Chipotle Copycat Pollo Asado Marinade
Ingredients
- 1 tsp White Vinegar
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tsp Garlic
garlic paste
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Ground Corrainder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Harissa Seasoning
optional
- 1 tsp Lemon Salt
or regular salt
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- 1.5-2 lbs Chicken Thighs
boneless skinless
- 2 small Lemons
about 1/4 cup
- 2 Limes
about 1/4 cup
- 1/2 cup Cilantro
- 1 tsp Cooking Oil
Directions
- 1
Prepare the achiote paste in a small bowl. Combine the paprika, white vinegar, dried oregano garlic and ground cumin. Stir until combined.
- 2
Add the additional seasonings to the achiote paste. Stir until well combined. A dark red paste should form.
- 3
Add in chicken thighs. Once the chicken thighs have been added, add the juices from the lemon and limes, oil and sprinkle in freshly chopped cilantro.
- 4
Lastly, stir all the ingredients to make sure the chicken thighs are thoroughly coated.
- 5
Cover and marinate thirty minutes up to twenty-four hours for best results!
- 6
After the chicken thighs have marinated, now it is time to grill your pollo asado!
- 7
Now, the key to preparing pollo asado is ensuring the heat is fairly high. If using a grill or cast iron, make sure the griddle is smoking hot before adding the chicken.
- 8
Once the griddle is hot, sear chicken on both sides for 5-7 minutes depending on thickness.
- 9
It is important to note, not disturbing the chicken will result in maximum flavor and a delicious crust will form from the high heat!
- 10
The chicken will cook best if it is minimally disturbed. The chicken thighs I used were not thick. It took about 5-6 minutes per side. If your chicken thighs are thicker, increase cooking time.
- 11
While the chicken thighs cook through, it is helpful to add extra lemon or lime juice to provide a rich citrus and smoky flavor.
- 12
Since the heat is high, smoke will release providing additional flavor.
- 13
Laslty, the chicken will be cooked through when it reaches in internal temperature (in the thickest part of the chicken) of 165 degrees.
Chipotle Copycat Pollo Asado Marinade
Ratings & Reviews
Be the First to Rate
Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!
About this Recipe
Dreaming of that zesty, smoky Pollo Asado from Chipotle but want to make it fresh in your own kitchen? This copycat marinade brings those irresistible flavors home, ready to transform your chicken into a vibrant, restaurant-quality meal.
The magic in this Pollo Asado marinade lies in its carefully balanced blend of aromatic spices like paprika, dried oregano, and cumin, brightened by fresh lemon and lime juices. This combination ensures deeply flavorful chicken that captures the essence of your favorite fast-casual dish, all prepped in just 10 minutes.
When you prepare chicken using this Chipotle Copycat Pollo Asado Marinade, expect a taste sensation that's both familiar and exciting. The chicken emerges with a beautiful, rich color, infused with a lively citrus tang from the lemons and limes, complemented by the earthy warmth of cumin and coriander.
You'll savor tender, juicy chicken bursting with a complex, savory flavor profile, making it a truly satisfying experience. This recipe focuses purely on flavor, providing an easy way to achieve gourmet results at home.
While boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness, you can easily use chicken breast, adjusting cooking times as needed. If you enjoy a touch of heat, definitely include the Harissa Seasoning for an extra layer of warmth. For the salt, lemon salt adds another layer of citrus complexity, but regular salt works perfectly well if that's what you have on hand.
This marinated chicken is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or casual gatherings. Serve it sliced in tacos, bowls with rice and beans, or as a flavorful protein alongside roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.