Pollo Asado

 Smoky, tangy, spicy and tasty, this marinated and roasted Pollo Asado is the most flavorful and moist tender chicken recipe! Put a Latin spin on tonight’s dinner using this meal-prep worthy recipe. 

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I’ll be honest, I can get pretty lazy when it comes to weeknight meals. What can I say? Mama is tired. Long work days turn into long work weeks and the burnout is REAL. 

But, I’m trying to be better y’all! Meal prep is KEY. If things get done in advance, I can guarantee a quick, delicious meal at any time. That’s where this recipe comes in! 

Straight from my latest favorite cookbook, this Pollo Asado is a busy parent’s dream. Easy-to-make and even easier to store and reheat, this chicken is a weeknight dinner made decadent. Each tender cut of meat is bold in flavor and juicy in texture. 

Perks and Highlights of this Pollo Asado Recipe

Cuisine Inspiration: Latin American – Embrace the zest and zeal of Latin America! This dish isn’t just food; it’s a cultural embrace, warming hearts and bellies alike.

Primary Cooking Method: Oven Baked – No grill? No problem! Perfectly roasted, this pollo asado brings the heat without the sweat, right in your oven!

Dietary Info: High-Protein, Gluten-Free – A powerhouse of protein with a gluten-free badge of honor, it’s everything your body craves, nothing it doesn’t.

Key Flavor: Citrus & Spice Symphony – Imagine zesty citrus notes doing the tango with bold spices; that’s the flavor fiesta happening here!

Skill Level: Easy to Intermediate – Fear not the kitchen, dear friend! This recipe is your golden ticket to flaunting culinary flair with ease.

Special Perks:

1. No-Fuss Marinade: That tantalizing soak of spices and citrus? It does wonders! Penetrating deep into the chicken, it promises flavor in every succulent bite.
2. Any-Weather Wonder: Rain, hail, or shine – your oven is your steadfast companion in this culinary journey, making this dish a go-to, any day.
3. Flexible Feasting: Serve it alongside a rainbow salad, a warm bed of rice, or stuffed in a crusty baguette; it’s a team player.
4. Healthy? Yes, Please!: Wave goodbye to guilt, because this high-protein, gluten-free delight is body goals in a dish.
5. Conversation Starter: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a buzzing social gathering, this dish doesn’t just feed; it fosters memories.

Contrary to what you might think, I don’t eat pie for breakfast and cake for dinner. Not saying that I haven’t, it’s just not in my daily practice. I consistently rely on healthy, make-ahead meals to give me energy I need to make it through my busy days! I mean, a girl can’t live on just sugar (I’ve tried). 

My secret to making healthy meals simple, diverse and flavor-packed? Skinnytaste Meal Prep! Gina Homolka’s latest release is full of recipes meant to help you save time on busy weeknights, keep your grocery budget low and keep hearty, nutrient dense food at your fingertips. 

Whether you’re looking to lose weight, eat a little healthier or save some time, this book is a tool that you can’t afford not to have in your belt! 

What is Pollo Asado?

This Pollo Asado recipe is an incredible and authentic version of the classic roasted chicken commonly made in Puerto Rico, Cuba and other parts of the Caribbean. Made with bold spices and baked to juicy, flavorful perfection, this chicken is chock-full of zesty Latin flavor and fantastically moist meat. 

Seasoning Ingredients

What makes Pollo Asado stand out is the delicious spices and herbs used. Latin cooking is known for its bold and exciting flavors, and this recipe is no exception! 

Here’s what you’ll need: 

• White or Apple Cider Vinegar- acetic acid in vinegar breaks down meat fibers, making them more tender and flavorful. 
• Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce- Just a few dashes adds a subtle, yet necessary kick! 
• Ground Oregano- if you can get your hands on it, Mexican oregano works best; it has lemon and citrus flavors as well as some tones of licorice. I find that Mexican oregano pairs beautifully with latin dishes. Both regular ground oregano or dried oregano will also work! 
• Ground Annatto or Achiote- Annatto/Achiote is a deep red spice that can be found in most latin markets; it makes for an authentic red-colored chicken, and adds a slightly peppery, smoky flavor. If you can’t get your hands on this stuff, sweet paprika is a great substitute! 
• Garlic Powder- I love the salty-sweet kick that garlic powder brings to the table. 
• Ground Cumin- earthy and warm, with an edge of citrus, cumin adds instant depth to any dish.
• Kosher Salt- Everything needs salt, don’t be shy. 

How to Cook It

Pollo asado is a dish made with very few ingredients and very little active effort. In fact, you could probably make it with your eyes closed! But I wouldn’t (and shouldn’t) recommend that. 

Making one chicken makes for a more simplified process that results in lots of yummy leftovers. If you prefer to use cuts, I recommend drumsticks, thighs, bone-in breasts or wings. Just be sure to use an equal amount of meat, about 3 pounds. 

Folks living in warmer climates often prefer to either grill or smoke their pollo asado. But, for the sake of simplicity, we’re baking it! The low and slow cook in the oven produces a very tender and juicy result. 

Options to grill this

During the warmer months, I love to throw this recipe on the grill! The charred seasoning is absolutely delicious. 

Here’s how ya do it: 

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat (350°F-375°F). Light the burners (or charcoal) on one half of the grill, and leave them off on the other half. This creates a zone of direct heat and a zone of indirect heat. 
2. Grease the preheated grill grates to prevent sticking by wiping them down with a folded paper towel that’s been soaked in vegetable oil.
3. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off the excess. Grill chicken skin side down over direct heat for about 8 to 10 minutes with the lid closed as much as possible, until the skin is crisp and golden. Flip chicken over, move to indirect heat and grill for 15 to 20 minutes more, or until cooked through. 

What to Serve with It

In the Caribbean, most proteins are served with rice, beans, plantains, and some avocado or a simple green salad. Pollo Asado goes incredibly well with the sides mentioned, but I recommend making this meal as dressed up or down as you’d like. 

Serve this chicken with a simple salad, use it for sandwiches or create a customized spread. This is your party people! 

Here’s what I chose to serve with my bird: 

• Fried Plantains
• Jamaican Rice and Peas
• Mexican Corn on the Cob
• Banana Fritters

Storage

This is one of those recipes that yields fantastic leftovers! With each passing day, the flavor of this chicken seems to get better and better. Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 

What to do with Leftovers

Rather than simply reheating those leftovers (which is also perfectly fine), repurpose them into something new and creative!

Try shredding the meat and serving it alongside corn tortillas, cilantro, lime and a bit of sour cream or salsa for a family Taco Tuesday! Burritos and quesadillas also make a great home for your flavorful seconds. 

Best Chicken Recipes

Opt out of that weeknight chicken rut by introducing a few of my tastiest recipes into your rotation. Kick basic recipes to the curb and replace it with something new and improved! 

Check these out: 

• Southern Baked Chicken
• Rosemary Chicken
• Chicken Stuffed Shells
• Baked Garlic Chicken
• Turkey Legs
• Baked Turkey Wings
• Rosemary Roast Chicken
• Lemon Roast Chicken and Potatoes!