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โ€“+ servings
Grilled Pollo Asado with a golden, charred crust, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, sizzling on a wooden board near an open grill.

The Best Pollo Asado Marinade for Juicy and Flavorful Chicken

Transform your chicken with this unique Pollo Asado Marinade! ๐Ÿ‹๐ŸŠ Packed with citrus, achiote, and a few secret ingredients like honey, cinnamon, and white wine, this marinade guarantees tender, flavorful, and vibrant chicken. Perfect for grilling or baking, itโ€™s an easy recipe that delivers bold flavors for any occasion.
5 from 2 votes
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Course: Main dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Achiote Chicken, Authentic Mexican food, Grilled Chicken Marinade, Juicy Grilled Chicken, Mexican Chicken Dish, Pollo Asado Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 29 minutes
Marinating Time: 12 hours
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 320kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Large resealable bag or glass container
  • Grill or baking tray
  • Basting brush
  • Instant-read thermometer

Ingredients

  • Main Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs of chicken thighs, breasts, or a whole chicken, cut into pieces
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • Juice of 2 oranges
  • 2 tablespoons of white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons of achiote paste
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 small onion grated
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Secret Ingredients:
  • 2 tablespoons honey ๐Ÿฏ
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon ๐Ÿฅ„
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine ๐Ÿท
  • Spices and Herbs:
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or chipotle powder

Instructions

  • Combine all the marinade ingredients in a bowl, whisking until smooth.
  • Place the chicken in a resealable bag or container and pour the marinade over it, ensuring the chicken is fully coated.
  • Refrigerate for at least 12 hours (overnight is best).
  • Grill or bake the chicken as desired (see tips below).

Notes

Tips, Variations, and Suggestions
  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Grilling Tips: Preheat the grill to medium-high (375ยฐF-450ยฐF). Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF.
  • ๐Ÿ— Baking Tips: Preheat the oven to 425ยฐF. Bake the chicken on a lined tray for 25-30 minutes. Finish with a quick broil for a crispy exterior.
  • ๐Ÿท Why White Wine? The wine enhances the citrus and achiote flavors, giving the chicken a subtle depth.
  • ๐ŸŒถ Add Heat: For a spicy kick, add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
  • ๐ŸŒฟ Garnish: Sprinkle fresh cilantro before serving for a burst of freshness.
  • ๐Ÿฝ Variations: Use the marinated chicken in tacos, burritos, or salads for a versatile meal.

This Pollo Asado recipe is a perfect blend of vibrant colors, bold spices, and tender textures. ๐ŸŒŸ Whether youโ€™re hosting a BBQ or preparing a cozy dinner, this dish will impress every time. Don't forget to pair it with warm tortillas and your favorite sides like Mexican rice or grilled veggies! ๐ŸŒฎโœจ

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 320kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 12g | Sodium: 380mg | Sugar: 6g

Nutrition Disclaimer

The Chef Marcy is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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