Best Pollo Asado Recipe (Mexican Grilled or Roasted Chicken)
If you crave the bold and vibrant flavors of Mexico, our Best Pollo Asado Recipe (Mexican Grilled or Roasted Chicken) is just what you need! This succulent chicken is marinated in a zesty citrus blend combined with aromatic spices, making it a perfect dish for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. Whether you choose to grill it outdoors or roast it in the oven, this recipe guarantees juicy and flavorful results every time. Plus, it’s simple enough for even novice cooks to master! Serve it with fresh lime and cilantro for an extra kick that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling/Roasting
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
- 0.5 cup fresh orange juice
- 0.25 cup fresh lime juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3–4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon achiote powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 pounds chicken (thighs, legs, and/or breast)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade by combining orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, achiote powder, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper in a large resealable plastic bag.
- Add the chicken pieces to the bag and seal tightly. Massage the marinade into the chicken. Marinate for at least 2 hours (up to overnight).
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375-425°F) or preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Grill: Place marinated chicken on direct heat skin-side down for about 20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes. Move to indirect heat until fully cooked (internal temp of 160-165°F).
- Oven: Arrange chicken on a wire rack in a baking pan and bake for approximately 35-45 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
- Let rest for about 10 minutes before serving with lime wedges and chopped cilantro.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (113g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 100mg