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Mexican Grilled or Roasted Chicken

Mouthwatering Mexican Grilled Chicken: A Flavorful Delight

This Mexican grilled or roasted chicken is marinated in citrus and spices, creating a fiesta of flavors perfect for any meal.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1 cup Orange Juice Substitute with fresh tangerine juice for unique twist
  • 1/4 cup Lime Juice Fresh preferred for best flavor
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil Can replace with avocado oil
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced; can use garlic paste
  • 2 tablespoons Achiote Powder (Ground Annatto Seed) Substitute with paprika if needed
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin Optional but recommended
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander Can swap with dried cilantro leaves
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Preferably Mexican
  • 1 teaspoon Sea Salt/Kosher Salt Adjust based on preference
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper Freshly ground is ideal
For the Chicken
  • 2 pounds Chicken (Thighs, Legs, and/or Breast) Choose skin-on for enhanced flavor
Optional Garnishes
  • 2 whole Lime Wedges For serving
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Cilantro For garnish

Equipment

  • Grill
  • mixing bowl
  • Meat thermometer
  • Resealable bag

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Flavorful Pollo Asado
  1. In a mixing bowl or resealable bag, combine fresh orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, achiote powder, cumin, coriander, oregano, sea salt, and ground black pepper. Stir or seal the bag and shake vigorously to blend all ingredients into a vibrant marinade.
  2. Add your choice of chicken cuts into the marinade and coat thoroughly. Let it marinate at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours.
  3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ranging from 375°F to 425°F. Create zones on your grill for both direct and indirect heat.
  4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any leftover liquid. Place the chicken skin-side down on the grill over direct heat. Grill for about 20 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes.
  5. After achieving a nice sear, move the chicken to the cooler side of the grill. Cover and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 160°F to 165°F, which should take an additional 15-20 minutes.
  6. After grilling, remove the chicken from the grill and cover loosely with foil. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 4servingsCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 24gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Make sure to adjust seasoning based on your personal preference. This dish is perfect for entertaining or meal prepping for the week.

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