Authentic Cuban Pollo Asado (Grilled or Roasted Chicken)
Cuban pollo asado is hands-down one of the easiest, most flavorful chicken recipes ever. Traditionally, it's roasted in the oven, but if you’re craving that smoky, charred goodness, you can throw it on the grill too! This pollo asado recipe is marinated in sour orange juice, garlic, annatto powder, and complete seasoning, with just 20 minutes of active prep.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup neutral oil
- 3/4 cup sour orange juice, naranja agria
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (or more if your heart desires!)
- 2 tablespoons complete seasoning
- 1 1/2 teaspoons annatto powder, for color
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt + pepper to taste
- 4 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, (and/or chicken drumsticks)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the oil, sour orange juice, garlic, complete seasoning, annatto, cumin, salt and pepper to taste. This is your marinade.
- Into a resealable freezer bag, add the chicken pieces and pour in the marinade. Toss and massage the chicken pieces really well with the marinade. Place the resealable bag in the fridge to marinate for 2 hours or up to overnight.
- Place the chicken thighs on the rack about 1-2 inches apart.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a food thermometer reads 165°F internal temp in the thickest part of the chicken.
- Broil on low for 5 minutes if you like that charred, golden brown skin on the chicken.
- Remove the chicken from the oven. Serve with white rice, black beans, and/or sweet plantains. Enjoy!
Notes
To Grill or Barbeque The Chicken
Preheat a grill to medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade. Grill the chicken, skin side down, for 5 minutes until slightly charred.
Flip and cook the chicken in indirect heat, skin side up, for 30-35 minutes, keeping a close eye on the grill as the chicken can burn quickly.
You can flip them over again, if necessary. When a food thermometer reads 165°F internal temp in the thickest part of the chicken, it’s ready!
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, you can transfer them to an airtight container and place them in the fridge for up to 3 days or, in the freezer in a freezer bag for up to 4 months.
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 403kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 47g, Fat: 21g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 8g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 156mg, Sodium: 366mg, Potassium: 851mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 78IU, Vitamin C: 16mg, Calcium: 52mg, Iron: 2mg
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