Description
This Mexican Grilled Chicken (Pollo Asado) recipe features juicy boneless chicken breasts or thighs marinated in a zesty blend of orange and lime juices, fresh cilantro, and traditional Mexican spices. Grilled to perfection over medium-high heat, this dish delivers vibrant flavors perfect for any summer cookout or weeknight meal.
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 or pound the chicken breasts or thighs 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, oregano, salt, and pepper. Blend until the mixture is mostly smooth.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the prepared chicken in a large bowl and pour the marinade over it. Toss the chicken to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to a maximum of 4 hours to let the flavors infuse.
- Grill Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375-425°F / 190-220°C). Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Grill the marinated chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the grilled chicken from the heat and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This helps retain the juices. Serve warm, paired with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Do not marinate the chicken for more than 4 hours as the acid in the citrus can start to break down the meat too much, resulting in a mushy texture.
- Using boneless, skinless thighs will provide juicier meat, but breasts work well for a leaner option.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or broiler, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
- Letting the chicken rest before serving ensures more tender and flavorful results.
