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A close-up of a radish rice bowl topped with sliced pollo asado, shredded cheese, and a side of guacamole.
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5 from 1 vote

Chipotle Pollo Asado Recipe

Packed with smoky flavors, and a hint of citrus, this Chipotle Pollo Asado recipe is better than the restaurant version! Whether you're feeding the family or spicing up a weekend gathering, this juicy chicken is always a winner. It’s simple to make, big on flavor, and bound to become a new favorite. Perfect for meal prep!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Chill Time (Optional)30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Diet: Gluten Free
Keyword: chipotle pollo asado recipe
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 321kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or boneless skinless chicken breast sliced in half lengthwise
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/3 cup lime juice
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1 can chipotles in adobo
  • 1/3 cup fresh cilantro
  • 5 garlic cloves
  • 1 medium onion
  • 1/2 tablespoon cumin
  • 1/2 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  • Add all of the ingredients except the chicken to a food processor or blender, and blend for 2-3 minutes, until it is a paste. You can also do this with an immersion blender, but will need to chop the ingredients up a little smaller.
    1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/3 cup lime juice, 1/2 cup orange juice, 1 can chipotles in adobo, 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, 5 garlic cloves, 1 medium onion, 1/2 tablespoon cumin, 1/2 tablespoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1.5 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • Add the pollo adobo marinade and chicken to a ziplock bag or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight.
    3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs

For the Stove Top:

  • Heat a medium-large pan on the stove over medium-high heat. Non-stick or cast iron is great.
  • Cook the chicken for 5 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 71°C/160°F.
  • Remove from the heat and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

For the Air Fryer:

  • Preheat the air fryer to 180°C/356°F.
  • When it’s ready, place the marinated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  • Air fry for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 71°C/160°F.
  • Remove from the air fryer and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

For the Oven:

  • Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F.
  • Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Bake for 30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 71°C/160°F.
  • Remove from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

For the Grill:

  • Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
  • Once the grill is hot, arrange the chicken thighs on the grill grates. Let them cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 71°C/160°F.
  • Remove from the grill and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Notes

  • Marinating Time: For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight. If you're short on time, even 30 minutes can make a difference.
  • Internal Temperature: Always use an instant-read thermometer to check that your chicken has reached the safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  • Resting: Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, making your chicken even more tender and delicious.
  • Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of chipotles in adobo based on your heat preference. More for spicy, less for mild.

Storage instructions

  • Cool and Airtight: Allow the cooked chicken to cool to room temperature, and store leftovers in an airtight container to keep the chicken fresh and prevent it from drying out.
  • Refrigerate: Keep the chipotle chicken in the refrigerator where it will stay good for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the microwave, air fryer, or oven until heated through.
  • Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a sealed container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. 
  • Freezing Before Cooking: You can also freeze the raw chicken in the marinade for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight and cook as per your preferred method.

Nutrition

Calories: 321kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 215mg | Sodium: 787mg | Potassium: 678mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 335IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 3mg