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I’m a big fan of Chipotle for quick lunches (there’s so much to love… barbecue! avocado! salsa dancing! ), and this Roast Chicken Recipe with easy marinade was inspired by this new flavored chicken that they introduced last year. As always though, I made it myself and incorporated my research on traditional polo asado. I’ve been through the real deal a few times in Mexico and that’s what I’m aiming for. So while it’s not exactly like Chipotle’s, I think you’ll love it!
Why You’ll Love This Pollo Asado Recipe
- Juicy Roast Chicken
- Tangy, aromatic, slightly sweet marinade
- easy to make
- Cook on the grill or in the oven – the choice is any time of year!
- simple, healthy dinner

What is Roast Chicken?
Roast chicken, also known as roast chicken or roast chicken, is a Mexican Grilled chicken dish marinated in citrus juices, garlic, herbs and spices. It’s tender and juicy, full-bodied and full-bodied. The name translates to “grilled chicken” or “grilled chicken” in Spanish.
Ingredients and Substitutes
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for Polo Shrimp Sado, the role each ingredient plays in the recipe, and substitution options.For measurements, see recipe card below.
chicken:
You can make pollo asado chicken in almost any cut, but I use bone-in drumsticks for maximum flavor. (For more tips and tricks on grilling, check out my Grilled Chicken Thighs postal. )
If you want to use your chicken for bowls or burritos like Chipotle does, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a better choice. See instructions below for cooking other chicken parts.
Grilled Chicken Marinade:
- olive oil – This forms the base of the marinade, locks in moisture, and adds flavor. Avocado oil or another neutral cooking oil would also work for this.
- citrus juice – The classic pollo asado uses a combination of orange and lime juice (fresh or bottled) to achieve a balance of richness and sweetness. I usually avoid sugary fruit juices, but this made a huge difference to this pollo asado marinade!If you want no sugar at all, you can omit the orange juice and add a teaspoon orange extract seasoning and a few tablespoons unsweetened honey For sweetness. It won’t be as traditional, but still delicious!
- garlic – For best flavor, use 6 cloves of fresh garlic.Alternatively, you can also use 3 teaspoons instead canned garlic or 3/4 tsp garlic powder.
- achiot powder – This classic ingredient in pollo asado marinades is a spice made from ground annatto seeds. It has an earthy, slightly sweet flavor and red color.you can Buy Achiot Powder Hereor use achiot paste instead. If you don’t have either, the closest substitute is paprika, with a dash of cayenne and turmeric combined.
- other mexican spices – mix cumin powder, coriander, smoked paprika (or sweet paprika works too), sea salt and black pepper.
- dried oregano – I used regular dried oregano because it’s easier to find, but you can also use Mexican oregano for a more intense flavor.
- decorations – Fresh cilantro and lime wedges complete the dish, but they are optional.

How to Make Pollo Asado
This section shows how to cook pollo asado, with step-by-step photos and details about techniques to help you visualize it.For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see recipe card below.
- Make the grilled chicken marinade. In a small bowl place olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, achiote powder, cumin, oregano, coriander, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper and stir together.
- Marinate the chicken. Place chicken thighs in a large plastic bag, add pollo asado marinade, seal and turn to coat evenly. refrigeration.


- Cook the chicken. Place the pollo asado on the grill and cook over indirect heat. (Indirect cooking is when there are no burners on one side of the grill. This makes for a crispier skin.) Alternatively, you can bake them on a baking sheet in the oven.
- rest. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate, cover with foil, and let rest for at least 5 minutes to allow juices to settle before serving.
Tip: Use a meat thermometer for best results.
For the juiciest chicken, use Instant Read Meat Thermometer or probe thermometer Check for doneness. Dark meat, such as chicken thighs, is juicier when cooked at an internal temperature of 170°F, while white meat, such as chicken breast, is juicier when cooked at an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve. Garnish pollo asado with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, if desired.


How to Cook Other Cuts of Chicken
If you don’t have bone-in chicken thighs and want to make this pollo asado recipe with other chicken pieces, you absolutely can! Marinate the chicken in the same manner as above, following the cooking instructions below:
- Boneless Chicken Thighs – 4-5 minutes per side on direct heat, or bake at 425°F for about 20 minutes.
- chicken breast – When grilling chicken breasts, cook on direct heat for 6-8 minutes per side.arrive Grilled Chicken Breastbake at 450°F for 18-22 minutes.
- drumstick – Roast skin side down on direct heat for 25 minutes, turning every 5-7 minutes.For extra crispy skin, follow my method of cooking over indirect heat Roast Chicken Legs postal. If you prefer an oven, Roast Chicken Legs Heat at 425°F for 35-45 minutes.
- wing – direct heat for 10-12 minutes per side, or grilled chicken wings Heat at 425°F for 35-40 minutes.
storage instructions
- shop: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Meal Prep: You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead, or cook and store in meal prep containers for an easy lunch.
- Reheat: Heat the pollo asado on a grill over indirect heat or in a 350-degree oven. You can use the microwave, but the crust won’t be crispy.
- freeze: Cool completely, then transfer to a zip lock bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

What to serve with Pollo Asado
There are so many ways to use pollo asado! Serve it as a side dish for a main course, or make a boneless cut and use it in other recipes:
More Mexican Chicken Recipes
Add quick, easy spice to your life with these Mexican-inspired chicken recipes!
Roast Chicken (Grill or Oven!)
You’ll love this easy pollo asado recipe with a delicious citrus marinade. Make it on the grill in the summer, or in the oven year-round!
Prepare: 10 minute
chef: 30 minute
Marinating time: 1 Hour
all: 1 Hour 40 minute
Serving Size: 8 (Adjust according to recipe ratio)
raw material
Click on the underlined ingredients to see where to get them. Please turn off Safari reader mode to view ingredients.
instruct
Click on the time in the instructions below to start the kitchen timer while cooking.
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In a medium mixing bowl, brush Combine olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, achiote powder, cumin, oregano, coriander, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper.
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Place chicken thighs in a large plastic bag, add pollo asado marinade, seal and toss to coat. Make sure each piece of chicken is completely coated with the marinade.Refrigerate at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours).
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Grilling Instructions: Towards the end of marinating time, clean your grates to grill Wipe with an oiled paper towel before cooking/preheating.Preheat half the burners on your grill to medium-high heat for at least 10 minutes, leaving the other half for indirect heating. Place chicken thighs, skin side down, on a grill over indirect heat (not over an open burner).turn off the grill and cook 15-20 minutes. Indirect heat will heat the chicken evenly without burning the skin.When the skin is crispy, turn over and fry for a while 15-20 minutesuntil the internal temperature reaches 170°F (77°C).
Oven Instructions: Towards the end of marinating time, preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).place chicken legs in bakeware, with spaces between blocks.bake 25-35 minutesuntil the internal temperature reaches 170°F (77°C).
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Transfer the chicken to a plate, cover with foil, and let stand 5-10 minutes before serving.
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Garnish pollo asado with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, if desired.
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recipe notes
Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
Nutritional information does not include optional garnishes.
nutrient content
Amount per serving. Serving sizes in recipe instructions above.
calories Chapter 454
fat 37.8 grams
protein 24 grams
total carbohydrates 4.4 grams
net carbs 3.8 grams
fiber 0.6 grams
sugar 1.5 grams
Nutrition Facts are provided as a courtesy. Questions about calculations or why do I get different results?Please view our nutrition policy.
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