Are you looking for a delicious and easy grilled chicken recipe? Try making this Mexican staple, pollo a la plancha! This chicken dinner is simple to make, and the results are always flavorful and juicy without effort or marinade.
Pollo a la plancha is one of the first things I ever learned to really cook on a grill. It's so simple and easy to make!
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There are plenty of reasons why grilled chicken is the best.
- For one, it's always juicy and flavorful.
- Second, it's a very healthy option—it's low in fat and calories and a good source of protein.
- Finally, it's easy to prepare so that you can have a delicious grilled chicken dinner any night of the week!
Need any more convincing?
This method of cooking is especially helpful at the beginning of the year after we had feasted on all those glorious meals during the holidays! It makes meal prep quick and easy.
The blend of spices I decided to use gives the chicken a rich flavor. Plus, you won’t need to marinate it for hours!
I personally like it because you can fix it for dinner in a matter of minutes, and, by using cooking spray, there’s not too much clean-up afterward, so I can spend my time enjoying my family, chatting about our day with a hot cup of coffee.
Why You'll Love This Pollo a la Plancha
This grilled chicken breast recipe is a speedy and healthy meal. Chicken cooked this way is called pollo a la plancha (griddle chicken) in Mexico, and you can find it on some restaurant menus.
Many people eat this meal when they're on a diet and try to stick to healthy recipes that are low in calories.
Chicken, steak, and vegetables cooked this way are called a la plancha or Asado (I have an excellent carne asada recipe!)
FAQ
Before I share my recipe, here are a few questions I've been asked about grilling pechuga de pollo.
What is the best chicken to use for pollo a la plancha?
I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You could also use the same seasoning for cooking chicken thighs and drumsticks. The most significant difference would be how long it takes to grill each chicken part.
I don't have a grill. Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Yes! Just preheat your oven to 400F (200C) and cook the chicken for about 20 minutes or until cooked through.
If you want to roast a whole chicken, take a look at my recipe for pollo al horno!
Pollo a la plancha ingredients
Here is a list of ingredients you'll need to make grilled chicken...
- Chicken breasts
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Ground cumin
- Ground black pepper
- Mexican oregano (dried)
- Lime juice
- Cooking spray or Olive oil
Please note: For exact measurements of the ingredients listed above, scroll down to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post!
Different Variations
You can do so many variations when it comes to seasoning these juicy chicken breasts.
Consider seasoning the chicken with a mix of herbs to really add a layer of freshness!
For a bright flavor, squeeze a bunch of lemon or limes for a tart citrus bite. It tastes fantastic with the chicken.
Looking to make the pechuga de pollo spicy? Season the chicken with some ground chipotle powder or smoked paprika. It tastes delicious!
Grilled Chicken Dinner Instructions
This recipe for pollo a la plancha is really easy to make! Here's what you need to do:
- First, pat the chicken with paper towels to remove any excess liquid.
- Place the chicken cutlets in a thick plastic bag and, with the smooth side of a mallet, gently pound the meat until you reach the desired thickness.
Tip: If you don't have a meat mallet, you can use the bottom of a heavy glass or a wooden rolling pin.
- Remove the cutlets from the bag and sprinkle them with salt.
- Mix the lime juice, garlic powder, ground cumin, ground pepper, and Mexican oregano in a small bowl.
- Brush the spice mix over the chicken cutlets; make sure both sides are well seasoned.
- Spray a grill pan or skillet with cooking spray. Heat over medium-high heat until hot, and place the chicken cutlets.
- Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, turning just once per side.
- Serve immediately!
Side Dishes
This grilled chicken recipe is super simple and versatile- there are so many ways to serve them!
For a healthy lunch or dinner, consider making this summer corn salad with avocado and cherry tomatoes or a green salad to eat with this grilled chicken.
I also love serving these pechuga de pollo with warm corn tortillas, Mexican white rice, fried pinto beans or Black beans, and some lime wedges and cilantro leaves.
You can't forget the salsa! My go-to is fresh red salsa or this creamy jalapeño salsa.
More Authentic Mexican Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe for grilled chicken, take a look at some of these other authentic Mexican recipes:
- Chicken With Creamy Poblano Sauce
- Braised Chicken With Tomatoes
- Mexican Chicken Salad
- Chicken Tamale Casserole
- Easy Chicken Mole Recipe
For more recipes, follow Us onFacebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. in español, Visit Us at Mexico en mi cocina
¡Buen provecho!
Mely
📖 Recipe
Pollo A La Plancha (Grilled Chicken Dinner)
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast divided into 4 fillets*
- Salt to season
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
- 1 ½ tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil or drizzled with PAM Cooking Spray
Instructions
- Place chicken cutlets in a thick plastic bag and, with the smooth side of a mallet, gently pound the meat until you reach the desired thickness. If you don’t have a mallet, you can use the bottom of a heavy glass or a wooden rolling pin. Remove the cutlets from the bag and season with salt.
- In a small bowl, mix the lime juice, garlic powder, ground cumin, ground pepper and Mexican oregano.
- Brush the spice mix over the chicken cutlets; make sure both sides are well seasoned.
- Spray a large griddle or skillet with PAM Cooking Spray. Heat over medium-high heat until hot, and place the chicken cutlets.
- Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, turning just once per side. Serve immediately with a salad and some warm corn tortillas or a serving of rice.
Notes
- Some stores sell chicken breast already packaged in thin cutlets.
- Cooking time will vary depending on how thin you want the chicken breast cutlets.
- If your chicken breast is too big, place it on a cutting board and cut the chicken breast in halves.
- No storage bags? No problem, place the chicken cutlets between pieces of plastic wrap.
- Canola oil or any other neutral oil is a good substitute for cooking spray.
Sarita
This was so delicious and easy to make!
MRey
Love this recipe!! I have a picky 3 year old that devours it! I love it with chicken but will it work on shrimp?
M Reyes
Easy, Delicious, and Healthy!
Unknown
Delicious!
Tifferella
I'm making this today. 🙂
Erica
I can't wait to try this! Thanks so much for sharing!