How to Make Pollo Asado: A Mouth-Watering Grilled Chicken Recipe

Are you looking for a flavorful and easy-to-make dish for your next dinner party or family gathering? Look no further than pollo asado! This traditional Mexican dish features grilled or roasted chicken that is marinated in a blend of spices, herbs, and citrus juices. Pollo asado is a versatile option that can be served on its own, alongside your favorite sides, or in a taco or burrito. Follow these simple steps to make your own delicious pollo asado at home.

To start, mix together a marinade of lime juice, orange juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Place the chicken in the marinade and let it soak for at least an hour, or overnight for even more flavor. When you’re ready to cook, heat up your grill or oven to medium-high heat and remove the chicken from the marinade. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until it’s fully cooked through and has a nice charred exterior. Serve with your favorite toppings and sides, and enjoy the delicious flavors of pollo asado!

Ingredients

The first step to making a delicious pollo asado is gathering the necessary ingredients. For this recipe, you will need:

1. Chicken

Start with bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces. You can use a whole chicken, but we recommend using chicken thighs or drumsticks for a more authentic flavor.

2. Marinade

The key to making flavorful pollo asado is in the marinade. You will need:

– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

3. Onions and Peppers

You will also need one medium onion and two bell peppers, sliced into strips.

4. Tortillas

Finally, to serve your pollo asado, you’ll want to have some warm tortillas on hand. You can use either corn or flour tortillas, depending on your preference.

Marinating the Chicken

Now that you have gathered your ingredients, it’s time to marinate the chicken.

1. Mix the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients until well combined.

2. Add the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and shake to coat the chicken evenly with the marinade.

3. Marinade Time

Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavor it will have.

Grilling the Chicken

Once your chicken is marinated and ready, it’s time to start grilling!

1. Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. Remove the Chicken from Marinade

Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the leftover marinade.

3. Grill Time

Place the chicken on the hot grill, skin side down. Cook for about 7-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.

Adding Onions and Peppers

While your chicken is cooking, it’s the perfect time to prepare your onions and peppers.

1. Cook Onions and Peppers

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and peppers and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are soft and slightly caramelized.

2. Serve Together

To serve, place a few pieces of chicken on a warm tortilla and top with the cooked onions and peppers. Roll up and enjoy your delicious pollo asado!

1. Choosing the Right Chicken

When it comes to making delicious pollo asado, the first step is to choose the right chicken. When shopping for the chicken, it is important to look for high-quality chicken that is fresh. You should go for chicken that hasn’t been frozen or been in refrigeration for long periods. It is also important to consider the size of the chicken before buying it. A smaller-sized chicken is ideal for quick cooking, while bigger chickens take longer to cook.

2. Preparing the Marinade

A good marinade is key to achieving perfect pollo asado. The marinade is what gives the chicken its flavor, succulence, and tender texture. In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, garlic minced, and Mexican oregano until well combined. You can add other ingredients such as dried chiles, adobo, and cumin to spice up the marinade. Once you’ve prepared the marinade, pour it over the chicken and mix it well to ensure that the chicken is well-coated. You should ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade, as this will help to infuse the flavors evenly.

3. Marinating the Chicken

After you have prepared the marinade, the next step is to marinate the chicken. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful and tender it will be. For the best results, marinate the chicken for at least four hours or overnight. To marinate the chicken, place it in a large resealable bag and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag tightly and place it in the refrigerator.

4. Preparing the Grill

Before you start cooking the chicken, you need to make sure that the grill is properly heated and oiled. Preheat the grill to a medium-high heat, and then brush the grates with a bit of oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. This step is crucial in achieving perfectly crisp and charred pollo asado.

5. Grilling the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Baste the chicken with the leftover marinade as it cooks for added flavor. Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as this will result in dry and chewy meat.

6. Resting the Chicken

After grilling, remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest for a few minutes. This will help to redistribute the juices throughout the chicken, resulting in a juicy and tender meat.

7. Serving the Pollo Asado

Pollo asado is best served immediately after grilling. Serve the chicken with tortillas, fresh salsa, guacamole, and lime wedges. You can also add some grilled onions and bell peppers to add some color and flavor to your dish.

8. Leftover Pollo Asado

If you have any leftover pollo asado, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For the best results, reheat the chicken in a skillet with a bit of oil to maintain its tenderness and flavor.

9. Tips for Perfect Pollo Asado

When making pollo asado, there are a few tips that you should keep in mind. Firstly, always choose fresh chicken for the best flavor. Secondly, marinate the chicken for at least four hours to allow the flavors to infuse. Thirdly, preheat the grill and oil the grates before grilling the chicken. Lastly, be careful not to overcook the chicken to maintain its tenderness.

10. Conclusion

In conclusion, making pollo asado is an easy and delicious way to enjoy a Mexican-style grilled chicken. By following these simple steps and tips, you can create a flavorful and succulent dish that will impress your friends and family. So, fire up your grill, and start making pollo asado today!

Preparing and Marinating the Chicken

After selecting your chicken, the next step is to clean and prepare it for marination. Here are the steps you need to take:

Clean the Chicken

It’s important to clean the chicken before marinating it. Rinse the chicken inside and outside with cool water. Then, pat it dry with paper towels.

Butterfly the Chicken

Butterflying the chicken makes it cook faster and more evenly. To butterfly a chicken, flip it breast-side-down. Use a pair of kitchen scissors to cut along both sides of the back bone. Then, remove the back bone and flatten the chicken by pressing down on it.

Season the Chicken

Before marinating the chicken, season it with salt, black pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Rub the seasoning all over the chicken, both inside and out.

Make the Marinade

The marinade is what makes pollo asado so delicious. Here’s how to make it:

Marinate the Chicken

Once you’ve made the marinade, pour it over the chicken in a large baking dish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. The longer you marinate the chicken, the better it will taste.

By following these easy steps to clean, butterfly and season the chicken, as well as making the marinade in advance, you’ll have the perfect pollo asado dish every time!

Thanks for reading, amigos!

We hope this article has given you all the tips and tricks you need to make some delicious pollo asado. Remember to take your time and enjoy the process – cooking can be a relaxing and rewarding experience. And if you’re looking for more tasty recipes and cooking inspiration, be sure to check back in with us soon – there’s always something new to discover in the world of food! Until next time, happy cooking!