely browned. Be careful not to burn it.
How to eat and store
Pollo asados are sumptuous alongside other Mexican-style dishes like this Mexican Street Corn Salad and stuffed mini peppers (re-fried beans). Serve with beans, rice, corn, fresh coriander and lime. perfect!
Leftover pollo asado can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow the chicken to cool completely before placing it in the container. Chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for 4 days.
Leftover pollo asado can be stored in the freezer for about two months. Chicken should be packed in a freezer-safe container.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Achiote powder, or annatto powder, is the traditional ingredient in pollo asado marinade. Adds a unique red color and earthy flavor to chicken.
No, akiote powder is made from dried and ground annatto seeds. Achiote paste is a thick paste that combines akiote powder, oil, spices and vinegar.
Yes, chicken can be baked or broiled in the oven. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes. Chicken thighs take longer than chicken breasts. If making chicken breast, bake for 20-25 minutes.
yes. You can also use chicken breast or chicken wings in this recipe. You may need to adjust the cooking time.
Yes, pollo asado is a little spicy. Adjust the amount of seasoning to your liking.
Marinating the chicken will make it tender. Don’t overcook the chicken. Carefully cooked chicken is tender and juicy.
Required equipment
Hammer: If using chicken breast, pound thinly. This device helps tenderize chicken.
large nonstick frying pan: This nonstick frying pan is perfect for cooking chicken.
cast iron skillet: This is the perfect cast iron skillet for making dinner.
Also enjoy
If you like this pollo asado recipe, please leave a rating and a comment.For more inspiration check out my article Facebook, Instagramand Pinterest. For 5 free weekly meal plans and other free resources, visit sign up To receive our free newsletter!See here for more ideas dinner recipe.
Enjoy this pollo asado recipe.
