Name: Pollo Asado Chipotle (Copycat Recipe)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 3 pounds Chicken Thighs; 1 tbsp olive oil; 4-5 tbsp water; 1 can chipotle peppers; 4 tbsp lime juice; 4 tbsp orange juice; ½ cup cilantro; 6 garlic cloves; 1 medium onions; 1 tbsp cumin; 1 tbsp Oregano; 1 tbsp Coriander; 1 tbsp smoked paprika; 1 tbsp salt; ½ tbsp pepper

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

Rate this post

Pollo asado chipotle recipe is perfect if you’re in the mood for a smoky, spicy, and tender grilled chicken dish. If you’re a fan of spicy food and want to give your meals a Mexican twist, this dish is for you. When you try this chicken, your taste buds will start doing a delighted tango because of the enticing balance of sweet and acidic flavors imparted by the chipotle, lime, and orange.

Whether you want to enjoy it on its own or add it to your burrito bowls, this recipe is easy to make and guaranteed to impress your friends and family. Get ready on a journey with this mouthwatering pollo Asado chipotle recipe.

What is Pollo Asado?

Pollo Asado, or grilled chicken, is a famous and beloved meal in Mexico. In Spanish, grilled chicken is called “Pollo Asado.” Pollo Asado is made by marinating chicken in a blend of citrus juices, herbs, and spices until the meat turns a bright orange and red hue.

Common marinade additions include orange, lime, garlic, cumin, oregano, and chili powder. Tender, juicy chicken with a bit of smokiness comes from a flawless grilling job. You may eat Pollo Asado or include it in other popular Mexican recipes like tacos, burritos, and salads.

Ingredients for Pollo Asado Chipotle

Chicken Thighs: Thighs have a lot of flavors and are juicy, making them a great grilled chicken option. Furthermore, they are less prone to dry out in the cooking process, making them a more forgiving option than chicken breasts.

Onion: The onion enhances the marinade with a sweet and tart flavor and provides some textural contrast to the meal.

Garlic: The marinade has a more robust and spicy taste because of adding garlic. It also helps the immune system and reduces inflammation, among its many other health advantages.

Orange Juice and Lime Juice: The blend of citrus liquids in the marinade provides a vibrant and tangy taste to the meal. They also assist in tenderizing the meat.

Cilantro: Cilantro adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish. It is commonly used in Mexican cuisine and pairs well with the other ingredients in the marinade.

Chipotle Peppers: Chipotle peppers add a smoky and spicy flavor to the marinade. They are dried and smoked jalapeño peppers with unique and complex flavor profiles.

Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the marinade. It is made from dried and smoked peppers and is a common spice in Spanish cuisine.

Oregano: Oregano adds a savory and slightly bitter flavor to the marinade. It is a common herb in Mediterranean cuisine and pairs well with the other ingredients in the marinade.

Salt and Pepper: Salt and pepper help to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients in the marinade. They are also essential for seasoning the chicken properly.

Steps for making Pollo Asado Chipotle

Marination

Start by making the marinade. In a blender, combine 1 chopped onion, 6 minced garlic cloves, 4 tbsp of orange juice, 4 tbsp of lime juice, 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro, 1 can or 7 oz chopped chipotle peppers, 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Blend until smooth.
Place 3-pound chicken thighs in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag.
Pour the marinade over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are evenly coated. Massage the marinade into the chicken to ensure it is well distributed.
Cover the bowl or seal the bag, and refrigerate the chicken for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become.

Grill the chicken

Grill to medium-high heat, between 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Take out the marinade chicken and toss it.
Prepare the grill and cook the chicken for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the thighs. To achieve equal cooking, turn the chicken over periodically.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
The chicken is done grilling when it registers an internal temperature of 165 ° F. After 5 to 10 minutes of resting; the chicken may be sliced and served.

Steps For Cooking in Pan

Cook the chicken in a pan over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes per side or until the chicken is fully cooked and has a golden brown color.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Take the chicken out of the pan after it reaches an internal temperature and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Pollo Asado in Air Fryer

To use an air fryer, place the chicken in a basket and separate the pieces so they are not touching.
Air-fried the chicken for 12-15 minutes total, turning once.
Rest the chicken 5-10 minutes after removing it from the air fryer to ensure even cooking before slicing and serving.

What to serve with Pollo Asado?

Cilantro Lime Rice: Along with the spiciness and smokey aroma of the chicken, a side dish of white rice cooked with fresh cilantro and lime juice provides a refreshing and aromatic accompaniment.
Chipotle Corn Salsa: Salsa have fresh and vibrant ingredients like roasted corn, diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and chipotle peppers to counteract the sweetness of the Pollo Asado.
Black Beans: It’s a stroke of genius to pair the smokey flavor of grilled chicken with the velvety texture of black beans. They pair superbly with burritos and work equally well as a standalone side dish.
Salad: To cut through the heavy flavor of the Pollo Asado, serve it with a simple green salad and some sliced tomato and cucumber.

Additional Tips For Better Results

Use chicken thighs: Thighs are a better choice than breasts since they are tastier and more tender in this dish. They retain their quality, whether cooked on a grill or pan.

Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours: The longer it is marinated, the tastier it will be. Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours overnight for the best results.

Don’t overcook the chicken: To avoid burning them, keep an eye on your chicken thighs while they cook.

Let the chicken rest: The chicken has to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. It lets the liquids redistribute throughout the chicken, making it more soft and tasty.

Customize the spice level: Modify the number of chipotle peppers used to get the desired level. You may adjust the flavor further using spices like cumin or chili powder.

Faqs

Can I make Chipotle Pollo Asado in the oven?

Yes, you can make Pollo Asado in the oven by baking the chicken at 375°F for 20-25 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

How should I store Pollo Asado Chipotle?

To store Pollo Asado Chipotle, place the cooked chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate it for 3-4 days.

Can I freeze Pollo Asado Chipotle?

Yes, you can freeze Pollo Asado Chipotle. Once the chicken is cooked and cooled, place it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and freeze it for up to 3 months.