Pollo Asado Marinade Recipe

Sharing is caring!

Last Updated on October 10, 2024 by Toya

See how to make the best Pollo Asado Marinade with simple, easy-to-find kitchen staples like olive oil, lime juice, garlic, oregano, cumin and a few more herb and spices.

This is one of the best pollo Asado marinade recipes too! So, if you need a quick, easy-to make Pollo Asado marinade recipe, this one is a must try!

It is ready in under 10 minutes and you can use it for a quick 30 minute marinade if you’re in a hurry. Although, it’s even better when you use the marinade for longer!

Why You’ll Love this Pollo Asado Marinade!

This Pollo Asado marinade is the ultimate lifesaver for those last-minute “what do I do with this chicken?!” moments. It’s the kind of marinade you can whip up on the fly, to transform any cut of chicken into something flavorful and juicy.

It’s also quite versatile, meaning you can tweak the marinade with whatever you have on hand, whether that’s swapping citrus for vinegar or adjusting the spices so you can make use of have on hand—No need for fancy ingredients or extra shopping trips!

Beyond convenience and versatility, the flavor is fantastic. The marinade infuses the chicken with a savory depth and just a hint of sweetness, while keeping it juicy and tender.

This easy marinade also works wonders on any cut of chicken, from thighs to breasts, and ensures that even lean cuts stay moist and flavorful.

Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or pan-searing, this flavorful Pollo Asado marinade will make your chicken a hit every time!

Let me show you how to make it!

Ingredients

To make this delicious marinade, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1/4 cup oil (olive oil or vegetable oil works well)
• 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
• ¼ cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp oregano (preferably Mexican)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp annatto powder (onoto)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion flakes
• 1/4 tsp white pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)

How To Make Pollo Asado Marinade

Prepare the Marinade:

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the oil, lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, annatto powder, garlic powder, onion flakes, and white pepper.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste and make sure to mix well.

Marinate the Chicken:

1. Next, you will place the chicken thighs (or other cut of chicken of your choice) in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
2. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
3. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat thoroughly.

Cooking:

1. Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
3. Grill or bake the chicken thighs until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (about 20-30 minutes, depending on the cooking method)
4. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Pollo Asado with sides like rice, beans, or a fresh salad.

Uses of the Marinade

The Pollo Asado marinade is incredibly versatile. While it’s perfect for chicken thighs, you can also use it on other cuts of chicken, such as drumsticks or breasts. Beyond chicken, try this marinade with pork, shrimp, or even for grilled vegetables. It can also be brushed onto skewers for kebabs or used as a base for a zesty salad dressing.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Pollo Asado Marinade: Add 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for a spicier version of the marinade.
2. Herbaceous Pollo Asado Marinade: Try out additional herbs like fresh cilantro or parsley for a more aromatic marinade.
3. Smoky Pollo Asado Marinade: Substitute the annatto powder with smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky taste.

With this Pollo Asado marinade, you cannot go wrong. Everyone who tries your dish will fall in love with it! Give it a try below!