Chipotle Pollo Asado Recipe

Chipotle pollo asado is a delectable dish that features tender, marinated chicken with a vibrant, smoky flavor.

It’s an incredibly simple recipe, but it yields some of the most deliciously seasoned grilled chicken you’ll ever have.

As a bonus, this recipe is perfect for meal prep, letting you enjoy bursts of bold flavor all week long.

Creating this scrumptious meal begins with a well-balanced marinade.

Key ingredients such as dried guajillo peppers, cilantro, garlic, and chipotle in adobo sauce come together to form a beautiful harmony of flavors.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or seeking to expand your culinary repertoire, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

How to Make Chipotle Pollo Asado

Ingredients List

• 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or boneless skinless chicken breast sliced in half lengthwise
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 4-5 tbsp water for pan frying cooking method, optional
• 1 can Guajillo peppers
• 4 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 4 tbsp fresh orange juice
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
• 6 garlic cloves
• 1 yellow onions, quartered
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tbsp dried Oregano
• 1 tsp ground Coriander, optional
• 1 tsp Achiote powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

Step-by-step process

Step 1

Start by soaking the dried guajillo peppers in hot water.

Once softened, add the peppers and the rest of the marinade ingredients (olive oil, orange juice, fresh lime juice, chopped onion, fresh garlic, achiote powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, Mexican oregano, and salt) to a food processor or blender.

Blend the ingredients until they have a smooth taste, and adjust the seasoning as desired.

Step 2

Coat the skinless chicken thighs, breasts, or drumsticks in the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Place the chicken in a dish or sealed plastic bag and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight.

Step 3

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

Cook the chicken on the preheated surface for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally.

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken.

It should reach 165°F (74°C) before removing it from the heat.

Step 4

Allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes before cutting or serving.

This helps retain the smoky, spicy flavors of the chipotle-based marinade.

For a complete and flavorful meal, consider serving your Chipotle Pollo Asado with complementary side dishes, such as cilantro lime rice or chipotle corn salsa.

Enjoy!

Side Dishes for Chipotle Pollo Asado

Chipotle Pollo Asado is a delicious, flavorful dish that can be paired with a variety of side dishes to create a satisfying and well-rounded meal.

The following are some tasty options for you to consider when putting together your menu:

Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice

This side dish pairs well with Chipotle Pollo Asado, as the avocado, cilantro, and lime flavors perfectly complement the smoky, spicy flavor of the chicken.

The rice also provides a filling and satisfying base for burrito bowls.

Sour Cream and Chive Mashed Potatoes

A creamy and delicious option, sour cream and chive mashed potatoes contrast the bold flavors of Chipotle Pollo Asado.

The smooth, comforting texture of the potatoes complements the grilled chicken nicely.

Mexican Black Beans and Corn

A classic side dish choice for Mexican-inspired meals, flavorful black beans, and corn add a touch of sweetness and texture.

This site is not only delicious but also a healthy and nutritious option that pairs well with the Chipotle Pollo Asado.

Grilled Pineapple Salsa

Grilled pineapple salsa is an excellent choice to add a burst of freshness and a hint of sweetness to your meal.

The fruity and tangy flavors work well with the smoky, spicy notes of the Chipotle Pollo Asado, making it a great topping.

Mexican Coleslaw

This flavorful and crunchy coleslaw features fresh cilantro, lime juice, and spices mixed with cabbage, making it the perfect crisp and refreshing accompaniment to the spiciness of the Chipotle Pollo Asado.

To add even more versatility to your meal, serve Chipotle Pollo Asado with warm tortillas, allowing guests to create their own burrito bowls or tacos.

Additionally, you can include other favorite toppings such as guacamole, pico de gallo, and more to complete the perfect Chipotle Pollo Asado meal.

Ingredients Substitutes

White Pepper

You can use ground white pepper as a substitute for black pepper if needed.

The flavor is slightly different, but it will still add a peppery note to the dish.

Cumin substitutes

If you’re out of cumin, try using ground coriander or a combination of equal parts paprika and caraway seeds.

These alternatives will provide a slightly different flavor, but they will still contribute to the overall taste of the pollo asado.

Chicken

If you don’t have chicken breasts or thighs, you can use boneless, skinless chicken tenders for a flavorful and tender result.

Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they may cook faster than thicker cuts of chicken.

Garlic 

In case you run out of fresh garlic cloves, you can substitute ⅛ teaspoon of garlic powder for each garlic clove the recipe calls for.

Lime Juice

If you don’t have fresh limes on hand, you can use bottled lime juice as a substitute.

However, remember that fresh lime juice will provide a brighter and more citrusy flavor to the dish.

How to Store Chipotle Pollo Asado

Proper storage of Chipotle Pollo Asado is essential to maintain the juicy chicken and maximum flavor.

To keep the chicken moist and fresh, you’ll need to follow some simple steps and ensure safety in food handling.

Here are some guidelines for storing raw chicken and cooked Pollo Asado.

Raw Chicken

When storing raw boneless chicken thighs or skinless chicken breasts, it’s important to keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Place the chicken pieces in a container, ensuring there is no excess air, and seal it tightly.

This will prevent any contamination and keep the raw chicken fresh until you’re ready to use it.

Cooked Pollo Asado

Once you have cooked the Chipotle Pollo Asado, let it cool down for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to settle.

It’s important to store the cooked chicken in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags to preserve freshness and flavor.

Place the containers or bags in the refrigerator.

Cooked Pollo Asado can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

If you want to keep it longer, you can store it in a freezer for up to 3 months.

Ensure the chicken is wrapped well with plastic or stored in airtight containers to avoid freezer burn.

How To Reheat Chipotle Pollo Asado

When you’re ready to reheat and enjoy the Chipotle Pollo Asado, take out the chicken from the refrigerator or freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes.

For maximum flavor, don’t microwave your chicken – reheat it using a skillet or in the oven.

For pan reheating, add a splash of oil or a small amount of water, then heat over medium heat.

Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through.

If the chicken is still frozen, give it an extra 3-5 minutes.

Following these storage and reheating guidelines, you can enjoy delicious and succulent Chipotle Pollo Asado that retains its original juicy texture and mouthwatering flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when preparing Chicken romano:

Not marinating the chicken long enough

To achieve maximum flavor for your Chipotle Pollo Asado, marinate the chicken pieces in the citrus juices and chipotle-based marinade for at least two hours.

Ideally, you should allow the chicken to marinate overnight.

This will ensure tender chicken infused with the robust flavors of the marinade.

Using the wrong cut of chicken

For a flavorful and moist weeknight meal, opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or even chicken wings.

Avoid using skinless chicken breasts, which tend to become dry and less flavorful compared to other cuts.

Inadequate use of garlic and spices

A well-seasoned marinade is crucial to achieving the satisfying taste of Pollo Asada.

Be sure to include at least two cloves of garlic, achiote powder, ground coriander, and guajillo peppers in your recipe.

You may also add a splash of water to the marinade to ensure easy blending with a handheld immersion blender.

Overcooking the chicken

Always keep an eye on your chicken as it cooks.

Overcooked chicken loses its moisture, resulting in dry and tough meat.

Stick to the recommended cooking time, and use a meat thermometer – the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for the chicken to be done and safe to consume.

Not grilling or pan-searing the chicken.

To get the authentic Pollo Asado experience, grill the marinated chicken pieces on an iron grill or pan-sear them in a hot skillet.

This will help create a flavorful crust while keeping the chicken moist on the inside.