Pollo Asado is a bright and lovely Mexican dish. I love that this recipe always turns out tender and juicy.
Pollo Asado is traditionally grilled (it actually translates to “Grilled Chicken”), but this recipe is a shortcut to the same amazing flavor without the cooking at the grill.
The orange and lime juice, plus cumin, in this Pollo Asado marinade even add a little smokiness, which enhances the grilled flavor.
Key Takeaways
- Cook Time: High – 4 hours
- Main Ingredients: Chicken thoughts, cumin, fresh orange juice, lime juice, and more
- Servings: 4
- Extras: For a new tang, try using grapefruit or tangerines; for more heat, check out achiote powder/paste for a smoky, spicy bit
- Tips: Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts to get more tender meat
Easy, Flavorful Slow Cooker Pollo Asado Recipe
I’m still on a slow cooker recipe kick, and while this chicken tastes amazing on a charcoal grill while camping, I needed an easy, flavorful meal for busy nights!
The seasonings can vary according to your preferences, but citrus juices are key to the signature flavor. Orange, lemon, and lime juices work together to flavor and tenderize the meat.
You can put it all together the night before or meal prepping over the weekend, marinate the chicken for a bit, and toss it into the slow cooker whenever you’re ready for an easy meal.
Most people think of oregano for Italian recipes, but Mexican oregano is a very popular ingredient in Latin-inspired foods.
Some of you might wonder about replacing the thighs with chicken breast. Chicken breasts are lower in fat and very popular, but I don’t recommend them as a replacement for this recipe.
The breast can come out tough and dry, whereas the thigh meat is less expensive and so much more tender.
I created this with freshly squeezed orange juice, and everything else was jarred because that’s what I had on hand.
If you heat up the orange a little first, you can get more orange juice for the recipe!
You can also substitute about 1/4 – 1/3 cups of orange juice into the recipe instead of the orange. You’ll always get better flavor results with fresh ingredients, but make things easy on yourself, Mama!
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 tsp oregano
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cilantro dried
- 1/2 onion chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon anchiote paste optional for spice
Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs into the slow cooker.
- Top with crushed red pepper, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, cilantro, and onions. (add anchiote paste for heat if you want)
- Over the top, pour the oil and juices.
- Cook on hight for 4 hours.
- Serve chicken sliced with corn tortillas, salsa, cheese, and guacamole (optional).
- To prepare this meal for the freezer, place all ingredients in a gallon freezer bag. Thaw the night before in the refrigerator. Cook as directed above.
Recipe Swaps
While the traditional chicken asado recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors, you might find yourself wanting to experiment or substitute based on dietary preferences or availability of ingredients.
Here are a few suggestions to change things up:
The Meat
If you’re looking to differ from chicken breasts or thighs, turkey can be a succulent alternative, maintaining that tenderness we all love.
I haven’t tried this with any beef substitutes, but I can imagine the flavors would be good on a nice flank steak!
For a vegetarian twist, firm tofu or seitan, marinated overnight, can absorb those rich flavors, offering a unique experience.
The Marinade/Citrus
While orange, lemon, and lime juices provide that signature zesty flavor, experimenting with grapefruit for a bolder, slightly bitter undertone or tangerines for a sweeter profile can offer interesting variations.
If you’re adding a bit more sweet, I’d add some onion powder or more red pepper flakes to balance it out.
Instead of oregano, consider cilantro for a more traditional Mexican flavor or parsley for a milder touch that might suit your palate.
I’m also interested in tossing in some pineapple and hot sauce to really amp up the sweet and spicy taste- I think it would be amazing!
For those who enjoy a kick, incorporating chipotle powder or smoked paprika can introduce a new level of smokiness and heat.
Serving It Up
Whether served as part of a taco bar, over a bed of cilantro lime rice, or alongside roasted vegetables, Pollo Asado is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any table.
One of the simplest and most delightful ways to serve it is alongside warm, fresh tortillas.
This allows for the creation of mouthwatering tacos or burritos, where you can add a variety of toppings to complement the juicy chicken.
Of course, store-bought tortillas are also delicious and easy, so don’t worry if you don’t have time to make them fresh!
Ideal toppings include diced avocado or guacamole with a squirt of lime juice, which provides a creamy texture that beautifully contrasts with the meat’s tangy profile.
Fresh, homemade pico de gallo adds a burst of freshness, while a sprinkle of cotija cheese introduces a salty, crumbly element.
For those who prefer a hint of heat, a drizzle of salsa verde or a few slices of jalapeño can elevate the dish.
Other Slow Cooker Recipes
And if you like this Pollo Asado and how easy it is to throw in the slow cooker, you might be interested in 40 other slow cooker dump recipes that are AMAZING!
FAQS
Can I use other parts of the chicken besides thighs for this recipe?
While chicken thighs are recommended for their tenderness and flavor, some people do choose to use other parts of the chicken, such as drumsticks or wings.
However, using chicken breast is not advised due to its tendency to become dry and tough in slow cookers.
Is it possible to make this recipe more or less spicy?
Absolutely! The crushed red pepper in the recipe can be adjusted according to your spicy preference, or you can add achiote powder or paste (see FAQ below).
Feel free to reduce the amount for a milder flavor or increase it if you enjoy a bit of a kick.
How important is it to use fresh ingredients for the marinade?
Using fresh ingredients can significantly enhance the flavor of the Pollo Asado.
Fresh citrus juices, in particular, add a vibrant and tangy taste that can be stronger due to freshness.
That said, for convenience, bottled juices and dried herbs can still produce a delicious meal.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, marinating the chicken overnight in the refrigerator can enhance its flavors, making it even more tender and juicy.
Just prepare the marinade, add the chicken, and refrigerate.
The next day, transfer it to your slow cooker and proceed as directed.
Is leftover Pollo Asado suitable for freezing?
This leftover Pollo Asado freezes wonderfully. Once cooled, add the cooked chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers, pouring some of the cooking liquids over the top to help maintain moisture.
When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently.
How do I make this into grilled chicken instead of using the slow cooker?
To grill chicken, instead of using the slow cooker, marinate the chicken ahead of time- 4 hours up to overnight.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat’ remove your marinated chicken and discard any remaining liquid.
Grill for 5-7 minutes on each side in a grill pan or right on the racks until fully cooked. Let rest for a few minutes before serving with your desired sides.
What about using achiote paste (or achiote powder) for spice?
Achiote paste is a popular ingredient in Mexican cuisine made from annatto seeds and can add a unique flavor to the Pollo Asado.
Achiote paste can be spicy, bitter, and even smoky, but my girls aren’t big fans, so it isn’t in my recipe. But you can add whatever you like to spice things up!
To add achiote paste, mix 1-2 tablespoons with the citrus juices and other marinade ingredients, then prepare the recipe as directed.
If you use achiote powder, I suggest adding 1-2 tablespoons to water so it mixes better with the juices- achiote powder is usually used for dry marinades for grilling chicken.
Can I cook Pollo Asado on the stovetop?
While traditionally cooked on the grill, Pollo Asado can also be made on the stovetop.
To do so, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add marinated chicken thighs- pour marinade leftover on top, but not too much so the chicken can brown.
Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked, then remove from heat and let rest before serving.
Final Thoughts
My Pollo Asado recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a delightful departure from the ordinary that brings the family together.
The sweet, tangy flavors infused in the tender chicken have been a game changer in our household, especially for my daughters.
They absolutely loved the rich, vibrant flavors, which they found a refreshing change from the regular chicken tacos we often have.
This recipe has not only added variety to our dinner routine but has also become a beloved favorite, eagerly anticipated by the entire family.
Have you grabbed my Chaos to Control Starter Guide, yet? I might be biased but I think its pretty amazing! Check it out!
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