This Pollo Asado Recipe includes all of the spices, seasoning, and marinade you will need to make tender, juicy chicken with tons of flavor. Love the new Chipotle chicken? You're going to love this copycat version.
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Table of Contents
What is Pollo Asado?
In Spanish, pollo means chicken and asado can mean grilled or barbecued. The dish can be found in Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Cuban cuisine. It's also sometimes called red chicken because of its beautiful bright color from the spices and marinade. For the purpose of this recipe, the dish is more Mexican inspired and closely aligned with the taste of the dish from Chipotle restaurant.
The chicken is known for being tender and juicy and doesn't lack any flavor, thanks to the marinade. Until recently, Chipotle hadn't changed its menu in 30 years as it pertains to their chicken. In their version, you can taste a blend of chilies, cumin, and garlic for sure.
Asado Marinade
The star of this recipe comes from the marinade which is a combination of fresh citrus juices and a small handful of spices. Below you will see I like to use chicken thighs for this recipe. Because of that, you don't have to marinate the meat in advance or overnight, unless you want to.
Marinating meat in liquid tenderizes the meat which always results in tender and juicy meat. You can't go wrong when you do it, but if you use chicken thighs and you are in a time crunch, trust me you don't have to.
For the marinade you will need:
- Fresh lime
- Fresh orange
- Fresh garlic
- Fresh cilantro
- Chipotles in adobo sauce
- Smoked Paprika
- Cumin
- Salt
Another spice I love to use sometimes is chili powder. It isn't a must for this dish, because the chipotles in adobo sauce provide immense flavor. But feel free to sprinkle it in if you wish!
What Type of Chicken to Use
I'm using boneless skinless chicken thighs. Chicken thighs are really juicy, especially in comparison to something like chicken breast. Bone-in thighs are juicier than boneless and usually have a longer cook time. I like to add this chicken to a rice bowl, so boneless works better for me. Feel free to use any chicken you wish including breasts or drumsticks.
Is it Spicy?
Chipotle pepper comes from the Nahuatl word chilpoctli meaning “smoked chili”. These peppers are smoke-dried jalapenos preserved in adobo sauce. They have a distinct, smoky, spicy, slightly sweet flavor. If you are someone who is opposed to spicy, you will find the dish spicy.
As someone who loves spicy, it's on the mild side for me. Feel free to add red cayenne pepper to take it up a notch.
How to Make Pollo Asado
- Add the ingredients for the marinade to a blender, food processor, or a large bowl to use with a handheld immersion blender.
- Blend the ingredients until it creates a thick sauce.
- Coat the chicken thighs in the marinade.
- Grill, sear, bake, or air fry.
How to Cook the Chicken
The dish is typically grilled. If you don't have a grill you can also use a cast iron skillet or cast iron grill pan and cook it on the stove. You can also bake or air fry the chicken.
To sear the chicken on the stove, cook for 10-12 minutes on medium-high heat.
Grill on 350-400 degrees for 15-30 minutes.
To bake pollo asado, bake on 425 degrees for 25-30 minutes for boneless chicken. Bone-in chicken thighs will need 10-20 minutes additional time.
Air fry the chicken on 400 degrees for 15-18 minutes. Bone-in chicken thighs will need 5-10 minutes additional time.
How to Tell When the Chicken Has Finished Cooking
Chicken must be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees. Be sure to test if the chicken is done by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest parts of one of the pieces of chicken.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored tightly covered and sealed for 3-4 days.
How to Reheat
The best way to reheat the chicken is in a pan on the stove or in the air fryer (350 degrees until warm). You can use the microwave if you wish.
Freezer Tips
You can freeze leftovers tightly sealed and covered for 3 months.
What to Serve with the Dish
Instant Pot Black Beans
Smoked Salsa
Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
Homemade Queso Cheese
Oven Baked Roasted Corn on the Cob
More Copycat Recipes
Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
Taco Bell Creamy Jalapeno Sauce
Taco Bell Breakfast Crunchwrap
Chick-Fil-A Chicken Sandwich
Red Lobster CopyCat Shrimp Scampi
Instant Pot Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup
Keto Low Carb Zuppa Toscana Soup
Panera Autumn Squash Soup
Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Big Mac Casserole
Get the recipe for the rice here: Chipotle Rice Recipe.
Chipotle Pollo Asado Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs See notes.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2-3 tablespoons water Optional
Marinade
- 7 oz Chipotles in Adobo Sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice I juiced an orange.
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro
- 3 garlic cloves
- ¼ cup chopped onions
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Marinade
- Add all of the ingredients for the marinade to a blender, food processor, or a large bowl to use with a handheld immersion blender.7 oz Chipotles in Adobo Sauce, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice, ¼ cup fresh cilantro, 3 garlic cloves, ¼ cup chopped onions, ½ teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, salt and pepper to taste
- Blend the ingredients until it creates a thick sauce.
- Coat the chicken thighs in the marinade. (Marinating overnight is optional and not required).1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Pan-Seared Chicken
- Heat a skillet or grill pan (I use a cast iron) on medium-high heat with olive oil.1 teaspoon olive oil
- When hot, add the chicken along with all of the sauce/marinade. Searing the chicken in all of the sauce will keep it from drying out.For boneless chicken thighs, cook for 5 minutes and then flip and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.For bone-in thighs use an oven-safe skillet (like a cast iron), Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Sear the chicken on each side for 4 minutes each to get the skin crispy. Once crisp, bake the chicken for 18-20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- Remove and cool before serving.
- Once the chicken has cooked, I like to drizzle the leftover additional sauce from the pan over the cooked chicken. This enhances flavor and keeps the chicken juicy. While the chicken is searing, if you notice the sauce is starting to dry out in the skillet add the optional water. Drizzle the sauce over the cooked chicken.2-3 tablespoons water
Air Fryer Chicken
- Coat the air fryer basket with olive oil.
- Add the chicken to the air fryer basket.
- Bone-in Thighs: Air fry the chicken on 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Open the air fryer and flip the chicken. Cook for an additional 10-12 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.Boneless Thighs: Air fry the chicken on 400 degrees for 8 minutes. Open the air fryer and flip the chicken. Cook for an additional 6-7 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Grilled Chicken
- Coat the grill grates with olive oil
- Preheat grill to 350-400 degrees.
- Grill the chicken for 15-30 minutes, flipping, and until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Notes
- Chicken thighs are really juicy, especially in comparison to something like chicken breast. Bone-in thighs are juicier than boneless and usually have a longer cook time. I like to add this chicken to a rice bowl, so boneless works better for me.
- Feel free to use any chicken you wish including breasts or drumsticks.
- This recipe makes enough of the sauce marinade to drizzle over the chicken after it has been cooked. My favorite way to make this dish is on the stovetop for that reason. If you opt to make it in the air fryer or on the grill, if you wish, you can reserve half of the sauce marinade to drizzle over the chicken after it has cooked.
- Adjust the spices and ingredients in the marinade to suit your taste and needs. If you like spicy chicken, add red cayenne pepper.
- If pan searing I recommend a cast iron skillet or stainless steel pan. A non-stick pan likely won’t give you the crust on the chicken you want for a dish like this.
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Rozzy says
Tried this recipe with shrimps and my oh my, I am blown away. Served with salad, drizzled the sauce over the salad and I am in awe of the flavors. Thank you for sharing, this is definitely better than Chipotle, for real!!!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
DeErica says
This is a hit for me!! So simple but the taste was perfect!! I made the rice and black beans to go along with it.
staysnatched says
That's a great pairing!
MaryAnne says
Ooooh this was SO good on the grill! This is gonna be a stand by for meal prepping this grilling season. I doubled everything and used chicken breasts. Spice level with the chipotles in adobo is on point. I’m gonna be eating this with the chipotle copycat cilantro lime rice and some pickled red onions allll week.
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it. That sounds so good.
Stephanie Tate says
Easy, delicious and so flavorful! I put it over a burrito bowl and it’s so good. Another Stay Snatched win! It’ll definitely be on repeat.
Christiane DeSalvo says
Made this yesterday for dinner and man it did not disappoint! I love spicy and this packed some amazing flavor with some additional heat. The chicken thighs were perfect, juicy & delicious, and paired famously with Brandi's Cilantro Lime Rice, black beans, tomatoes & pickled onions as a fun bowl for dinner. I made extra so I could enjoy again today 🙂 As always, Brandi delivers with the flavors, but more importantly, with easy & simple ingredients & directions to put this together.
Go make her recipes if you have not already!
Lydia B says
Once again Brandi hit it out the park. I made these with my butcher box boneless skinless chicken thighs on the smoker. They were so good and juicy.
Sabrina B. says
Looooved it!!! Legit perfect for meal prep or an easy weeknight dinner.
Alden G says
So delicious! I used the air fryer method and served with rice, black beans, zucchini & plantains. Super easy and flavorful marinade!!
Felicia says
This recipe is FIRE!!! I marinated the chicken overnight because I planned ahead. Cooked it up in my cast iron skillet. The sauce was so good, and the chicken was nice and tender. I have some leftovers and I’m so excited!
Marisa Mckeown says
You did it again!!! This will be a staple in my house. Husband always said he hates those chipotles in adobo. He has been converted! Made a rice bowl with zucchini that I sautéed in the pan I cooked the chicken. Flavor was on point!!! Nice warm heat to the dish too!!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! So glad you both enjoyed it!
Jazz says
This recipe was absolutely delicious. So easy to make and I even had some leftover to freeze. I threw mine in my crockpot and let it slow cook all day. 10/10
staysnatched says
I love that method!
Ashley says
Another fantastic recipe, perfect for meal prep. Full of flavor and will make you say Chipotle who?!
staysnatched says
haha I love that. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
SF says
This was too good! Nothing more to say, really. I cooked mine in the air fryer as suggested and it was perfect. We paired it with the cilantro lime rice (also amazing) and other toppings. Will definitely be a go-to chicken option.
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Katie says
So good and so easy! I used chicken thighs, next time I’m trying shrimp!
staysnatched says
Glad to hear it!
Samantha Stroud says
This recipe is 15/10. Seriously, the ingredients are simple and affordable, and it has SO much flavor!! We grilled some last week and a double batch marinating today to make into fajitas for Cinco de Mayo, which is pretty much a sacred day in my house. I’m already excited to use the leftovers in my salads and for nachos!
staysnatched says
This is perfect for nachos!
Melissa Piermarini says
Another hit! The chicken was perfect! Full of flavor, juicy and delicious. It was so easy to make. I marinated tenders overnight and it was perfection!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Skye says
BANGING! So simple and flavor was unreal. Glad to add this one in the mix. Thanks again
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Kayla says
Loved it!! I served with cilantro lime rice and black beans. So dang good.
staysnatched says
Glad you enjoyed it!
Alicia H. says
This recipe was so easy to pull together and delicious! I'll be eating this every day this week 😍
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Jacqueline says
Hit it out of the park with this one! Super easy to put together with great flavor. It was a hit at our family dinner
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Madison J says
Absolutely fantastic! This was the second Chipotle style chicken copycat that I’ve tried, and it beat the other recipe (from a different website) by a mile. I should have known to check here first. 😅 Cooked on a cast iron griddle and then threw on a salad with some rice, onions, peppers, and guacamole for a super filling and nutrient rich (and super yummy) meal. Will definitely be a new staple!
staysnatched says
I’m so glad to hear that!
Nikki says
This was so easy and soooo delicious… this will be on repeat for sure. I threw the marinated thighs on the grill and then added some of the marinade I saved on top after- delicious!!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad to hear it!
Stacey says
Yummmm, and this chicken with the cilantro lime cauli rice (https://www.staysnatched.com/cilantro-lime-cauliflower-rice/) was a 🔥🔥combo
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Marisa says
I had to leave another review because this recipe is on regular rotation. It’s so stinking good!!!
staysnatched says
Thanks for sharing again!
Lauren L. says
I wanted an easy way to boost the flavor of a chicken breast for dinner to pair with a simple bagged chopped salad mix. It tastes just like the fajita chicken I had last week at Mi Ranchito. Yum! Also, glad I read your tip about adding water when pan searing.
Substitution tip for whatever is in your pantry - I didn’t have adobo peppers but I had fire roasted peppers from TJs so I used those and added more spices.
staysnatched says
Awesome!
Naima says
The chicken is amazing and so tasty. My daughter asked for chipotle bowls for dinner. She hardly has seconds but she had seconds today. Definitely going to make again.
staysnatched says
Glad to hear you will make it again!