– **Title**: Mexican Grilled Pollo Asado
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp ground cumin
– 1 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
– Lime wedges (for serving)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess marinade. Discard the remaining marinade.
5. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken has nice grill marks.
6. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
7. Slice the chicken and serve it garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side. Enjoy with tortillas or your favorite sides!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Leg Quarters: These are great for grilling as they stay juicy and have a lot of flavor. You can substitute with chicken thighs or breasts if you prefer white meat, but adjust cooking time as breasts cook faster.
Citrus Juice: Fresh lime juice gives a tangy kick. If limes are unavailable, try lemon juice for a similar effect. A bit of vinegar can also work in a pinch but use it sparingly to avoid overpowering flavors.
Spices: Ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and oregano are key for that classic pollo asado flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika is okay, just omit the “smoky” aspect. For chili powder, you can use taco seasoning if you have it on hand.
Olive Oil: It adds richness to the marinade. Feel free to swap it with vegetable oil or avocado oil. Just remember that oils with a higher smoke point are better for grilling!
How Do I Properly Marinate Chicken for Grilling?
Marinating chicken is crucial for adding flavor and tenderness. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix all marinade ingredients and ensure they’re well combined.
- Add your chicken, making sure every piece is coated. You can even poke a few holes in the chicken for better absorption.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate. Aim for at least 2 hours, but overnight works best – the longer, the better!
When you’re ready to grill, let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This way, it cooks evenly. Avoid skipping this step to keep the chicken juicy and tender!
How to Make Mexican Grilled Pollo Asado
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 3 limes (juiced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken leg quarters (bone-in, skin-on)
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro
- Green onions (for grilling)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled pollo asado will take about 10 minutes to prepare and at least 2 hours to marinate (or overnight for the best flavor). You’ll also need around 30-40 minutes for grilling, making it a perfect dish for a weekend cookout!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, orange juice, and olive oil. This will be the tasty marinade that gives the chicken its flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken leg quarters to the marinade, making sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For even more flavor, let it marinate overnight!
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Be sure to lightly oil the grates to prevent the chicken from sticking. This step is important for that perfect grilled finish!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Discard the leftover marinade. Now, place the chicken on the grill. Cook for about 30-40 minutes, turning the pieces occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the skin is nice and charred.
5. Grill the Green Onions:
In the last few minutes of cooking, add the green onions to the grill. Cook them until they are lightly charred, which adds a great flavor!
6. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken and green onions are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Then, transfer the grilled chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for extra zest.
7. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy your flavorful grilled pollo asado! It pairs perfectly with your favorite sides or can be used in tacos. Yum!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Leg Quarters?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken breasts for leg quarters, but be sure to adjust the cooking time. Chicken breasts generally cook faster, around 20-30 minutes, depending on thickness. Make sure to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they’re cooked through.
What Can I Substitute for Orange Juice?
If you don’t have orange juice on hand, you can use a mixture of apple juice and a splash of vinegar for a similar sweet and tangy flavor. Alternatively, pineapple juice works well too, adding a fruity note to your marinade.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Pollo Asado?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the grilled chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn. Thaw frozen chicken in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk before adding the chicken. Marinating for more than 2 hours can really enhance the flavor!
