Pollo Asado
If you’re looking for a dish that is both flavorful and visually stunning, look no further than pollo asado. This traditional Latin American roasted chicken is marinated in a blend of spices and citrus, resulting in tender, juicy meat and a crispy skin. Perfect for gatherings or a family dinner, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
– 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon cumin
– 1 tablespoon oregano
– Juice of 2 limes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro for garnish
– Lime wedges for serving
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, and cooking time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1/6 of the chicken):
– Calories: 350
– Protein: 30g
– Fat: 20g
– Carbohydrates: 2g
– Fiber: 0g
This nutritional information is based on one serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, oregano, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub the marinade generously over the chicken, including under the skin.
5. Place the chicken in a roasting pan breast-side up.
6. Squeeze additional lime juice over the chicken.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
8. Baste the chicken with its juices halfway through cooking.
9. Once done, let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.
10. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
If you don’t have a whole chicken, you can use chicken thighs or drumsticks. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different spices, such as chili powder or coriander, for a unique twist.
Serving and Pairings
Pollo asado pairs wonderfully with rice and beans, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with tortillas for a delicious taco night!
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover pollo asado in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not allowing the chicken to marinate long enough.
- Overcooking, which can dry out the meat.
- Forgetting to baste the chicken during roasting.
- Using too much salt in the marinade.
- Not letting the chicken rest before carving.
Helpful Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
- Experiment with different citrus fruits for marinade.
- Let the chicken marinate overnight for deeper flavor.
- Serve with a spicy salsa for an extra kick.
FAQs
What is pollo asado?
Pollo asado is a traditional Latin American dish featuring marinated and roasted chicken, known for its vibrant flavors and crispy skin.
Can I use chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs or drumsticks; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What sides go well with pollo asado?
Popular sides include rice and beans, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Can I freeze leftover pollo asado?
Yes, you can freeze leftover chicken for up to 3 months. Just ensure it’s stored in an airtight container.
Conclusion
Pollo asado is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and a perfect dish for any occasion. With its blend of spices and citrus, this juicy roasted chicken will quickly become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the cooking experience and the delightful results!
Pollo Asado
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken about 4-5 lbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- Juice of 2 limes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, oregano, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the marinade generously over the chicken, including under the skin.
- Place the chicken in a roasting pan breast-side up.
- Squeeze additional lime juice over the chicken.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Baste the chicken with its juices halfway through cooking.
- Once done, let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges before serving.
