There’s something special about tacos. They’re a canvas for diverse flavors. When I first bit into a pollo asado taco, a burst of flavor enveloped my senses. The smoky chicken mingling with fresh toppings was nothing short of sublime.
Each bite brought stories from vibrant kitchens, sunlit taco stands, and tables filled with laughter. I knew I had to share this recipe.
So, what really makes a pollo asado taco sing? It’s the marriage of marinated chicken, careful cooking, and thoughtful toppings. In this post, I’ll walk you through everything—ingredients, method, tips, and even some creative substitutions. Let’s break bread, or rather, let’s break tacos!
What Is Pollo Asado Taco?
Pollo asado translates to “roasted chicken.” In this dish, the chicken is marinated in a mix of spices, citrus, and sometimes a dash of smoke. The result?
Tender meat loaded with flavor. Tacos serve as the perfect vehicle, allowing you to pile on fresh toppings like cilantro, onions, and salsa. It’s a taco lover’s dream come true!
Why You’ll Love This Pollo Asado Taco?
You might wonder why a simple chicken taco would captivate me. It’s because of the versatility and flavor!
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices has an incredible depth. The smoky notes from paprika and liquid smoke harmonize with the citrusy brightness of orange juice.
- Easy to Prepare: You don’t need to be a chef to nail this recipe. Everything is straightforward, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Prefer a bit more heat? Toss in some jalapeños. Want to go dairy-free? Skip the cheese. Each taco can be a reflection of your tastes.
- Kid-Friendly: It’s hard to resist tacos. Kids will love assembling their own with their favorite toppings.
- Meal Prep Champion: Make a big batch of pollo asado and eat it throughout the week. From tacos to salads, the options are endless.
The Ingredients You Will Need To Make Pollo Asado Taco
Before we get cookin’, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 chicken thighs (for juiciness, but you can replace this with more chicken breast if you prefer)
- 1/4 cup liquid smoke flavoring
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon sea salt
- 2 chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon honey (for a touch of sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for extra heat)
Gearing up with fresh ingredients makes a world of difference. Now we’re ready to cook!
Directions
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making these delicious tacos. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, whisk together liquid smoke, orange juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, black pepper, salt, honey, and cayenne pepper. This marinade packs a punch and is where the magic begins.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Take your chicken pieces and place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is coated. Seal or cover the dish. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour, but if you can, aim for overnight. It will make the flavors richer.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken, allowing it to sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want a nice caramelized finish. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, using two forks, shred the chicken. It should fall apart easily.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
Grab some tortillas—corn or flour, depending on your preference. Warm them slightly to enhance their flavor. Place a generous amount of the shredded chicken in each tortilla and load up on your favorite toppings.
Notes
Here are some tips to ensure your pollo asado tacos turn out just right. Pay close attention to these:
- Don’t rush the marinating process. The longer the chicken marinates, the better the flavor. Overnight is ideal.
- Adjust the heat to your liking. If you’re sensitive to spice, cut back on the cayenne and chipotle.
- Use fresh orange juice. It brightens and enhances the flavor. You can skip the bottled kinds.
- Don’t skip resting the chicken. Letting it rest allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it moist.
- Experiment with toppings! Try different salsas, cheeses, or even pickled veggies for a twist.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for 3-4 days. You can also freeze the shredded chicken for up to three months—just thaw before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Don’t limit yourself to just tacos! Here are some ideas to use your pollo asado:
- Burrito Bowls: Start with a base of rice or quinoa, add black beans, veggies, and top with pollo asado.
- Salads: Toss the chicken on a bed of greens, with your favorite dressing and toppings like corn and black beans.
- Quesadillas: Fill a tortilla with cheese and shredded pollo asado, grill it until crispy, cut, and serve.
- Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with cheese, jalapeños, and shredded chicken, then bake until bubbly.
- Wraps: Use a tortilla to wrap up all the goodness; perfect for on-the-go lunches.
What Other Substitute Can I Use In Pollo Asado Taco?
Not feeling chicken? No problem! Here are some tasty substitutes that still pack a big flavor:
- Pork: Use pork shoulder or tenderloin marinated similarly for a different take. The flavors work just as well.
- Tofu: For a vegetarian option, marinate firm tofu cubes. It absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Shrimp: Quick-cooking shrimp can be marinated and grilled for a lighter taco choice.
- Cauliflower: Roast cauliflower florets with spices for a flavorful, nutritious option.
- Tempeh: This soy product offers a nutty flavor and firm texture that holds up well to marinating.
Conclusion
Pollo asado tacos are more than just food. They are an experience, a blend of culture, and a nod to the communal joy of sharing meals. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can bring this delicious dish to your table.
Whether you choose to celebrate Taco Tuesday or simply want to enjoy flavorful chicken, this recipe has you covered. Feel free to explore, experiment with toppings, or even try a new marinating technique.
The potential is endless. Each bite is a feast for the senses, a reminder of why we gather around tables. Now go ahead, fire up those grills, and dive into a taco adventure that promises satisfaction in every bite!
You’ll also like the following recipes!
- Jerk Chicken Tacos Copycat Recipe
- How to Make Baked Chicken Tacos
- Best Rotisserie Chicken Taco Recipe
Pollo Asado Taco Recipe – Quick Delicious Meals
Before we dive into the magic of pollo asado tacos, let’s discuss some fantastic accompaniments for this dish. Picture this: a vibrant spread that complements the smoky, tender chicken perfectly. Here are a few ideas to elevate your meal: Creamy avocado goodness on top adds richness. A zesty salsa made with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro cuts through the flavors. Sweet corn slathered in mayo, chili powder, and cheese will bring a sweetness that pairs beautifully.
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
-
In a mixing bowl, whisk together liquid smoke, orange juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, black pepper, salt, honey, and cayenne pepper. This marinade packs a punch and is where the magic begins.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
-
Take your chicken pieces and place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is coated. Seal or cover the dish. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour, but if you can, aim for overnight. It will make the flavors richer.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
-
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken, allowing it to sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want a nice caramelized finish. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
-
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, using two forks, shred the chicken. It should fall apart easily.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
-
Grab some tortillas—corn or flour, depending on your preference. Warm them slightly to enhance their flavor. Place a generous amount of the shredded chicken in each tortilla and load up on your favorite toppings.
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 141kcal
- Calories from Fat 65kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 7.4g12%
- Saturated Fat 1.2g6%
- Sodium 1750mg73%
- Total Carbohydrate 20g7%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 14g
- Protein 1g2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Don’t rush the marinating process. The longer the chicken marinates, the better the flavor. Overnight is ideal.
- Adjust the heat to your liking. If you’re sensitive to spice, cut back on the cayenne and chipotle.
- Use fresh orange juice. It brightens and enhances the flavor. You can skip the bottled kinds.
- Don’t skip resting the chicken. Letting it rest allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it moist.
- Experiment with toppings! Try different salsas, cheeses, or even pickled veggies for a twist.
