Chipotle Copycat Pollo Asado Marinade

This Chipotle Copycat Pollo Asado Marinade tastes almost identical to the original and ready in under thirty minutes. With a homemade achiote paste and additional spices, this marinade oozes with irresistible flavor!

If you love the flavors of pollo asado, you must try these Carne Asada Mushroom Tacos!

Tried Chipotle's new pollo asado? This new flavor has been on the market for a while and available to foodies throughout the US and Canada for a limited time! With that said, you will want to save this recipe in the event this flavorful chicken is not always available.

WHAT IS POLLO ASADO?

Pollo asado is seasoned and marinated chicken that is grilled on an open fire. Traditionally, this popular item is made with spices such as achiote that is popular throughout Central America, Mexican and Caribbean foods. Pollo asado typically presents with a red hue (from achiote) and holds an earthy, sweet and spicy flavor.

In this recipe, boneless skinless chicken thighs are used and highly recommended. Marinated in under thirty minutes with citrus and herbs, this recipe is the perfect addition to burritos, burrito bowl, tacos and more!

WHAT IS ACHIOTE?

As mentioned, achiote is a spice that can be ground and is used mostly in Mexican and Caribbean recipes. It is mostly used as a coloring agent in foods and has a bitter, earthy and peppery flavor.

Once transformed into a powder, it can be used as a paste for a marinade. Achiote paste can be used on various meats such as fish, poultry and pork. In this post, you will learn how to make a homemade achiote paste, added with spices for a quick marinade for chicken thighs.

HOMEMADE ACHIOTE SEASONING

In this post, a homemade achiote seasoning will be created. I was unable to locate store bought achiote paste and wanted this recipe to remain as close to the Chipotle recipe and traditional pollo asado as possible.

With just a few household spices, herbs and citrus fruit, you will have delicious, tender and juicy chicken ready to be served in many ways.

IS POLLO ASADO SPICY?

Depending on your spice level, this recipe can be tweaked to alter the spice level. With that said, traditionally pollo asado can hold a bit of spice. The citrus notes that are added will cut the spice level tremendously and for most, the level of heat is minimal.

If you would like to omit the spice all together, simply add more citrus than what is listed in this recipe.

INGREDIENTS FOR POLLO ASADO MARINADE

To prepare the marinade, you will need simple household ingredients. Of course, if you can locate achiote powder, you will be able to omit some of the listed spices. First, here is what you will need if you cannot locate achiote powder.

HOMEMADE ACHIOTE PASTE INGREDIENTS

• White Vinegar
• Paprika
• Dried Oregano
• Garlic
• Cumin

ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS

• Ground Coriander
• Onion Powder
• Harissa (optional)
• Lemon Salt (optional)
• Garlic Powder
• Chili Powder
• Lemon
• Lime
• Cilantro

It is important to note if you have access to achiote powder/seasoning, simply add the additional ingredients for more flavor (and notes closer to Chipotle's Pollo Asado Chicken).

HOW TO PREPARE POLLO ASADO MARINADE

First, prepare the achiote paste using the listed ingredients above. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, white vinegar, dried oregano garlic and ground cumin. Stir until combined.

Next, add the additional seasonings to the achiote paste. Stir until well combined. A dark red paste should form.

Now, add in your protein of choice in this instance, we are using boneless skinless chicken thighs. Once the chicken thighs have been added, add the juices from the lemon and limes and sprinkle in freshly chopped cilantro.

Lastly, stir all the ingredients to make sure the chicken thighs are thoroughly coated. Cover and marinate thirty minutes up to twenty-four hours for best results!

HOW TO COOK POLLO ASADO

After the chicken thighs have marinated, now it is time to grill your pollo asado! If you have a BBQ grill that is the best way to prepare traditional pollo asado.

I do not have a grill so used a cast iron skillet griddle. Use what you have on hand!

Now, the key to preparing pollo asado is ensuring the heat is fairly high. If using a grill or cast iron, make sure the griddle is smoking hot before adding the chicken.

Once the griddle is hot, sear chicken on both sides for 5-7 minutes depending on thickness. It is important to note, not disturbing the chicken will result in maximum flavor and a delicious crust will form from the high heat!

WHEN IS THE CHICKEN DONE?

Cook chicken by minimally disturbing it for best results. The chicken thighs I used were not thick. With that said, it took about 5-6 minutes per side. If your chicken thighs are thicker, increase cooking time.

While the chicken thighs cook through, it is helpful to add extra lemon or lime juice to provide a rich citrus and smoky flavor. Since the heat is high, smoke will release providing additional flavor.

Laslty, the chicken will be cooked through when it reaches in internal temperature (in the thickest part of the chicken) of 165 degrees.

TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS!

• Marinate chicken breasts for at least thirty minutes to twenty-four hours.
• Massage marinade into chicken.
• Use additional lemon and lime juice as chicken thighs cook on open fire.
• Allow chicken to reach room temperature before cooking.
• Only flip chicken thighs once during cooking process.

HOW TO STORE AND REHEAT

Store pollo asado in an airtight container for up to five days. When ready to serve again, simply reheat in the microwave or oven. A few tips when reheating is:

1. If reheating in the microwave, add an ice cube or about one tablespoon of water to the chicken in a microwave safe plate or bowl. This will help to keep the chicken moist while it heats. (Something my Grandad did, this trick works wonders for reheating rice too)
2. Reheat in the oven by baking in a covered dish (also adding an ice cube or two or water) at 350 for 10-15 minutes!
3. Pollo asado marinade can last as is for 5-7 days in the fridge. If you want to prepare the marinade ahead of time and freeze, you can certainly do that too.
   1. If freezing the marinade, store in a freezer safe Ziploc bag. With chicken the marinated pollo asado will last up to three months.

WHAT TO SERVE POLLO ASADO WITH

This recipe is simple to create but can be paired with many items. To begin:

1. Loaded Burrito Bowl. Simply build your bowl with rice, veggies, corn salsa and additional toppings pairing with the pollo asado.
2. Tacos. Add the cooked chicken with flour or corn tortillas and favorite pairings.
3. Quesadillas. Adding the cooked chicken thighs with cheese and a tortilla makes for a quick lunch or dinner idea.
4. Dinner style. Serve pollo asado as the main dish. In addition to rice, beans and corn salsa have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes!

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If you love this dish, you must try these Carne Asada Mushroom Tacos!