Authentic Cuban Pollo Asado (Grilled or Roasted Chicken)

Cuban pollo asado is hands-down one of the easiest, most flavorful chicken recipes ever. Traditionally, it's roasted in the oven, but if you’re craving that smoky, charred goodness, you can throw it on the grill too! This pollo asado recipe is marinated in sour orange juice, garlic, annatto powder, and complete seasoning, with just 20 minutes of active prep.

📝 Ingredients

• 1/3 cup neutral oil
• 3/4 cup sour orange juice (naranja agria)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced (or more if your heart desires!))
• 2 tablespoons complete seasoning
• 1 1/2 teaspoons annatto powder (for color)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt + pepper to taste
• 4 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs ((and/or chicken drumsticks))

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1In a bowl, whisk together the oil, sour orange juice, garlic, complete seasoning, annatto, cumin, salt and pepper to taste. This is your marinade.
2. 2Into a resealable freezer bag, add the chicken pieces and pour in the marinade. Toss and massage the chicken pieces really well with the marinade. Place the resealable bag in the fridge to marinate for 2 hours or up to overnight.
3. 3Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Place a wire rack inside a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray the wire rack with cooking spray. Set aside.
4. 4Place the chicken thighs on the rack about 1-2 inches apart.
5. 5Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a food thermometer reads 165°F internal temp in the thickest part of the chicken.
6. 6Broil on low for 5 minutes if you like that charred, golden brown skin on the chicken.
7. 7Remove the chicken from the oven. Serve with white rice, black beans, and/or sweet plantains. Enjoy!