Pollo Asado

Servings: 4 Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins Difficulty: Beginner
Pollo Asado - Grilled Chicken Bursting with Zesty Mexican Flavors!
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Healthy Mexican Citrus-Grilled Chicken – Authentic, Juicy & Gluten-Free!

Pollo Asado

Pollo Asado ("grilled chicken" in Spanish) is a Mexican street-food classic featuring tender chicken marinated in tangy citrus, smoky spices, and aromatic herbs.

This healthy version cuts excess oil without sacrificing flavor, delivering succulent, char-kissed chicken perfect for tacos, bowls, or salads.

With a bright marinade starring fresh lime, orange, and garlic, this foolproof recipe guarantees restaurant-quality results in under an hour. Ideal for busy weeknights or fiesta gatherings!

Recommended Occasions: Weeknight dinners, Summer BBQs, Meal prep lunches, Taco Tuesdays, Cinco de Mayo celebrations.

Serve with warm tortillas and a crisp jicama slaw for a complete Mexican feast!

Prep Time 45 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 1 hr 10 mins Difficulty: Beginner Cooking Temp: 400  F Servings: 4 Calories: 280 kcal Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Ingredients

Chicken:

Citrus:

Aromatics:

Spices:

Healthy Fats:

Optional Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Marinate:

    In a bowl, whisk lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, garlic, cilantro, spices, and salt. Add chicken, coating evenly. Cover and refrigerate 30+ mins (up to 4 hours).

  2. Preheat Grill:

    Heat to medium-high (400°F/200°C). Lightly oil grates.

  3. Grill:

    Remove chicken from marinade (discard excess). Grill 7–8 mins per side, until internal temp hits 165°F (74°C) and edges are charred.

  4. Rest:

    Transfer to a plate. Tent with foil; rest 5 mins.

  5. Serve:

    Slice or shred. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4


Amount Per Serving
Calories 280kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 14g22%
Saturated Fat 3g15%
Cholesterol 145mg49%
Sodium 620mg26%
Potassium 520mg15%
Protein 34g68%

Vitamin A 112 mcg
Vitamin C 32 mg
Calcium 28 mg
Iron 2.1 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

  • Keto : Omit honey
  • Tip: Double the marinade and use half as a drizzle sauce! 
Keywords: healthy pollo asado, mexican grilled chicken, easy citrus marinade, gluten free dinner, high protein low carb, dairy free mexican

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
Can I bake instead of grill?

Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 mins on a parchment-lined sheet.

Is this spicy? Can kids eat it?

Omit chipotle powder for mildness. The citrus marinade is kid-approved!

How long does marinated chicken last in the fridge?

Up to 24 hours. Freeze raw marinated chicken for 1 month.

What sides pair well?

Try cilantro-lime cauliflower rice, black beans, or grilled zucchini.

Can I use chicken breasts?

Yes, but reduce cooking time to 6–7 mins/side to avoid dryness.

Is this high in sodium?

Reduce salt to ½ tsp if sodium-restricted. Most sodium comes from the marinade, not absorbed fully.