Description
Pollo Asado is a vibrant and flavorful Latin American grilled chicken dish, marinated in a zesty blend of citrus juices, fresh cilantro, garlic, and smoky spices. This recipe delivers juicy, charred chicken with a perfect balance of tangy, herby, and smoky flavors, ideal for a festive dinner or summer cookout.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped fresh cilantro, minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs and drumsticks in a large resealable plastic bag or baking dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring that every piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to penetrate, or for best results, marinate overnight.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure it is hot enough to properly sear and cook the chicken. Alternatively, if you prefer to bake, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per side until the skin is crispy and charred in spots and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If baking, arrange the chicken pieces on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Serve: Transfer the grilled or roasted chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with extra fresh cilantro and lime wedges if desired. Serve alongside your favorite side dishes for a delicious and vibrant meal.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- If you don’t have a grill, baking the chicken at 425°F works well as an alternative method.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for juicier, more flavorful results.
- Serve with rice, beans, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Latin American
