Name: Pollo Asado Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-490279H54M41S
Total time: PT-490279H54M41S
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or boneless skinless chicken breast sliced in half lengthwise); 2 tsp olive oil; 4-5 tbsp water (optional, for pan frying cooking method); 1 can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (7 oz can); 4 tbsp fresh lime juice; 4 tbsp fresh orange juice; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro; 6 garlic cloves; 1 medium onion (quartered); 1 tsp cumin; 1 tbsp dried oregano; 1 tsp ground coriander (optional); 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper

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Introduction

Pollo Asado is a vibrant and flavorful Mexican dish featuring marinated chicken infused with smoky chipotle, citrus, and aromatic spices. Whether grilled, pan-seared, or air-fried, this versatile recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken packed with bold taste.

A white plate holds seven pieces of grilled chicken with visible dark grill marks and a golden-brown color, sprinkled with small green herb pieces. Three chicken pieces are sliced to show the juicy, white inside. Two lime wedges are placed near the sliced chicken, adding a fresh green color, and two bright orange slices are positioned on the top right edge of the plate. A black fork touches one of the sliced pieces. The plate is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or boneless skinless chicken breast sliced in half lengthwise)
2 tsp olive oil
4-5 tbsp water (for pan frying cooking method, optional)
1 can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (7 oz can)
4 tbsp fresh lime juice
4 tbsp fresh orange juice
1/2 cup fresh cilantro
6 garlic cloves
1 medium onion (quartered)
1 tsp cumin
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground coriander (optional)
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the marinade by combining chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, lime juice, orange juice, cilantro, garlic cloves, quartered onion, cumin, dried oregano, ground coriander (if using), smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a blender, food processor, or large bowl. Puree or blend until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Place the chicken thighs in a large airtight container or Ziploc bag, and pour the marinade over the chicken. Mix thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 15-30 minutes, ideally overnight for best flavor.
Step 3: To grill: Preheat your grill to high heat (350°F-400°F) and brush the grill grates with olive oil. Grill the chicken for 15-30 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 4: To pan-sear: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat with olive oil. Add the chicken along with all the marinade to keep it moist. Cook the chicken for 5 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until it reaches 165°F internally. If the sauce dries out, add a splash of water. Once cooked, drizzle any leftover sauce from the pan over the chicken before serving.
Step 5: To air fry: Lightly coat the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place the chicken inside and air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes. Flip the chicken and continue cooking for 6-7 more minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Tips & Variations

For a milder version, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers or remove seeds before blending.
Use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but be careful not to overcook to keep it juicy.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for extra heat.
Serve with warm tortillas, rice, or a fresh avocado salad for a complete meal.
If you don’t have fresh citrus, bottled lime and orange juice can be used as substitutes in a pinch.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked Pollo Asado in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a little water or reserved sauce to keep the chicken moist during reheating.

How to Serve

A white plate holds several pieces of grilled chicken with dark char marks and a golden-brown color, showing a juicy texture. Some chicken pieces are sliced into strips revealing a light inside with specks of green herbs. Lime slices with pale green skin are placed on the left side of the plate, while a couple of orange slices with bright orange color rest at the top right. The chicken is sprinkled with small bits of chopped green herbs. A black fork is seen on the bottom right, touching a piece of chicken. The whole setting is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of chicken for Pollo Asado?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs; just slice them in half lengthwise for even cooking. Adjust cooking time accordingly to prevent drying out.

What if I don’t have a grill or air fryer?

You can easily pan-sear the chicken on the stovetop using a skillet or grill pan, adding the marinade while cooking to keep the chicken flavorful and moist.