Citric Acid Free Pollo Asado

Total time3 hr

Prep time20 min

Cook time40 min

4.7

(14)

Smoky, golden, and deeply fragrant, this grilled and roasted chicken is the kind of dish that makes everyone hover near the kitchen the moment it starts cooking. The marinade leans on fresh-squeezed orange and lime juice alongside warm spices like cumin, turmeric, and smoked paprika — all naturally free of the processed citric acid that sneaks into so many store-bought seasonings and marinades. That's the real win here: you get bold, complex flavor without having to scrutinize a single ingredient label. Bone-in, skin-on thighs and drumsticks are the ideal cut for this method, staying juicy through the high heat while the skin crisps up with those irresistible charred edges. Whether you finish it on the grill or roast it entirely in the oven, the technique is forgiving and the results are consistently stunning. A quick rest before serving locks in all that marinade-infused moisture, so every bite is tender and packed with flavor. Lime wedges and fresh cilantro at the table keep things bright and festive without adding anything you'd need to second-guess.

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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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