How to Make The Best POLLO ASADO, super juicy and flavorful, El Pollo Loco Could NEVER!!!

whole chicken

🥗Healthier: skinless chicken

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Skinless chicken is lower in fat, while chicken thighs are often more affordable.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and is nutritious, while vegetable oil is usually cheaper.

Begin by preparing the marinade in a blender cup.

Add the roasted onion, roasted garlic cloves, ground cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and seasoned meat tenderizer to the blender.

Pour in the pineapple juice, orange juice, and lime juice.

Blend everything until smooth to create the marinade.

Prepare a 5-pound whole chicken by flipping it over and cutting out the spine with scissors or a knife.

Once the spine is removed, flip the chicken back and cut in between the breasts to separate them.

Press down on the chicken to flatten it, making it easier for marinating.

Transfer the chicken into a Ziploc bag or bowl for marinating.

Add the olive oil and the marinade to the chicken, ensuring it gets under the skin.

Remove air from the Ziploc bag and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours.

After marinating, preheat the grill to 350°F.

Place the chicken on the grill, bone side down, and brush marinade on top.

Close the grill and cook for 40 minutes.

After 40 minutes, flip the chicken over and cook for another 30 to 40 minutes, checking the temperature.

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the salsa by combining 5 small Roma tomatoes, 1/4 onion, juice of 1 lime, and salt in a bowl and pulsing it a few times.

Transfer the salsa to a bowl and set aside.

For the avocado salsa, blend 1/4 avocado, 3 garlic cloves, a handful of cilantro, 1 or 2 Chile Serrano or jalapeno, 3 avocados, juice of 1 lime, and salt until smooth, adjusting thickness with water or milk as needed.

Check the chicken's temperature after 30 minutes of cooking; it should be done when the internal temperature is reached.

Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Prepare tortillas and serve the chicken with rice and salsas.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary