This Chicken Asado is a delicious dish with marinated chicken that’s grilled to juicy perfection. It’s packed with flavors from spices, garlic, and citrus—yum!
Whenever I make this, I just love how easy it is to whip up and impress friends. Serve it with rice or tortillas for a tasty meal, and don’t forget the extra lime for zing! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs add flavor and moisture. If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless thighs, but they may cook faster, so watch the grilling time closely!
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice gives a bright flavor. If oranges aren’t available, use bottled juice, but check for added sugars. You can also substitute with pineapple juice for a different twist.
Lime Juice: Like orange juice, fresh lime juice enhances the marinade’s freshness. Lemon juice could work as a substitute in a pinch, though it will taste a little different.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is a lovely garnish. If you’re not a fan, parsley works fine too, or you can simply omit it for a clean look.
How Do I Get Chicken Thighs Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling chicken thighs requires some attention to ensure they cook evenly and stay juicy. Here’s how to get it right:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using charcoal, wait until the coals are ashed over.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and let it drip for a few seconds. Don’t rinse it; the marinade flavors are key!
- Place chicken skin-side down on the grill. This helps achieve that crispy skin everyone loves.
- Don’t flip too early! Grill for 5-7 minutes before checking. You want nice grill marks.
- Flip and cook for another 5-7 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C).
- After grilling, let your chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
How to Make Chicken Asado (Pollo Asado)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken:
- 4 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires at least 2 hours to marinate the chicken. For the best flavor, marinate overnight. Cooking the chicken will take about 15 minutes, so overall you’ll need around 2 hours and 30 minutes, mostly hands-off time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Use a whisk to mix everything together until it’s well blended. This will be your delicious marinade!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure each piece is nicely covered in the mixture. You can either cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer everything to a resealable plastic bag. Place the chicken in the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 2 hours to allow those wonderful flavors to soak in—overnight is even better!
3. Prepare the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using charcoal, let the coals burn until they have a layer of white ash on them. This means they’re ready to go!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the marinade, letting any excess marinade drip off (be sure to toss the leftover marinade). Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the hot grill. Grill them for about 5-7 minutes. Then, flip the chicken and cook for another 5-7 minutes on the other side. You’re aiming for the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and have a nice char on the outside.
5. Let It Rest:
Once the chicken is cooked, take it off the grill and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside the chicken, making it extra flavorful!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, sprinkle some chopped fresh cilantro over the chicken for a pop of color and flavor. Pair your Chicken Asado with sides like rice, beans, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your tasty homemade meal!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs work great due to their flavor and moisture, you can also use chicken drumsticks or breasts. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary—breasts may cook faster, so check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they’re properly cooked.
What Can I Substitute for Orange Juice?
If you don’t have orange juice, feel free to use another citrus juice like grapefruit or tangerine for a different flavor. For a non-citrus option, a blend of apple cider vinegar and a touch of sugar can mimic the acidity and sweetness of orange juice.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Asado?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, make sure to warm it gently in the oven or on the stove to retain moisture, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed.
Can I Add More Spices to the Marinade?
Definitely! Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your liking by adding cayenne pepper for heat or smoked paprika for extra depth. Just remember to taste the marinade before adding more spices so you can balance the flavors according to your preference!
