Mexican Grilled Pollo Asado is a flavorful dish that features marinated chicken grilled to perfection. The marinade includes zesty lime, garlic, and spices that make every bite mouthwatering!
Honestly, this chicken is a crowd-pleaser at any BBQ! I love to serve it with fresh salsa and warm tortillas. It always brings a little fiesta to the table! 🌮
What I enjoy most is how easy it is to prepare the marinade ahead of time. Just let the chicken soak up the flavors and grill away for a tasty treat everyone loves!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Leg Quarters: These pieces are juicy and flavorful. If unavailable, you can use chicken thighs or drumsticks separately. Bone-in pieces are best for grilling as they stay moist.
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the marinade. You can substitute it with avocado oil for a different flavor and higher smoke point.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice really brightens up the chicken’s flavor. If fresh limes aren’t available, bottled lime juice works, but fresh is always better!
Spices: Cumin and smoked paprika are key for that authentic taste. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika with a pinch of chipotle powder can add some smokiness.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a vibrant touch as a garnish. If you’re not a fan, parsley or even green onions can be good alternatives for color and freshness.
How Do I Marinade Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating the chicken is crucial for infusing flavor and keeping it juicy. Start by whisking together the marinade ingredients in a bowl. The combination of olive oil and lime juice acts as a tenderizer and flavor booster.
- Make sure the marinade coats all the chicken pieces evenly.
- For best results, let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight. The longer, the better!
When you’re ready to grill, let any excess marinade drip off. This helps achieve that perfect char on the grill. Enjoy your flavor-packed pollo asado!
How to Make Mexican Grilled Pollo Asado
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken:
- 4 chicken leg quarters (thigh and drumstick)
For Serving:
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Grilled green onions or scallions, for serving
- Salsa verde, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to grill. However, for the best flavor, let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or even overnight if you have time. So, plan ahead for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, dried oregano, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This will create a flavorful marinade to make your chicken taste incredible!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken leg quarters to the marinade, making sure they’re well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it sit for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best taste.
3. Preheat and Prepare for Grilling:
When you’re ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure your chicken cooks evenly and gets that nice char.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Just toss the remaining marinade! Place the chicken on the grill, skin-side down. Grill for about 6-8 minutes, or until the skin is nice and charred. Flip the chicken over and reduce the heat to medium. Continue grilling for another 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads 165°F (75°C).
5. Grill the Green Onions:
During the last 5-7 minutes of grilling, add some green onions or scallions to the grill. They will get charred and softened, adding great flavor to your meal!
6. Let It Rest and Serve:
After grilling, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making for juicier chicken. When ready to serve, garnish the pollo asado with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and your grilled green onions. If you like, offer salsa verde on the side for extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Leg Quarters?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for leg quarters, but adjust the cooking time. Chicken breasts typically cook faster, so grill them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When you’re ready to grill, add the chicken to the marinade and allow it to marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight for more flavor.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Pollo Asado
To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the grill for a few minutes to restore some crispiness.
What Sides Pair Well with Mexican Grilled Pollo Asado?
This dish pairs beautifully with rice and beans, grilled vegetables, or a fresh corn salad. You can also serve it with warm tortillas for a delicious taco night or enjoy it over a simple green salad!
