Authentic Chicken Pollo Asada

Name: Chicken Pollo Asada
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 147 min
Ingredients: 3 pounds chicken breast (sliced halfway); 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 2 teaspoons ground black pepper; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 2 teaspoons Mexican oregano; 1 ounce achiote powder; ¼ cup olive oil or avocado oil; ½ cup fresh orange juice; 2 tablespoon orange zest; ¼ cup fresh lime juice

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This bold and zesty Chicken Pollo Asada is marinated in citrus juice, olive oil, and warm spices for tender, smoky grilled chicken. It’s juicy, flavorful, and perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, or paired with fresh veggies.

Grilled pollo asada chicken on a plate, garnished with lime wedges and fresh cilantro.

This Chicken Pollo Asada (some may call it pollo asado-but they are slightly different) is all about big, bold flavor that tastes like it came straight off a Mexican street grill. Pollo asada literally means “roasted chicken,” but here we’re going with that smoky, chipotle-inspired style you’d expect from your favorite taqueria. The secret is the marinade: a mix of fresh orange juice, lime, achiote (or annatto), garlic, oregano, and warm spices that sink into the chicken and give it that signature color and flavor.

I’ve loved pollo asada ever since I first tried it years ago, and I’ve always wanted to create my own version at home. It took me a while to finally sit down and perfect a recipe, but now it’s one of my favorite things to make for family cookouts or when friends come over.

If you love easy, flavor-packed meals, you might also enjoy Cilantro Lime Chicken, Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken, Grilled Chimichurri Chicken, or Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken.

Recipe Overview

Skill Level

Beginner

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

12 mins

Before You Get Started

A few helpful tips before you dive in:

Boneless skinless thighs or breasts both work well. Thighs stay juicier, breasts are leaner, just pick your favorite.
Achiote vs annatto: Achiote is a spice blend or paste made with ground annatto seeds, while annatto alone is just the seed. Both work here, but achiote adds more depth of flavor.
For a vegetarian option, try marinating pressed tofu or portobello mushrooms – both absorb the citrus and spice really well.
Pat the chicken dry (or press your tofu) before marinating so the citrus and spices really sink in.
Marinate at least 2 hours, but overnight gives the richest flavor.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking so it stays juicy when sliced.

Ingredients I used

Below is a list of ingredients I used to make this pollo asada. Full measurements are listed further down in the recipe card.

ingredients to make chicken pollo asada.

Chicken breast: You can use boneless and skinless chicken thighs as well. If you look at the image above, you can see I sliced the chicken lengthwise to make it thinner. This makes the chicken cook quicker and more evenly.
Salt and ground black pepper
Seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, Mexican oregano (plain oregano works too), and achiote powder.
Olive oil or avocado oil
Orange and Lime

Common Questions

Can I cook it in the oven instead of the grill?

Yes! Roast it on a sheet pan at 400°F until the chicken reaches 165°F inside. You won’t get those grill marks, but the flavor is still delicious.

Why does my pollo asado turn such a bright red-orange color?

That comes from the achiote or annatto in the marinade. It’s totally natural and exactly what gives pollo asado its signature look.

How long should I marinate?

At least 2 hours, but avoid going much beyond 12 hours. The citrus can start breaking down the chicken too much and change the texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes. In place of chicken breast, you can also use boneless and skinless chicken thighs.

How to Make Chicken Pollo Asada

Here’s how to get perfect results every time:

Process shot to season the chicken breast and add it to a pan.

1️⃣ Prep the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts lengthwise into thinner cutlets so they cook faster on the grill or in a pan. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

✏️ Feel free to swap the chicken breast for chicken thighs or shrimp.

2️⃣ Mix the Marinade

In a medium jug, whisk together the oil, orange juice, orange zest, lime juice, and all the seasonings.

✏️ Want this spicier? Consider adding some hot chili pepper powder, or cayenne pepper.

process shot of pouring the marinade over the chicken and marinating it in the pan.

3️⃣ Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken in a bowl or pan and pour the marinade over it, making sure the pieces are mostly submerged. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.

✏️ Avoid marinating for more than 12 hours. Too much citrus can start to break down the chicken and change the texture.

4️⃣ Stir and Rest Before Cooking

Stir the chicken once or twice while it marinates so every piece gets coated. Remove from the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking.

process shot of grilling the chicken and placing it over a plate.

5️⃣ Cook on the Grill or Pan

Heat your grill to medium heat. Cook the chicken until charred and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat, 6-10 minutes per side, if you’re using a pan.

✏️ An instant-read thermometer is the best way to check doneness without overcooking.

6️⃣ Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving.

Variations & Tips

→ Want it spicy? Add chipotle peppers or a pinch of chili powder to the marinade for extra heat.

→ Use different citrus: swap in grapefruit or lemon for a slightly different tang.

→ Make it kid-friendly: slice the chicken before marinating so it cooks faster and is easier to serve in smaller portions.

→ Serve it your way: in tacos with fresh toppings, over cilantro lime rice, or sliced into a burrito bowl.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Fridge: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Perfect for meal prep lunches!
Freezer: Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Pop it in the microwave or oven until warmed through, or reheat quickly in a skillet or air fryer to keep it crispy.

What to serve with Chicken Pollo Asada

This smoky, citrusy chicken goes so well with fresh, vibrant sides. You can keep it light with some simple salad recipes, or add something hearty and flavorful for a full meal. Here are some of my favorite pairings:

Chicken Pollo Asada

Before You Get Started

Ingredients I used

Common Questions