Pollo Asado

Pollo Asado is a vibrant and flavorful Mexican dish that showcases marinated grilled chicken with a stunning brick-red color. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, barbecues, or cozy family dinners. The unique blend of spices and citrus not only enhances the chicken’s taste but also ensures it remains juicy and tender. Serve it with pickled onions and warm tortillas for authentic tacos or alongside rice and beans for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of dried chiles, citrus juices, and spices creates a rich flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, making Pollo Asado is straightforward, even for beginners.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this chicken with tortillas for tacos or as a main dish paired with sides like rice and beans.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to impress guests at any gathering, making it perfect for parties and family meals.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Marinate the chicken ahead of time to save on dinner prep when you’re busy.

Tools and Preparation

To create the best Pollo Asado, having the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother. Here’s a brief overview of what you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Blender
• Medium skillet
• Grill (charcoal or gas)
• Mixing bowl or resealable freezer bag
• Baking sheet or tray

Importance of Each Tool

• Blender: Essential for achieving a smooth marinade that captures all flavors.
• Grill: Provides the authentic smoky flavor that defines Pollo Asado.
• Mixing bowl or resealable freezer bag: Helps in marinating the chicken evenly without mess.

Ingredients

Pollo asado, Mexican marinated and grilled chicken, uses pigmented annatto seeds to get its signature brick red color. Annatto seeds can be found in Latin supermarkets or online, but a cube of prepared achiote paste is a suitable sub. This recipe uses two types of dried chiles, for which there are no substitutes; however, if they’re hard to come by, swap them out for a can of seeded chipotles in adobo for a different, but still delicious, smoky vibe. The acidity from the citrus in the marinade helps tenderize the chicken legs, but a limit does exist; keep it under 12 hours. Serve the chicken alongside pickled onions and warm tortillas for quick tacos, or beans and rice.

For the Marinade

• 6 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 small yellow onion, peeled and halved through the root
• 3 guajillo chiles, seeded
• 2 pasilla chiles, seeded
• 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 cup grapefruit or orange juice (from 1 grapefruit or 2 oranges)
• 1/2 cup lime juice (from about 4 limes)
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal), plus more for seasoning
• 2 teaspoons annatto seeds, or a cube of achiote paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon hot paprika

For the Chicken

• 3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks and thighs

For Grilling

• 2 tablespoons neutral oil
• 1/2 bunch cilantro (leaves and tender stems)
• 3 limes, cut into wedges

How to Make Pollo Asado

Making Pollo Asado involves marinating the chicken first before grilling it to perfection. Follow these steps for an unforgettable dish.

Step 1: Make the Marinade

Heat a medium skillet over medium. Add the garlic cloves and onion, cooking until charred in spots (about 5 minutes). Flip them over to char on the opposite side for another 5 minutes before transferring them to a blender.

Step 2: Prepare Dried Chiles

Place the chiles in the same skillet. Press down firmly until they blister and become fragrant (about 1 minute), then flip them over to repeat on the other side before adding them to the blender.

Step 3: Toast Spices

Turn off the heat under the skillet; immediately add coriander and cumin. Swirl until fragrant (15-30 seconds), then transfer these spices to your blender along with grapefruit juice, lime juice, salt, annatto seeds (or achiote paste), oregano, and paprika. Blend until smooth.

Step 4: Marinate Chicken

Transfer this marinade into a bowl or resealable freezer bag. Add your chicken pieces; toss well to coat them in flavor. Place in the fridge for at least 3 hours up to 12 hours.

Step 5: Prepare Chicken for Grilling

Use your hands to scrape off any excess marinade from each piece of chicken. Brush each piece lightly with neutral oil and season generously with salt. Arrange on a baking sheet or tray for easy transport to your grill.

Step 6: Set Up Grill

Prepare your grill for indirect heat by heating coals on one half if using charcoal; turn half burners on medium-high if using gas. Lightly grease grates with paper towel dipped in neutral oil before placing chicken skin-side up on cooler side of grill. Cover grill; cook until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (25-30 minutes).

Step 7: Finish Cooking

For extra char on skin, flip chicken onto coal side with cover open until nicely charred (just 1-2 minutes). Alternatively, use a grill pan over medium heat while flipping every five minutes until fully cooked.

Step 8: Rest Before Serving

Transfer cooked chicken onto platter; season with salt again if desired. Tent with foil allowing it to rest at least five minutes before serving alongside cilantro leaves and lime wedges.

Now enjoy your homemade Pollo Asado!

How to Serve Pollo Asado

Pollo Asado is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you choose to serve it as a main course or as part of a festive gathering, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

Tacos

• Fresh tortillas filled with shredded Pollo Asado, topped with pickled onions and cilantro for a burst of flavor.

Rice Bowls

• Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice, drizzled with lime juice and garnished with avocado slices for a satisfying meal.

Salads

• Chop the grilled chicken and toss it into a fresh salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and your favorite dressing for a healthy option.

Sandwiches

• Create delicious sandwiches using toasted bread, adding sliced Pollo Asado, avocado, and spicy mayo for extra zing.

Platter Style

• Arrange whole pieces of Pollo Asado on a platter with lime wedges and fresh herbs for an impressive presentation at gatherings.

How to Perfect Pollo Asado

To make your Pollo Asado truly outstanding, consider these essential tips that enhance flavor and texture.

• Marinate Wisely: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 3 hours but no more than 12 hours to achieve the best flavor without compromising texture.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, citrus juices, and spices enhance the overall taste of your marinade significantly.
• Monitor Cooking Temperature: Ensure your grill maintains the right temperature; too hot can burn the chicken while too cool may leave it undercooked.
• Rest Before Serving: Letting the chicken rest after cooking allows juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful meat.
• Experiment with Flavor: Feel free to add different spices or herbs to your marinade to customize the flavor profile according to your preference.
• Serve with Accompaniments: Pairing Pollo Asado with sides like pickled onions and fresh lime elevates the dish even further.

Best Side Dishes for Pollo Asado

Serving side dishes alongside your delicious Pollo Asado can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options you might consider:

1. Mexican Rice
   A flavorful rice dish cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices that complements the seasoned chicken perfectly.

2. Refried Beans
   Creamy refried beans serve as a hearty side that pairs beautifully with the smoky flavors of Pollo Asado.

3. Grilled Corn on the Cob
   Sweet corn brushed with butter and sprinkled with chili powder makes for a delightful summer side.

4. Guacamole
   Creamy avocado dip spiced with lime and cilantro adds freshness that balances out the richness of the chicken.

5. Pickled Onions
   Quick-pickled red onions provide tanginess that cuts through the richness of the grilled chicken.

6. Chips and Salsa
   Crispy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa offer a crunchy contrast alongside tender Pollo Asado.

7. Cilantro Lime Quinoa
   A light quinoa dish flavored with cilantro and lime provides a healthy alternative that still packs in plenty of flavor.

8. Street Corn Salad
   A vibrant salad combining corn, lime juice, cotija cheese, and spices brings brightness to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making pollo asado, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls to ensure delicious results. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:

• Skipping the marinating time: Not allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 3 hours can lead to bland flavors. Aim for the full 12 hours for maximum taste.

• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking pollo asado beyond 165 degrees Fahrenheit can dry it out. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature accurately.

• Using substitutes for dried chiles: While some ingredients might seem interchangeable, using different chiles can alter the dish’s authentic flavor. Stick to guajillo and pasilla chiles for the best results.

• Neglecting indirect heat on the grill: Placing chicken directly over high heat can cause burning. Use indirect heat to cook evenly and achieve that perfect char.

• Not scraping off excess marinade: Leaving too much marinade on the chicken can result in soggy skin. Make sure to scrape off any excess before grilling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover pollo asado in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Pollo Asado

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing in a freezer-safe bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.

Reheating Pollo Asado

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat chicken until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of water or oil. Cover and warm until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is pollo asado?

Pollo asado is a traditional Mexican dish featuring marinated and grilled chicken, known for its vibrant flavors and beautiful color from annatto seeds or achiote paste.

Can I use other types of chicken?

While this recipe specifically calls for bone-in, skin-on drumsticks and thighs, you can also use whole chickens or boneless cuts if preferred. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I make pollo asado spicy?

To increase spice levels, consider adding more hot paprika or incorporating additional dried chiles like arbol chiles into the marinade.

Can I cook pollo asado in the oven?

Yes! If grilling isn’t an option, you can roast pollo asado in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 45 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.

How do I serve pollo asado?

Serve pollo asado alongside pickled onions, warm tortillas, or beans and rice for a complete meal that’s perfect for gatherings or family dinners.

Final Thoughts

Pollo asado is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with rich flavors and vibrant colors. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite sides or toppings. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this recipe promises delicious results that will impress your guests. Give it a try and explore all the delightful variations you can create!