Description
This Easy Pollo Asado recipe features tender, flavorful Mexican grilled chicken marinated in a zesty blend of citrus juices, achiote powder, and aromatic spices. Perfectly grilled to juicy perfection, it’s an ideal main dish for a casual family dinner or entertaining guests, served with traditional sides like tortillas, beans, and rice.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut thinner (or boneless skinless chicken thighs)
Marinade
- 1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lime juice
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ Tbsp achiote powder (ground annatto)
- 2 ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- ⅛ tsp ground cloves
- 6 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 ½ tsp garlic powder)
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients until fully combined, ensuring the achiote powder and spices are evenly mixed with the citrus juices and olive oil.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the thinner-cut chicken breasts into a large container or glass casserole dish. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, flip the pieces, then pour the remaining marinade to coat all pieces evenly. Cover the container and refrigerate for 1 to 4 hours to allow flavors to infuse deeply.
- Preheat Grill: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grill grates using an oil-soaked folded paper towel to prevent sticking.
- Grill Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill, discarding any leftover marinade. Close the grill lid and cook for 5 minutes on one side.
- Flip and Continue Grilling: Flip the chicken breasts and grill with the lid closed for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF, indicating it is fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired, and serve with lime wedges alongside traditional Mexican sides such as warmed tortillas, beans, rice, and salsas for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if preferred; adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Use fresh squeezed citrus juices to maximize the marinade’s brightness and authenticity.
- Ensure the chicken is cut thinner to promote even cooking and faster grilling.
- Discard leftover marinade once the chicken is placed on the grill to avoid cross-contamination.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
