Pollo Asado Tacos

These pollo asado tacos are deeply infused with a smoky, citrusy, and mildly spicy red marinade that takes taco Tuesday to a new level!

📝 Ingredients

• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• 3 tablespoons neutral oil (like grapeseed or avocado oil)
• 3 cloves garlic (smashed)
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons oregano (Mexican if available)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 ounces achiote powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (subtle smoky note that supports grilling flavor)
• 2 pounds boneless (skinless chicken thighs)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, (for the grill)
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
• 1/4 cup lightly packed chopped fresh cilantro
• Lime wedge

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1In a blender or food processor, combine orange juice (1/2 cup), lime juice (1/4 cup), 3 tablespoons oil, salt (2 teaspoons), garlic (3 cloves), vinegar (1 tablespoon), oregano (1 1/2 teaspoons), cumin (1 teaspoon), pepper (3/4 teaspoon), achiote powder (1 1/2 ounces), smoked paprika (1 teaspoon), and onion powder (1 teaspoon). Blend until smooth. (The paste may separate from the citrus juice.)
2. 2Place chicken (2 pounds) in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
3. 3Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high (about 350°F). Brush the grates with vegetable oil. Grill chicken in batches for 3-5 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165–175°F (74-79ºC). Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing or chopping.
4. 4Warm corn tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet until soft and lightly charred. Keep warm, wrapped in a clean towel.
5. 5Assemble tacos by layering grilled chicken into tortillas. Top with chopped onion and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges and any desired optional toppings.