Mediterranean Diet Friendly Pollo Asado
Bright citrus, warm spices, and a generous pour of extra virgin olive oil come together in a marinade that does most of the heavy lifting here, leaving you with deeply flavored, beautifully charred chicken that feels like it came off a restaurant grill. The combination of orange juice, lime juice, cumin, turmeric, and smoked paprika is exactly the kind of bold-yet-wholesome flavor profile that makes this style of eating so satisfying — nothing processed, nothing hidden, just real ingredients working in harmony. Bone-in, skin-on thighs and drumsticks are the right call for this recipe; they stay juicy through the high-heat cook and develop that gorgeous char that makes every bite worth the wait. Olive oil anchors the marinade and keeps the chicken moist while also delivering the heart-healthy fats that make this way of eating so well-regarded by nutritionists. You can finish the chicken entirely on the grill or move it to a hot oven — either way, the result is the same: crackling skin, tender meat, and a kitchen that smells absolutely incredible. A squeeze of fresh lime and a handful of cilantro at the end brighten everything up and make the dish feel as vibrant as it tastes.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →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.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!