Description
Pollo Al Achiote is a traditional Mexican oven-baked chicken dish featuring chicken thighs or drumsticks marinated in a vibrant mixture of achiote paste, citrus juices, and aromatic spices. The marinade infuses the chicken with rich color and flavor, while roasting produces tender, juicy, and fragrant results perfect for a hearty main course.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs or drumsticks
Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons achiote paste
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Other:
- 1 small onion, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to reach this temperature while you prepare the chicken.
- Prepare marinade: In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix together achiote paste, orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to create a vibrant, flavorful marinade.
- Marinate chicken: Rub the marinade all over the chicken pieces ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
- Arrange chicken in baking dish: Place the sliced onions evenly in the bottom of a baking dish and arrange the marinated chicken pieces on top.
- Add remaining marinade: Pour any leftover marinade over the chicken to enhance flavor during cooking.
- Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes to cook the chicken gently and retain moisture.
- Finish roasting uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes until the chicken skin is golden brown and the meat is cooked through.
- Serve: Let the chicken rest briefly, then serve hot alongside rice, tortillas, or roasted vegetables as desired.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for 2–4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Serving with pickled onions adds an authentic Mexican touch and brightens the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
