Pollo Asado Chipotle

Our Pollo Asado Chipotle copycat has the trademark sear, peppery bite, and tender texture of the restaurant classic. With our homemade marinade, you can enjoy it whenever the craving hits!

Pollo Asado from Chipotle

A gorgeous sear, juicy center, and melt-in-your-mouth texture are what define this Mexican-inspired recipe. The bright flavors of lemon and lime synergize with sizzling, spicy peppers in an easy-to-make marinade. So easy, in fact, you can make it at home in a flash!

This peppery chicken recipe is also versatile beyond expectations! Piled high with vegetables in a chili lime rice bowl, layered in a keto-friendly casserole, or simply mixed among chips in a plate of nachos, it’ll never be an unwelcome taste.

Why you will love this recipe

• No ordering ahead, no lines, no chance for the food to get cold —it’s the restaurant classic in your own kitchen!
• You can marinate ahead of time to have dinner on the table in a flash.
• This recipe works well with other meats, even plant-based substitutes.

How to make a perfect Pollo Asado Chipotle Copycat

Don’t cut the meat too thin. While thinner filets do tend to marinate better, slices that are too thin won’t be juicy! Filet each chicken breast into two or three pieces so that they’re a good size for both marinating and staying plump and moist. 

The magic is in the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to take in the citrusy, pepper marinade flavors. You can marinate for up to 24 hours to soak up even more, but no longer than that! Otherwise, the meat breaks down too much and becomes tough. 

Pro Tips 

• Avoid overcooking! While it’s important to get chicken to that safe internal temperature of 165°F, you certainly don’t want to overcook it — that’ll leave you with dry, unappetizing filets. Once the exterior is golden brown and the inside is cooked to temperature, get them off the heat right away! 

• Don’t overlook the importance of preheating. Cast iron, flat-top, whichever you choose — just be sure to preheat it to a high heat. It sears quickly and, if the filet is cut to an adequately thin size, it’ll cook the center thoroughly. And it’s how you get beautiful, appetizing grill marks!
• Enjoy pollo al asado in endless ways! There’s no limit to the ways you can use this juicy chicken recipe. Fresh vegetables and herbs, bulky beans and rice, or covered in melty cheese… no matter the toppings, you can’t go wrong!
  
• Planning on leaving some for leftovers? Prepare a little extra marinade to store leftovers in to keep it flavorful and moist! Do not reuse the marinade — it will be contaminated with bacteria from the raw chicken and should be disposed of immediately after use. 

Key Ingredients and Substitutions for Pollo Asado from Chipotle

Chicken: We tend to opt for inexpensive chicken breasts. However, any cut is really fine, even bone-in. It’s more of a matter of how much time you want to put into prep!

Lemon & Lime Juice: Using both provides a light, citrusy contrast that brightens the dish. If you’d like to use all of one or the other, that’s perfectly fine. 

Cilantro: Fresh herbs are the secret to recreating pollo asado from Chipotle — and most things on their menu, really. Don’t skip it, and don’t use a dried alternative! 

Chili Powder: The heat in pollo al asado comes from chili powder, and it’s where the “chipotle” in this cuisine comes from! Want more spice? Try your hand at cayenne. Ground cayenne is made from another chili that’s much hotter. 

Garlic & Onion: Where there’s flavor, there’s garlic and onions! These two play their roles in the marinade. Therefore, if you’d like to use a powdered alternative, that would work just as well in our pollo asado recipe.

Frequently asked Questions about Our Pollo Asado Recipe

What is pollo asado?

The Spanish term translates to “grilled chicken” — and that’s exactly what it is!

There is a little more to it, of course. The meat is also marinated in citrus and spices for tender heat and incredible texture. 

What’s the difference between chipotle chicken and pollo asado?

Chipotle chicken highlights heat, spice, and all other variations of the word. Peppers are the focus. 

Asado is all about that marinade that works to brighten the meat with acidity. Peppers too, of course, though that isn’t all there is to it! Flavors like cumin, garlic, and onion are also on display. 

What cut of chicken do you use in a pollo asado recipe? 

Pollo asado from Chipotle uses skinless, boneless thighs. However, any cut of meat that’s been properly prepared (boneless and with the skin removed) is suitable for preparing pollo al asado.

How should you store pollo asado from Chipotle?

It’s always best to stick to USDA guidelines. Cooked chicken must remain refrigerated at 40°F or less and only for up to 4 days before you risk bacteria and illness. Use an airtight container to make sure the meat stays fresh!