Sesame Free Pollo Asado

Total time3 hr

Prep time20 min

Cook time40 min

4.7

(14)

Smoky, citrus-soaked, and deeply charred at the edges, this grilled chicken is the kind of dish that makes everyone hover near the grill asking when it'll be ready. The marinade is built entirely from fresh orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and a lineup of warm spices — cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, and oregano — so every ingredient is straightforward and easy to verify. For anyone navigating a sesame sensitivity, that simplicity is a genuine relief, since there are no blended sauces, bottled dressings, or spice mixes where hidden sesame can sneak in. The chicken gets at least two hours in that bright, punchy marinade before hitting a screaming-hot grill or a 425°F oven, which gives the skin time to develop serious color and flavor. Bone-in thighs and drumsticks stay juicy through the high-heat cook, and a five-minute rest before serving locks everything in. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime and a handful of cilantro, and you've got a weeknight dinner that tastes like it took a lot more effort than it did.

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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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