Pollo Asado Recipe

Let me tell you, marinating chicken in a zesty blend of citrus juices with a kick of smoked paprika and cumin is my new favorite way to elevate my grilling game—prepare to have your taste buds blown away! 🍗🔥

Delve into the bold and bright flavors of my Pollo Asado recipe, where I soak 4 lbs of butterflied chicken in a tangy marinade of orange, lime, and lemon juice. The marinade is complemented by the richness of olive oil and smoked paprika, making this a seriously delicious and seriously nutritious dish for any time of day.

Pollo Asado Recipe Ingredients

• Olive Oil: Rich in healthy fats, enhances flavor.
• Orange Juice: Adds sweetness and acidity, rich in vitamin C.
• Lime Juice: Provides tartness, aids digestion.
• Lemon Juice: Adds zesty flavor, high in vitamin C.
• Garlic: Boosts immune system, adds pungent aroma.
• Oregano: Packed with antioxidants, earthy taste.
• Cumin: Aromatic spice, aids in digestion.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky depth, mild heat.
• Chili Powder: Adds spiciness, enhances metabolism.
• Kosher Salt: Essential seasoning, enhances flavors.

Pollo Asado Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 4 lbs whole chicken, butterflied or cut into quarters
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Lime wedges, for serving

How to Make this Pollo Asado Recipe

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients:
• olive oil
• fresh-squeezed orange, lime, and lemon juices
• minced garlic
• dried oregano
• ground cumin
• smoked paprika
• chili powder
• kosher salt
• black pepper.

2. Put the chicken, either butterflied or in quarters, into a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

3. Prepare your grill to reach a medium-high temperature that is in the neighborhood of 375-400°F.

4. Take the chicken out of the marinade and allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling.

5. Throw away the marinade and put the chicken on the grill, with the skin facing down. Cook it for about 15-20 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and has distinct grill marks.

6. Grill the chicken, flipping it halfway through. When you flip the chicken, add the sliced onion to the grill, placing it on the cooler part of the grill.

7. Keep on grilling the chicken for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the meat reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

8. Ensure even grilling by turning the onions from time to time; they should be tender and nicely caramelized.

9. When completed, take the chicken and onions off the grill. Allow the chicken to rest for about 10 minutes. Then serve.

10. If using, chop fresh cilantro and use it to garnish. Serve with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy your delicious Pollo Asado!

Pollo Asado Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Whisk
3. Large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish
4. Grill
5. Grill tongs
6. Meat thermometer
7. Cutting board
8. Knife
9. Small bowl (optional, for cilantro garnish)
10. Serving platter

FAQ

• What is the best method to marinate the chicken?Mix the olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Put the chicken in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
• Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?Certainly, chicken breasts or thighs can be substituted. If you do, be prepared to change the cooking time, as those parts may cook much more quickly than the whole bird.
• Do I need to baste the chicken while cooking?Basting is not essential, but it can assist in ensuring the chicken remains damp. You can baste with the marinade during cooking, especially when using a grill.
• What is the best way to cook Pollo Asado?Grilling is the traditional method for making Pollo Asado, which is done for a smoky flavor, but you can also roast it in the oven. Roasting it at 425°F (220°C) until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) will yield the same results without the need for a grill.
• Is it okay to use bottled citrus juice instead of fresh?The optimal flavor comes from using fresh citrus juice, but if necessary, bottled juice can be substituted. Just be sure that it’s real juice—100% juice, in fact—and without any added sugars.
• Can I add more spices for a spicier dish?For sure. Amp up the chili powder or toss in some cayenne pepper according to your taste if you want more kick.
• How should I serve Pollo Asado?Accompany it with lime wedges and the fresh cilantro that is sometimes used in the way one might use garnishing herbs. It goes well with any of the following: rice, beans, or fresh salad. You might also enjoy it with flatbread.

Pollo Asado Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can use 1/4 cup of vegetable or avocado oil instead of 1/4 cup of olive oil, if you prefer a more neutral flavor.
In place of fresh orange juice, you can use 1/2 cup of pineapple juice. It will give a different flavor and a more tropical taste.
White wine vinegar in 1/4 cup can be used as a substitute for lemon juice, but be prepared for a very different acidic flavor.
To achieve a milder flavor, you can use this substitution: for every 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika, substitute with 1 tablespoon of regular paprika.

In the absence of chili powder, substitute with 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for extra heat or 1 teaspoon of ancho chili powder for a smoky flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Marinade Time For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. This allows the acids and spices to fully penetrate the meat, resulting in tender and flavorful chicken.

2. Uniform Temperatures Make sure the chicken pieces are equally spaced on the grill to ensure even cooking. If some parts of the grill are hotter than others, rotate the chicken pieces accordingly to avoid uneven cooking.

3. Skin Perfection Start with the skin side down to achieve a crispy, golden-brown skin. Avoid moving the chicken too soon to let the skin develop those desirable grill marks and prevent sticking.

4. Resting Period Allow the chicken to rest for at least 10 minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in juicier pieces.

5. Smoky Flavor Boost To enhance the smoky flavor, consider adding soaked wood chips to the grill while cooking. This will give the chicken an additional depth of flavor, complementing the smoked paprika in the marinade.