Low Sugar Pollo Asado

Total time3 hr

Prep time20 min

Cook time40 min

4.7

(14)

Bright citrus, smoky spices, and deeply charred skin make this one of those dishes that looks and tastes like it took serious effort — but the marinade does almost all the work for you. Fresh orange juice and lime juice bring natural sweetness and acidity without a single drop of added sugar, which means every bit of flavor here comes from real, whole ingredients. Cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, and oregano layer together into a marinade that's bold and complex, and after a few hours in the fridge the chicken soaks it all up beautifully. You can finish it on the grill for serious char and smokiness, or go straight to a hot oven if that's more your speed — either way, you're pulling off restaurant-quality results at home. The skin crisps up to something almost caramelized-looking, thanks entirely to the citrus and spices rather than any sweetener. A squeeze of fresh lime and a handful of cilantro at the end keeps everything bright and lively on the plate. It's the kind of weeknight dinner that quietly becomes a household staple.

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Ingredients

4 servings

For the chicken

3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks)

For the marinade

¼ cup fresh orange juice
3 tbsp fresh lime juice
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

For serving

lime wedges, for serving (optional)
fresh cilantro, roughly chopped, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1
In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, salt, and cayenne (if using) until combined.
2
Place the chicken pieces in a large zip-top bag or baking dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, turning each piece to coat thoroughly. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours.

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