Pollo asado taco recipe

The authentic taste of pollo asado tacos

Rotisserie chicken tacos are delicious and never fail. This dish, simple but full of flavor, captures the essence of homemade food, with that special touch that only a good roast can give. Preparing them at home is not only easy, but also an opportunity to enjoy an authentic and delicious recipe.

Essential ingredients for grilled chicken tacos

The secret to good roast chicken tacos is in the ingredients. For the marinade, you need:

  • Chicken (boneless thighs or breasts).
  • Orange and lime juice
  • Chopped garlic
  • Olive oil
  • Spices such as cumin, oregano and paprika
  • Dried chili peppers or chili powder for a spicy kick
  • Salt and pepper to taste

These ingredients achieve a perfect blend of citrus and spicy flavors, creating a marinade that gives the chicken a deep, savory flavor. To complete the tacos, corn tortillas, fresh cilantro, onion and, of course, a good salsa are a must.

Step by Step to prepare pollo asado taco

1. Prepare the marinade

  • In a large bowl, mix the juice of 2 oranges and 2 lemons.
  • Add 4 cloves finely chopped garlic, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon oregano and 1 teaspoon paprika.
  • Add chili powder or dried chili peppers to taste for a spicy touch, salt and pepper to taste.
  • Stir all ingredients well until a smooth marinade is obtained.

2. Marinate the chicken

  • Place 1 kg of boneless chicken thighs or breasts in the marinade, making sure they are well coated.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. For a more intense flavor, marinate overnight.

3. Grill the chicken

  • Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade and drain the excess.
  • Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C and is browned on the outside. The goal is to achieve a crispy outer layer while the inside remains juicy.

4. Prepare the tortillas

  • While the chicken is cooking, heat the corn tortillas on the grill or in a hot skillet, turning them until soft and lightly toasted.

5. Cut the chicken

  • Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
  • Cut the chicken into thin strips or cubes, according to your preference.

6. Assemble the tacos

  • Place a generous portion of chicken in each tortilla.
  • Add chopped onion, fresh cilantro and salsa to taste. You can use salsa verde, salsa roja or even homemade guacamole.

7. Serve and enjoy

  • Serve the freshly prepared tacos and accompany them with a refreshing drink such as horchata water or a cold beer.
  • Enjoy your grilled chicken tacos with friends and family!

How to marinate pollo

Marinating the chicken is a key step to achieve the authentic flavor of grilled chicken tacos. Mix orange juice, lime juice, garlic, spices and a drizzle of olive oil in a large bowl. Place the chicken in the marinade, making sure it is well coated, and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least two hours. If you can leave it overnight, all the better. The longer it sits in the marinade, the more flavor it will have.

Roasting the pollo

The next step is to grill the chicken. Ideally, this should be done on the grill, but if you don’t have one, a grill pan works well too. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat so that the chicken seals well and retains all its juices. Cook each piece for about 6-8 minutes per side, until cooked through and browned on the outside. The trick is to get a golden crust that contrasts with the juicy interior of the chicken.

How to serve the tacos

Once the chicken is ready, cut it into thin strips. Heat the corn tortillas, either on the grill or in a skillet, until soft and lightly toasted. Place a good portion of chicken in each tortilla and add onion, cilantro and the salsa of your choice. The combination of textures and flavors-the softness of the chicken, the crispness of the tortilla, the freshness of the cilantro-is what makes these tacos so irresistible.

Sauces and side dishes to enhance the flavor

Part of the magic of these tacos is in the accompaniments. A good green or red salsa, homemade with fresh chiles, tomatoes and a touch of lime, enhances the flavor of the chicken. You can also add guacamole, sliced radishes or even some queso fresco.

Customize the recipe to your liking

Although the traditional recipe is hard to beat, there are always ways to give it your own twist. You can experiment with the marinade by adding ingredients such as pineapple juice or achiote, which give it a different flavor. You can also try different combinations of toppings, such as pico de gallo, sliced avocado or even a touch of queso fresco. The idea is to adapt the recipe to your taste without losing the essence of the dish!

What makes pollo asado tacos special?

Pollo asado tacos are a classic dish that never goes out of style. What makes them so special is the marinade that imbues the chicken with intense flavors, and the roasting process, which gives it that smoky and slightly crunchy touch. They are also very versatile: they can be enjoyed both at a casual meal with friends and at a family celebration.

Tips for making the most of your tacos

To serve tacos like an expert, make sure the tortillas are warm and soft, ready to wrap around the chicken without breaking. Add the chicken just before serving to keep it juicy, and let everyone customize their taco with the sauce they like best.