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Mexican Dinner Featured

Mexican Pollo Asado

A quintessential Mexican grilled chicken recipe featuring an aromatic blend of citrus, achiote, and spices.

Level Medium Prep 20 min Cook 15 min Servings 6 Score 4.9/10
Ready in
255 min

Makes 6 servings

Prep 20m
Cook 15m
Level Medium

About this recipe

A quintessential Mexican grilled chicken recipe featuring an aromatic blend of citrus, achiote, and spices.

Traditional Mexican Pollo Asado packed with citrus and spice.

Ingredients

Equipment

  • Outdoor grill Gas or charcoal
  • Blender For smooth marinade mixing
  • Meat thermometer To check doneness

Instructions

  1. In a blender or bowl, combine orange juice, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, achiote paste, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth.

  2. Place chicken in a resealable bag or dish, pour the marinade over it, ensuring it is well coated.

  3. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

    4 min
  4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates nicely.

  5. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and nice char marks form.

    15 min
  6. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

    5 min

Nutrition

Calories 290
Protein 34g
Carbs 4g
Fat 14g
Fiber 1g
Sugar 2g
Sodium 580mg
Serving Size 1 serving

Cooking Timeline

Prep 20 min
Cook 15 min
Total 255 min

Recipe Scorecard

Overall 9.5 /10
Expert 4.9 95% conf.
  • Taste 10.0
  • Presentation 9.0
  • Nutrition 8.0
  • Value 9.5
  • Instructions 9.5
  • Ingredients 9.0
  • Time Accuracy 9.0
  • Difficulty 5.0
  • Would Make Again 9.5

Expert Review

Verdict

An incredible citrusy, smoky grilled chicken recipe that brings authentic Mexican flavors home.

Pros

  • Deep flavor profile
  • Juicy and tender
  • Great for tacos or bowls

Cons

  • Requires advance marination time

Overview

Traditional Mexican Pollo Asado packed with citrus and spice.

AI Insights

Summary

A quintessential Mexican grilled chicken recipe featuring an aromatic blend of citrus, achiote, and spices.

Tips

  • Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the juiciest texture
  • Let the chicken come to room temperature for 15 minutes before grilling
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges

Substitutions

  • Chicken thighs → Chicken breasts (reduce cooking time slightly)

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Pairing

  • Warm corn tortillas and salsa verde
  • Mexican rice and black beans

AI Cooking Assistant

Ask about substitutions, timing, or technique for this recipe.

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FAQ

Can I make this indoors on a stove?
Yes, you can cook it on a heavy cast-iron grill pan over medium-high heat.
What is achiote paste and can I substitute it?
Achiote paste gives it the signature color and earthy flavor. If unavailable, you can substitute with a mix of paprika and a pinch of tomato paste.

About the Author

FindEdition Kitchen

Specialty: Mexican cuisine

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Compare & Alternatives

For higher ratings, consider Classic Mexican Street Chicken Tacos (9.6/10). A quicker option is Authentic Mutton Karahi.

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