Pollo Asado (Pollo Asada)

Pollo Asado, or Pollo Asada, is a sweet, tangy, and fragrant marinated chicken recipe bursting with warm Mexican spices. Make it in the Oven or Air Fryer for a meal-prep-friendly recipe to serve in many ways.

Serve Chicken Asado on top of salads, or alongside cilantro lime rice and cucumber tomato avocado salad for a complete meal.

Chicken Asada has become a new favorite in our house. It's fast, easy, and authentic when made with the right mix of Mexican spices.

With two cooking methods - and moist chicken thighs - this one's a regular in my home for meal-prep Sundays. I make the marinade in a matter of minutes, then follow a standard marinating time.

Juicy, succulent chicken thighs ready in under 1 hour - that's good enough for me!

I love its versatility. I use it in burritos, salads, bowls, and quesadillas, just to name a few.

Jump to:

• What is Pollo Asado / Pollo Asada?
• Ingredients - Notes & Substitutions
• How to Cook Pollo Asado
• Serving Suggestions
• How to Store
• Recipe Tips & Notes
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Chicken Recipes You May Like
• Popular Mexican Recipes on the Blog
• 📖 Recipe

What is Pollo Asado / Pollo Asada?

The Spanish word "pollo" means "chicken" in English, and "Asada", or "Asado", means "roasted" or "barbecued". So, Pollo Asada, or Pollo Asado, literally means roasted chicken.

Ingredients - Notes & Substitutions

The majority of ingredients in this Asado de pollo recipe are part of the marinade. We will need:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Trim the excess fat from the chicken thighs for the cleanest flavor and texture.
• Oil: Use either Avocado oil or olive oil. Avocado oil provides a neutral flavor, whereas olive oil is a bit fruitier, so pick your favorite.
• Orange and Lime Juice: Use freshly squeezed oranges for the best flavor. You will need 1 large orange to get ½ cup of juice. Fresh lime juice from 1-2 limes boosts that citrus flavor.
• Garlic: For savory goodness.
• Achiote Powder: Achiote powder is ground annatto seeds. They lend a golden color and mild, peppery flavor. Look for it in the global section of grocery stores or online.
• Spices: A fragrant mix of coriander powder, ground cumin, paprika and black pepper adds wonderful aroma and flavor. Mid, hot or smoked paprika can be used, depending on your desired spice level.
• Mexican Oregano: Mexican oregano is much more floral and citrusy, with notes of licorice or anise. If unavailable, Italian or Mediterranean can also be used.

Scroll to the recipe card for a detailed list of ingredients and quantities.

How to Cook Pollo Asado

This chicken Asado recipe can be prepared in the Oven or Air Fryer. Here are the step-by-step directions for each cooking method:

Step 1: Prepare Marinade

In a mason jar combine all the ingredients listed under marinade. Close the lid and shake vigorously until mixed well.

Step 2: Marinate Chicken

Trim the excess fat on chicken thighs and add them to a large ziplock bag for easy clean-up.

Pour the marinade into the bag, squeeze out the air and seal it well.

Toss the chicken, rub it with the marinade, then refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Step 3: Cook Chicken in the oven

Place the marinated chicken on an aluminum-lined baking tray.

Turn on the oven broiler and place the tray on the first rack in the oven.

Cook for 8 minutes, then flip and cook for another 6 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F at the thickest part.

Step 3 Alternative Method: Air Fryer Pollo Asado

Preheat the air fryer to 360°F. Place chicken in the fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8 minutes.

Flip the chicken and cook for another 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken cooks through.

How to tell if the chicken is cooked? The sure-shot way to tell if the chicken is cooked is by using a meat thermometer. If it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F when inserted into the thickest part, the chicken is ready.

Step 4: Rest and Slice

Rest the chicken for at least 5 minutes, then slice or dice it as needed. Serve with cilantro lime rice and cucumber tomato avocado salad for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Pollo Asado adds a fragrant, citrusy kick to anything you serve it with. My favorites include:

• Salad: Serve it on top of black bean salad or strawberry spinach salad.
• Sandwiches / Wraps / Burritos: Stuff it inside burritos or tortillas or sandwich it between your favorite bread with fresh, crisp vegetables.
• Tacos: Slice or dice, then stuff inside hard or soft corn tortillas, along with your favorite taco fixings.
• Dinner: Serve it as the main course alongside cilantro lime rice and cucumber tomato avocado salad for a complete, well-balanced meal.
• Low Carb Meal: Serve it with cilantro lime cauliflower rice and roasted broccoli for a low-carb meal.

How to Store

Meal Prep: After cooling, slice the chicken against the grain and store in meal prep containers for up to 5 days.

Leftover pollo asado will keep for up to 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe airtight container or plastic storage bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Recipe Tips & Notes

• Marinate: Marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes in the refrigerator. Chicken can be marinated for up to 4 hours if you have the time.
• Internal Temperature: Cook the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part.
• Rest: Allow the chicken to rest at least 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows time for the juices to redistribute.
• Using Chicken Breast: If using chicken breasts, cut them in half lengthwise and follow the same cooking time.
• Achiote Powder Substitute: Use an equal amount of homemade or store-bought taco seasoning + 1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicken Recipes You May Like

These are all part of the Chicken, Meat, and Seafood Recipes collection:

Popular Mexican Recipes on the Blog

These are part of the Mexican Recipes collection:

📖 Recipe