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Pollo Asado

Pollo Asado is a flavorful and aromatic grilled chicken dish featuring citrus, garlic, and warm spices, perfect for gatherings or weeknight meals.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1/2 cup orange juice Adds a sweet and citrusy flavor.
  • 1/4 cup lime juice Complements the sweetness of orange juice.
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil Adds richness and helps achieve crispy skin.
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced Infuses the chicken with aromatic garlic.
  • 1 tablespoon achiote powder Provides color and unique flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin Enhances overall flavor profile.
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander Offers a slightly citrusy note.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano Lends earthiness to the dish.
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt Essential for brining the chicken.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper Adds a slight kick.
For the Chicken
  • 3 pounds chicken thighs, legs, and/or breast Bone-in or boneless, skin-on or skinless.
For Garnishing
  • lime wedges For garnish.
  • chopped cilantro For garnish.

Method
 

Marinating the Chicken
  1. Add the marinade ingredients to a resealable plastic bag or a large bowl and mix well.
  2. Place the chicken into the bag, seal it tightly, and massage to coat thoroughly.
  3. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
  4. Avoid marinating for more than 4 hours to prevent the meat from becoming too soft.
Grilling Instructions
  1. Clean and oil the grill grates.
  2. Preheat an outdoor gas grill to medium-high heat, turning off one side for indirect cooking.
  3. For charcoal grilling, light the charcoal and create indirect cooking zones.
  4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shake off excess liquid, and dispose of marinade.
  5. For bone-in chicken, grill skin side down over direct heat for approximately 20 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes.
  6. Move the chicken to the cooler side and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160-165º F.
  7. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Baking Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 400º F and line a baking pan with foil or parchment, placing a wire rack inside.
  2. Arrange the chicken skin side up on the rack with space between pieces.
  3. Bake for 35-45 minutes, flipping once, until internal temperature reaches 165º F.
  4. Allow the chicken to rest covered with foil for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or chipotle powder. Avoid flipping the chicken too often to prevent it from drying out.