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Pollo Asado

Pollo Asado (Chipotle Copycat Recipe)

Pollo Asado (Chipotle Copycat Recipe) is one of the most flavorful grilled chicken dishes. Tender chicken packed with flavor from a chipotle based marinade with lime and orange juice! Not only is the chicken perfectly seasoned and tasty... it is so easy to make.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 322
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or boneless skinless chicken breast sliced in half lengthwise)
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 4-5 tbsp water (for pan frying cooking method, optional)
  • 1 can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (7 oz can)
  • 4 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 4 tbsp fresh orange juice
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
  • 6 cloves garlic
  • 1 medium onion (quartered)
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground coriander (optional)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper

Equipment

  • blender
  • food processor
  • grill
  • Skillet
  • Air fryer

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Add all of the marinade ingredients to a blender, food processor, or a large bowl to purée with a handheld immersion blender. Blend the ingredients until evenly combined and the sauce is smooth.
  2. In a large airtight container or Ziploc bag add the chicken thighs and the marinade. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated in the marinade.
  3. Transfer to the fridge and let marinate for up to 24 hours (marinating overnight is ideal for the best flavor but not required, marinate a minimum 15 - 30 minutes).
  4. Preheat grill to high, about 350°F-400°F. Coat the grill with olive oil.
  5. Grill the chicken for 15-30 minutes, flipping, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  6. Heat a skillet or grill pan on medium-high heat with olive oil.
  7. 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.
  8. Cook for 5 minutes and then flip and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  9. Once the chicken has cooked, drizzle the leftover 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 a splash of water.
  10. Coat the air fryer basket with olive oil.
  11. Add the chicken to the air fryer basket.
  12. Air fry the chicken at 400°F 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°F.