Pollo asado al horno (roasted chicken)

pollo_asado_al_horno_(roasted_chicken)

Colombian Pollo Asado al Horno, also known as the roasted chicken, is a traditional recipe that comes from the beautiful country of Colombia. The dish is known for its succulent and juicy texture, as well as its irresistible aroma which fills the air as it’s cooking. Colombians have perfected the art of roasting chicken for generations and this recipe is one of the favorite delicacies that every Colombian loves.

This dish is usually prepared for special occasions such as family gatherings, birthdays, and holidays. It’s commonly served with rice, beans, and a fresh salad. The roasted chicken is also commonly enjoyed as a street food, where it’s often served with potatoes or corn on the cob.

One of the best things about this Colombian recipe is that it’s simple to prepare and the ingredients are locally available in most supermarkets. You do not need to have a lot of cooking experience or expertise to make it. The recipe requires several basic spices, such as garlic, paprika, and cumin, which are staples in Latin cooking. For the main ingredient, you’ll need a whole chicken, which is usually marinated overnight in a blend of spices, giving it an unforgettable flavor.

To start, you’ll need to rinse the chicken and make sure everything is cleaned properly. Once that is done, you can start preparing the marinade. The marinade consists of several different spices, including garlic, cumin, paprika, and salt. Mix these spices thoroughly in a bowl and then add some olive oil, which will help the chicken absorb the flavors better. Rub the marinade all over the chicken, making sure to distribute it evenly. Once that is done, you will need to cover the chicken with plastic wrap to keep it moist and prevent the flavor from escaping.

The next step is to bake the chicken in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375 F and place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil. The reason for lining the sheet with foil is to prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan, which can be a hassle when trying to remove it after cooking. Bake the chicken for around 40-50 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, and the skin is crispy and golden brown.

You can serve the Pollo Asado al Horno with a variety of side dishes. Rice is a common staple in most South American countries, and Colombians typically serve their roasted chicken with rice and beans. A fresh and vibrant salad of lettuce, tomatoes, avocados, and cucumbers makes for an excellent side dish that will balance out the savory flavors of the chicken.

In conclusion, the Colombian Pollo Asado al Horno recipe is a simple and delicious dish that everyone can enjoy. This dish is packed with flavor and it’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a casual dinner party. So the next time you’re craving chicken, try this recipe, and enjoy the authentic taste of Colombia in your own home.

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole chicken, cleaned and trimmed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Juice of 2 limes

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
  3. Place the chicken in a roasting pan, breast side up.
  4. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get it under the skin and in the cavity.
  5. Roast the chicken in the oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.