Description
This Mexican Grilled Chicken (Pollo Asado) recipe features juicy, flavorful chicken breasts or thighs marinated in a tangy blend of orange juice, lime juice, fresh cilantro, and aromatic spices. Grilled to perfection, this dish offers a vibrant and zesty taste of authentic Mexican cuisine, perfect for a quick weekday dinner or festive gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Marinade
- ½ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup lime juice
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- ¼ cup packed fresh cilantro
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Butterfly the chicken breasts or thighs or pound them to an even thickness of about 1 inch to ensure uniform cooking.
- Make Marinade: In a food processor or blender, combine the orange juice, lime juice, vegetable oil, roughly chopped onion, garlic cloves, fresh cilantro, chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Blend until the mixture is mostly smooth and well combined.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the prepared chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour the marinade over them. Toss well to coat all chicken pieces thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes and up to 2 hours, but no longer than 4 hours to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
- Grill Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature between 375-425°F (190-220°C). Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring juicy and tender chicken. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Mexican Grilled Chicken.
Notes
- Do not marinate the chicken for more than 4 hours as the acid in the citrus juice can start to break down the texture of the meat excessively.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- If a grill is unavailable, the chicken can also be cooked under a broiler or in a grill pan on the stovetop, adjusting cook times accordingly.
- For added smoky flavor, consider using charcoal or adding wood chips to your grill.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and is great for salads, tacos, or sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
