Zesty Citrus Pollo Asado

Welcome to a flavorful exploration where traditional meets tantalizing! Today, we’re diving into a recipe that promises to bring some zest to your table – the Zesty Citrus Pollo Asado. This dish combines the rich textures of chicken with vibrant citrus flavors and deep spices, creating a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. Perfect for a family dinner or a festive gathering, this Pollo Asado is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• Chicken: 4-5 pounds bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed
• Marinade:
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 ounces achiote paste
  • 1 tablespoon each of ground coriander, ground cumin, and kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons each of smoked paprika and dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon each of pepper and chipotle chile pepper

Directions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   • In a large mixing bowl or a freezer-size plastic bag, combine olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, chopped onion, minced garlic, achiote paste, and all the spices. Whisk well to blend.
   • Add the chicken thighs and turn to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated with the marinade.
   • Refrigerate to marinate for 4 to 24 hours. Before cooking, allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
2. Grill Preparation:
   • Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat (425-450°F).
   • Clean the grill grates and lightly grease them with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
   • Place the chicken skin side down on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 175°F.
3. Oven Method:
   • If grilling isn’t an option, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
   • Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly spray with cooking spray.
   • Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer and bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 175 degrees F.
4. Serve:
   • This Pollo Asado pairs beautifully with warm tortillas, Mexican street corn, piña colada fruit salad, and cilantro lime rice, making a complete and vibrant meal.

Preparation Overview:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6

This Zesty Citrus Pollo Asado recipe brings a burst of sunshine and flavor to any meal. Whether you choose to grill or bake it, the results are guaranteed to be delicious. The blend of citrus juices with the earthy spices creates a marinade that infuses the chicken with incredible flavors, making each bite a delightful experience. So gather your ingredients, and let’s bring the zest to your kitchen!