If you're looking for an easy and delicious weeknight dinner idea, you've gotta try these pollo asado tacos! They're simple to make and absolutely packed with bright citrus flavor and tender, juicy chicken in every bite.
When it comes to Mexican cuisine, there's nothing quite like a good taco. And when it comes to tacos, there's nothing quite like pollo asado tacos.

If you're looking for an easy and delicious recipe for your next taco night, look no further than this pollo asado taco recipe. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make these mouth-watering tacos right at home.
Oh, and in case you're wondering, pollo asado is Spanish for grilled chicken or roast chicken. Otherwise known as mouth watering!!
Ingredients
A trip to your local grocery store is all you need to make the best chicken tacos!
Then, open up your spice cabinet and get ready to make a combination of amazing flavors! You'll need...
- boneless skinless chicken thighs - boneless skinless chicken breasts may be substituted but I say go for the thighs.
- minced garlic
- spices - achiote powder is often used in a recipe like this and gives the red-orange color you may see. We're subbing in some paprika for color along with salt, onion powder, dried oregano, chili powder and cumin.
- citrus juice - orange juice and lime juice.
- olive oil - vegetable oil may also be used.
Instructions
Place garlic and spices in a large bowl or zip top baggie to make a marinade.
Add the chicken thighs to the mixture. I like to spread them out a bit so everything gets access to the seasonings.
Allow the chicken to sit in the marinade in the fridge for 2-4 hours, turning once during the process.
Remove the chicken from the citrus mixture and cook on the grill or indoors in a skillet over medium high heat, turning once.
Cook until the chicken comes to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Remove the chicken from a pan and transfer to a cutting board.
Cut into bite sized pieces for tacos.
How to serve pollo asado tacos
These tacos taste perfect on some warm tortillas - I like corn tortillas but flour tortillas are amazing too!
Serve alongside pico de gallo with lime wedges and maybe some Mexican pickled onions.
Tips
Because of the citrus in this recipe, I don't remember making this as a freezer meal.
What to serve with Mexican street tacos
Tortilla chips and guacamole or salsa verde
Mexican Black Beans
Tip: I like to heat my tortillas in the microwave to prevent them from drying out and make them pliable. Place a stack of them on a plate and cover with a barely damp paper towel. Microwave for about 30 seconds or until warmed through.
If you make this easy pollo asado recipe, leave a recipe rating or review. I'd love to hear from you!
Pollo Asado Tacos (Chicken Street Tacos)
These chicken street tacos are simple to make and packed with bright citrus flavor and tender, juicy chicken in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Marinade Ingredients
- 2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¾ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ orange juice
- ¼ cup lime juice (2-3 juiced limes)
- 1 Tablespoons olive oil
For serving
- Corn tortillas and lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Whisk marinade ingredients together in a medium sized bowl. Add chicken thighs (I like to open them up a bit so they can all get the marinade, sometimes they’re folded a bit in the packaging.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour and up to 4 hours, using tongs to flip the chicken once during the chill time.
- Remove from fridge and allow to sit for 20 mins before cooking. Cook on a grill or on in a pan on the stovetop heated to medium-high heat, about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked to a temperature of 165°F.
- Transfer to a cutting board and allow to sit for 5 minutes before cutting into pieces.
Warm tortillas and add cooked chicken to make tacos. Serve with salsa verde or pico de gallo, sour cream and lime wedges, if desired.
Notes
Boneless skinless chicken breasts may be substituted.
If the weather's nice; grill chicken outside for easy cleanup.
Serve with pico de gallo, sour cream, or salsa verde.
Because of the acid in the marinade, I don't recommend making this as a freezer meal.
To heat tortillas: I like to heat my tortillas in the microwave to prevent them from drying out. Place a stack of them on a plate and cover with a barely damp paper towel. Microwave for about 30 seconds or until warmed through.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 224Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 138mgSodium: 368mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 28g
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