– **Title**: Best Pollo Asado
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 lbs whole chicken or 2-3 split chickens
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
– 1 tablespoon orange juice
– 1 tablespoon vinegar (white or apple cider)
– 2 teaspoons ground cumin
– 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
– 2 teaspoons dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
– Lime wedges (for serving)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, orange juice, vinegar, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to create a marinade.
2. Rinse the chicken thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. If using a whole chicken, you may want to spatchcock it for more even cooking.
3. Place the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or a bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 425°F) or prepare your oven for roasting at 425°F.
5. If grilling, place the chicken skin-side down on the grill and cook for about 30-40 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through. For oven roasting, place the chicken on a roasting pan and cook for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the meat.
6. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill or oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes.
7. Garnish the pollo asado with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy it with rice, tortillas, or your favorite sides.
This recipe features a marinated chicken that is juicy and full of flavor, making it a standout dish for any meal.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs give great flavor and juiciness. If you prefer, boneless, skinless thighs can work too, but they might dry out faster. Drumsticks are another tasty alternative!
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the marinade. If you’re out of olive oil, you can use avocado oil or vegetable oil instead, both of which can handle high heat well.
Citrus Juices: Fresh orange and lime juices brighten up the dish. If you lack fresh citrus, bottled juices are an option, but use less as they can be more concentrated. Lemon juice is another substitute, offering similar acidity.
Spices: The chili powder and cumin are essential for that signature taste. Feel free to swap chili powder for cayenne pepper for more heat, or use taco seasoning if you have it on hand.
Cilantro: This is perfect for garnish and freshness. If you aren’t a fan, you can omit it or use parsley for a milder herb flavor.
How Do I Get Chicken Skin Extra Crispy on the Grill?
Getting crispy skin on your chicken is all about the heat and the preparation. Here’s how to achieve it:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot before adding the chicken.
- Place the chicken skin-side down first. This helps render fat and crisp up the skin nicely.
- Avoid flipping too soon; let the skin sear for 6-8 minutes until golden.
- Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for perfectly cooked meat.
Let the chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy—this makes a big difference in texture!
How to Make the Best Pollo Asado
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken:
- 4-6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on preferred)
For Serving:
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires at least 2 hours to marinate (or even better, overnight!). Once it’s marinated, grilling should take around 15-20 minutes. It’s simple and packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, fresh orange juice, lime juice, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. This is where all the amazing flavors begin!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, or if you have time, overnight for even better taste.
3. Preheat the Grill:
Before you start grilling, fire up your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are glowing red and covered with white ash. This will help your chicken cook nicely and get that lovely char.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the leftover marinade. Now, carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the hot grill. Cook them for about 6-8 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Then, flip the chicken and cook for another 6-8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). You want them fully cooked but still juicy!
5. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, take it off the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices in. After resting, transfer the chicken to a serving platter, sprinkle with fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy your flavorful Pollo Asado!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs! Keep in mind that chicken breasts will cook faster, so check for doneness at around 5-7 minutes on each side, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What Can I Use Instead of Fresh Citrus Juices?
If you don’t have fresh orange or lime juice, bottled juice will work in a pinch, but fresh juice gives a much brighter flavor. You could also try apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist, though it will alter the taste slightly.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Pollo Asado in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or on the stovetop to maintain the skin’s crispiness.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade one to two days in advance. Just store it in the fridge, and when you’re ready, add the chicken and let it marinate. This makes meal prep easier during busy days!
