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Create a juicy chicken recipe with Pollo Asado. This baked or grilled chicken dinner is loaded with Mexican spices and is easy to make.
This easy chicken recipe is loaded with smoky flavor. Take you chicken to the next level with simple Mexican spices, orange juice and lime juice marinade. This Mexican chicken creates a delicious weeknight meal on the grill or baking it.
Mexican Food Recipes is always on the menu. If you love it as much as we do, make sure to check out this Crock Pot Mexican Shredded Chicken Recipe.
Table of Contents
What is Pollo Asado?
Pollo Asado Recipe means roasted or barbecue chicken. But what makes this chicken even better is the marinade that the chicken is placed to give it deep Mexican flavors.
The combination of the citrus juices flavors, spices and the Achiote Paste gives the chicken a deep orange and red color. This Mexican chicken recipe can be made with any cut of chicken such as whole chicken, chicken breast or bone-in chicken thighs.
Why We Love This Recipe
We love this chicken recipe because it is so easy to make. I can easily find the spices at the grocery store which makes this recipe even easier. We love the flavor after the chicken is marinated and how juicy the chicken turns out.
This is the perfect recipe for entertaining guest or for a game day party. Use this chicken to meal prep your lunches for the week and make sure to double the recipe to stock your freezer.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (trimmed)
- Olive Oil
For the Pollo Asado Marinade
- Orange Juice
- Lime (juiced)
- Olive Oil
- Achiote Paste
- Minced Garlic
- Ground Coriander
- Ground Cumin
- Salt
- Smoked Paprika
- Dried Oregano
- Onion Powder
- Black Pepper
Scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.
Variations Ideas
The spices can be changed to what you prefer. Here are some additions or substitutions to make this recipe your own.
- Lemon Juice
- Garlic Cloves
- Achiote Powder
- Mexican Oregano
- Kosher Salt
Step by Step Instructions
- Step 1 – Combine Ingredients – In a small bowl whisk together all the marinade ingredients.
- Step 2 – Place Chicken – Place the chicken in a ziplock bag and pour the marinade mixture on top.
- Step 3 – Marinate Chicken – Marinade the chicken thighs for 3-4 hours (or overnight).
- Step 4 – Prepare Grill – Preheat a grill over medium high heat. Then rub the grill grates with olive oil so that the chicken does not stick to the grates.
- Step 5 – Grill Chicken – Then add the chicken skin side down onto the grill and reduce the temperature to medium. Grill the chicken for 5-8 minutes per side until the chicken reaches an internal temperature for 165 degrees F.
- Step 6 – Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes and then it’s ready to serve and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Cooking Chicken – An instant read thermometer is the best way to know when the chicken is ready to enjoy. Ensure that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F at the thickest part of the chicken thigh.
- Marinating Chicken – This is the perfect marinade to marinate the chicken in overnight. We do recommend marinating the chicken for at least 3 hours for the best flavor.
- Prepare Grill – Before placing the chicken on the charcoal grill or gas grill, make sure it has been preheated and grill grates oiled. This helps to prevent the chicken from sticking and creates an amazing texture on the chicken.
Serving Suggestions
This marinated chicken is delicious served with cilantro lime rice or can be shredded to serve in many different ways.
- Burritos – Shred the chicken and roll the chicken up in a flour tortillas or a corn tortillas. We have even made burrito bowls topped with sour cream, cheese, and slice avocados.
- Pollo Asado Tacos – Shred the chicken and serve as tacos with all your favorite toppings. Add a side of refried beans or black beans for a complete meal idea.
Frequently Asked Questions
This chicken can easily be baked in the oven if you prefer. Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet covered in foil or in a baking pan. Bake the chicken at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes. We recommend flipping the chicken halfway through to cook both sides. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked before serving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. We think this chicken taste even better the next day.
Yes, you can freeze this chicken either cooked or uncooked. Place the chicken in a freezer container or zip lock freezer bag. Freeze the chicken up to 3 months. When ready to cook or reheat, allow chicken to thaw overnight in the fridge.
More Easy Mexican Recipes
- Cilantro Lime Chicken Crockpot Recipe
- Crock Pot Mexican Casserole
- Mexican Fried Rice
- 55 Easy Mexican Dinner Recipes
If you make this Easy Pollo Asada Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review. We love hearing from you.
Pollo Asado
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 3 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs trimmed
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup Orange Juice
- 1 Lime juiced
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Achiote Paste
- 1 Tablespoon Minced Garlic
- 1 Tablespoon Ground Coriander
- 1 Tablespoon Cumin
- 1 Tablespoon Salt
- 2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika
- 2 teaspoons Dried Oregano
- 2 teaspoons Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl whisk together all the marinade ingredients.
- Place the chicken in a ziplock bag and pour the marinade mixture on top.
- Marinade the chicken thighs for 3-4 hours (or overnight).
- Preheat a grill over medium high heat and rub the grill grates with olive oil so that the chicken does not stick to the grates.
- Then add the chicken onto the grill and reduce the temperature to medium. Grill the chicken for 5-8 minutes per side until the chicken reaches an internal temperature for 165 degrees F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes and then it’s ready to serve and enjoy!
