Pollo Asado (Chipotle Copycat Recipe)
This pollo asado (Chipotle copycat recipe) is smoky, citrusy, and packed with bold flavor. Made with a zesty marinade and grilled to perfection, this easy pollo asado recipe delivers juicy, restaurant-style chicken at home.
Ingredients
- 1½ –2 lbs boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
- For the marinade:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 orange
- Juice of 1 lime
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 –2 chipotle peppers in adobo minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional additions:
- Fresh cilantro
- Extra lime juice for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, chipotle peppers, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken and coat thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (ideally 4–8 hours).
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Grill the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked and nicely charred.
- Remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice or chop into pieces, then finish with fresh lime juice and cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Chicken thighs are recommended for the juiciest results.
- Adjust chipotle peppers to control spice level.
- Do not skip resting time to keep the chicken juicy.
- Can be cooked in a skillet or oven if a grill isn’t available.