Pollo asado and chicken refer to the same basic ingredient – chicken meat. However, there are some key differences between the two terms.
Quick answer: Pollo asado is a dish of chicken that has been marinated and grilled over an open flame or barbecue. The term specifically refers to Mexican-style grilled chicken. Chicken is a more general term that can refer to any dish using chicken meat, including fried, baked, grilled, etc.
Pollo asado originated in Mexico and features chicken that is well-seasoned and charred from being cooked over an open fire. It often utilizes boneless chicken thighs or drumsticks for their rich flavor. The chicken is marinated beforehand, usually in a mixture of citrus juice, garlic, spices, and herbs. It is then grilled until deliciously charred and sticky from the marinade caramelizing.
Chicken refers to the meat from domestic chickens. It can be prepared in endless ways – fried, baked, grilled, stewed, etc. The term chicken alone does not imply any particular flavor profile or cooking method. Simply using the chicken meat in a dish qualifies it as a chicken dish.
So in summary:
– Pollo asado refers specifically to Mexican-style grilled and marinated chicken
– Chicken is a more general term for any dish using chicken meat
History of Pollo Asado
Pollo asado has its origins in Mexican cuisine. Chicken was introduced to Mexico by Spanish colonists and quickly became an integral part of the local cuisine. Mexico had an abundance of indigenous spices, vegetables and fruits that flavors chicken beautifully when grilled over open flames.
The practice of cooking meat over open fires and hot coals is ancient. In Mexico, indigenous cultures like the Aztecs cooked meat on grills made from wood and clay. This style of open-fire grilling was adopted into Mexican cuisine over centuries.
By marinating chicken in citrus, herbs and spices before grilling, pollo asado allowed the chicken to soak up layers of flavor. The high heat from the open fire resulted in juicy, charred chicken with a smoky flavor.
Today, pollo asado remains a staple of Mexican cuisine. It is ubiquitous menu item at taquerias, street food carts, and backyard barbecues. The classic preparation is simple – chicken parts marinated in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, cumin and chili powder. But cooks often add their own creative twists as well.
How Pollo Asado is Prepared
Authentic pollo asado is prepared using a few key steps:
Marinating the Chicken: The chicken is placed in a liquid marinade anywhere from 30 minutes to overnight. The acidic marinade tenderizes the meat and imparts flavor. Common marinade ingredients include lime juice, garlic, cilantro, olive oil, cumin and chili powder.
Grilling over Open Flame: The marinated chicken is then thrown directly over an open flame. Usually a very hot grill, plancha or barbecue is used. Charcoal and wood fires are preferred for authentic flavor. The chicken is grilled until nicely charred on the outside and fully cooked.
Basting: While grilling, the chicken is frequently basted or mopped with the marinade mixture. This provides additional flavor and keeps the meat from drying out.
Resting: Once cooked through, the chicken is allowed to rest 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute through the meat.
Serving: Pollo asado is classically served still on the bone in tender pieces. It is often carved or chopped into smaller bites. Traditional accompaniments include tortillas, salsa, guacamole, beans and Mexican rice.
The marinade and grilling technique are what set pollo asado apart from other chicken dishes. When done right, the chicken has an irresistible charred exterior surrounding moist, well-seasoned meat.
Key Differences Between Pollo Asado and Chicken
While pollo asado is made from chicken, there are some important distinctions between the two:
Cooking Method: Pollo asado is specifically grilled over an open flame while chicken can be prepared in any cooking method – fried, baked, etc.
Flavor Profile: Pollo asado is boldly flavored with smoky, spicy and citrusy flavors from grilling and marinating. Chicken can have any flavor profile.
Preparation: Pollo asado requires lengthy marinating and frequent basting while grilling. Chicken can be cooked immediately with minimal preparation.
Doneness: Pollo asado is cooked until fairly charred on the outside while chicken can be cooked to any level of doneness.
Accompaniments: Pollo asado is served in a specific Mexican style with tortillas, salsa and traditional sides. Chicken is highly adaptable.
Bones: Pollo asado typically uses bone-in cuts for added flavor while chicken can be boneless.
So in summary, pollo asado denotes a specific flavorful grilled chicken preparation while chicken is simply the generic term for any poultry meat dish.
Variations
While traditional pollo asado is quite simple, cooks can add their own flair through unique marinades and ingredients:
- Citrus: Lime, orange, lemon
- Herbs & Spices: Cilantro, oregano, cumin, chili powder, garlic, pepper
- Mexican flavors: Tequila, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce
- Fruit: Pineapple, mango, peach
- Oils: Olive oil, avocado oil, chili oil
- Acids: Vinegar, wine
- Sweetness: Agave, brown sugar
Recipe writers often increase amounts of above ingredients or add additional seasonings for further flavor dimension.
The cut of chicken can also be varied. While bone-in thighs and drumsticks are classic, breasts and wings can also be used. Even ground chicken can be made into skewers or patties for grilling.
Once cooked, pollo asado can be served in tacos, burritos, bowls, salads and more. It adapts well to many international cuisines while still retaining its incredible charred flavors.
Serving and Eating Pollo Asado
Pollo asado is a star ingredient that stands wonderfully on its own. Here are some tips for serving and savoring it:
– Keep it simple – Basic sides like warmed tortillas, sliced onion and cilantro allow the chicken’s smoky flavor to shine. Refried or charro beans and Mexican rice complement without overpowering.
– Add some crunch – Crisp lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced radishes and pickled onions or jalapenos provide textural contrast.
– Include a sauce – Fresh salsa, guacamole or sour cream-based sauce can add a creamy, spicy punch. But avoid drowning the chicken in thick sauce.
– Warm those tortillas – Doubled up grilled tortillas or lightly fried corn tortillas make the perfect vessels for stuffed tacos.
– Garnish with lime – Fresh lime juice and lime wedges add bright acidity to balance the rich grilled flavor.
– Keep it juicy – Pollo asado straight from the grill can dry out quickly. Carve and serve immediately for best moisture and tenderness.
– Eat the crispy skin – The charred, seasoned skin with a bit of fat is one of the best bites.
Pollo asado needs minimal help to shine. A squeeze of lime, dash of salsa and warm tortilla is all you need to let those incredible grill flavors sing.
Chicken Dishes Similar to Pollo Asado
While pollo asado is uniquely Mexican, other cuisines have similar grilled and marinated chicken dishes. Here are a few examples:
Pinchos or Pinchitos – Cuban-style kebabs using a mojo marinade of garlic, citrus and spices.
Yakitori – Japanese chicken skewers marinated in soy sauce, mirin and ginger.
Jerk Chicken – Jamaican grilled chicken seasoned with a spicy allspice blend.
Tandoori Chicken – Indian chicken marinated in yogurt, tandoori spices and chili powder.
Peri Peri Chicken – South African spicy chicken flavored with peri peri chilies, garlic and lemon.
Chicken Souvlaki – Greek marinated chicken skewers cooked over charcoal.
Gai Yang – Thai grilled chicken with lemongrass, ginger, fish sauce and coriander.
These all share similarities like marinating in bold, international flavors and getting flavor from live fire grilling. But each cuisine puts their unique spin on the dish.
Benefits of Pollo Asado and Chicken
Chicken, including pollo asado, provides many excellent health benefits:
Lean Protein – Chicken breast is low in fat and calories while still delivering high quality protein needed for muscle growth and maintenance.
Vitamins and Minerals – Chicken contains a variety of important nutrients like niacin, vitamin B6, selenium and phosphorus.
Anti-Inflammatory – Compounds found in chicken may reduce inflammation, a key driver of many chronic diseases.
Heart Health – The polyunsaturated fats, vitamins and minerals in chicken support cardiovascular health.
Satiety – The protein in chicken helps you feel fuller for longer, aiding weight loss and appetite control.
Gluten-Free – Chicken contains no gluten, making it safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
When enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, chicken and pollo asado can be excellent high-protein additions with plenty of health benefits. The grilling method adds great flavor with minimal added calories or fat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about pollo asado and chicken:
What cuts of chicken work best for pollo asado?
Chicken thighs, drumsticks and leg quarters are ideal for retaining moisture during grilling. Chicken breasts can dry out more easily. Leave the skin and bones on for added flavor.
What is a good basic pollo asado marinade?
A mixture of lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder and cilantro makes an excellent marinade full of Mexican flavor. Allow to marinate 30 min to overnight.
Does pollo asado need to be marinated?
Marinating is vital for both flavor and tenderness. The acidic marinade tenderizes the chicken. Skipping this step can result in bland, dry chicken.
How is pollo asado different than grilled chicken?
Pollo asado uses traditional Mexican marinade flavors and is cooked over open flame. Grilled chicken can use any marinade and be cooked over gas, coals, or indoor grills.
Should you discard leftover marinade?
Yes, for food safety. Marinade that contacted raw poultry can contain bacteria and should not be ingested. Make extra marinade to use for basting.
Conclusion
Pollo asado and chicken are essentially the same core ingredient – delicious and nutritious chicken meat. However, pollo asado denotes a specific preparation of boldly flavored, charred Mexican-style grilled chicken. Its smoky, spicy and citrusy grill flavors set it apart from other chicken dishes. While pollo asado showcases classic Mexican tastes, creative cooks can riff on marinades and add-ins to make each version unique. When properly marinated and grilled, pollo asado delivers an irresistible depth of flavor in every juicy, charred bite. Its versatility to adapt to tacos, bowls, salads and more make it widely loved. So fire up the grill and enjoy incredible pollo asado alongside fresh salsas, warm tortillas and all the classic fixings.