If you're a fan of spicy and smoky flavors, then you'll love this recipe for chipotle pollo asado. This dish is a variation of the classic pollo asado, but with an added kick of heat and flavor from chipotle peppers.

Pollo Asado in a skillet on a cutting board

Why Your Family Will Love This Dish

Quick. Not counting the time it takes to marinate the chicken, you can create a delicious pollo asado in under 30 minutes (not including time to marinade)!
Easy. Marinate the chicken, toss it on the grill, and serve with your favorite toppings or sides!
Low Carb. Only 3 net carbs per serving.
Versatile. Adjust the ingredients using some of my suggestions below to create a new and unique meal.
Delicious. Amazing Mexican-inspired flavors that are good enough to eat over and over again.

The chipotle pollo asado is an easy and flavorful dish that will spice up any dinner table. The smoky and spicy flavors of chipotle peppers blended with the tangy and zesty marinade will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Is Pollo Asado Spicy?

Pollo asado can be mildly spicy or very spicy depending on the recipe and the amount of spices used. I would say that this recipe has a medium spice level.

Generally, pollo asado is seasoned with a variety of spices like cumin, chili powder, and oregano, which can give it a little bit of heat. The addition of chipotle peppers in adobo give an additional layer of spice.

If you prefer a milder flavor, you can adjust the number of spices or omit the hot peppers altogether.

What Kind Of Chicken Do You Use For Pollo Asado?

Traditionally, bone-in chicken thighs or chicken drumsticks with the skin on are used for pollo asado, but you can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs if you prefer. The bone-in chicken will add more flavor and moisture to the dish, but boneless chicken will cook faster and is a healthier option.

Ultimately, the type of chicken you use will depend on your personal preference and the specific recipe you're using.

For this Pollo Asado Chipotle recipe, I chose to use boneless chicken thighs to keep the dish moist and flavorful while keeping the cooking time to a minimum.

Ingredients You'll Need

The list of ingredients may seem daunting at first glance, but a majority of what you need will come from your spice rack. If you have a fully stocked spice drawer, you'll have no problem coming up with the rest of the ingredients you'll need to get started.

Chicken thighs
Olive oil
Lime juice
White vinegar
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
Adobo sauce
Garlic
Smoked paprika
Cumin
Oregano
Salt and pepper

How To Make Pollo Asado

Make the marinade. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, white vinegar, chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Marinate the chicken. Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and shake it gently to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade. Place the bag in the refrigerator and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for maximum flavor.
Preheat the grill. Heat your grill to medium-high heat. If you are using a gas grill, heat it to 375-400F. If you are using a charcoal grill, light the charcoal and let it burn until the coals are white-hot.
Grill the chicken. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the remaining marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165F. Avoid flipping the chicken too often to retain moisture.
Rest and serve. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Serve with your choice of sides like grilled vegetables, salad, or rice.

Variations

Sure, this recipe is delicious the way it is written, but why not play around with the ingredients to create something that you may enjoy even more? Try out one of these varieties to switch up the flavor profile to make something new and unique!

Citrus pollo asado- Add fresh orange or grapefruit juice to the marinade for a tangy and sweet twist on the classic pollo asado recipe.
Garlic and herb pollo asado- Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley, along with minced garlic, to the marinade for a flavorful and aromatic twist on the traditional recipe.
Pineapple pollo asado- Add crushed pineapple or pineapple juice to the marinade for a sweet and tropical twist on the classic recipe.

Tips And Tricks

Marinate the chicken. Pollo asado is all about the marinade. Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best results) to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
Use fresh ingredients. Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for the best flavor. Fresh lime juice, garlic, and herbs will give it a vibrant and delicious taste.
Keep an eye on the chicken. Chicken can go from perfectly cooked to overdone in a matter of minutes, so keep a close eye on it while it's cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, and remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches 165F.
Let the chicken rest. After the chicken is cooked, allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.

What To Serve With It

Rice and beans- A classic combination that's always delicious. Serve it with some fluffy white rice and black beans for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Grilled vegetables- Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions make a great side dish. Toss them with some olive oil and seasonings, and grill until tender and lightly charred.
Guacamole and chips- A refreshing and tasty dip that pairs perfectly with the smoky flavors. Serve with some crispy tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch.
Corn on the cob- Grilled corn on the cob is a classic summer side dish that pairs well with it. Brush the corn with some melted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper for a simple and delicious side dish.
Salad- A crisp and refreshing salad is the perfect way to balance out the rich flavors. Serve with a simple vinaigrette and some fresh herbs for a light and flavorful side dish.
Tortillas- Serve your pollo asado with some warm tortillas for a fun and interactive meal. Your guests can build their own tacos or burritos and customize their toppings to their liking.

How Long Does Pollo Asado Last?

The shelf life of pollo asado will depend on how it has been stored and the freshness of the ingredients used. In general, cooked pollo asado can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To store it, allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or plastic wrap. Make sure to label the container with the date that it was cooked and store it in the refrigerator.

Can You Freeze It?

If you have leftover pollo asado that you won't be able to eat within 4 days, you can freeze it for longer storage.

Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Pollo asado will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

More Mexican Inspired Chicken Dishes

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Don't forget to check out my other Keto cookbooks.

Keto Instant Pot, Keto Fat Bombs, Sweets, & Treats, and Easy keto in 30 minutes.

Pollo Asado | Pollo Asado Chipotle Recipe