Description
Pollo Asado is a flavorful, marinated grilled chicken dish popular in Latin American cuisine. Tender bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks are soaked in a vibrant marinade of citrus juices, fresh cilantro, garlic, and warm spices, then grilled to perfection with crispy, charred skin. This recipe offers a zesty, smoky, and aromatic taste experience perfect for a casual dinner or festive gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade Ingredients
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped fresh cilantro, minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a vibrant marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs and drumsticks into a large resealable plastic bag or baking dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken pieces, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure a perfect sear and crispy skin. Alternatively, if using an oven, preheat it to 425°F (220°C) to roast the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and has charred spots. If baking, place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until fully cooked and skin is crispy.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro and lime wedges if desired. Serve alongside your choice of sides for a delicious and authentic Pollo Asado experience.
Notes
- Marinating overnight yields more flavorful and tender chicken.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for best texture and taste.
- You can substitute fresh oregano if dried isn’t available.
- For a smoky flavor, grill over charcoal if possible.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
