1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Pollo Al Horno

Spiced Baked Chicken

Featured in Satisfying Hearty Mains.

A simple Mexican baked chicken dish featuring chicken coated in a flavorful spice blend of chiles, garlic, and brown sugar. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:13:22 GMT
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe
A close-up of perfectly cooked chicken thighs seasoned with spices and herbs, resting in a flavorful sauce. Pin it
A close-up of perfectly cooked chicken thighs seasoned with spices and herbs, resting in a flavorful sauce. | recipesbyclare.com

My Pollo Al Horno recipe comes from years of perfecting that perfect blend of spices. The way those seasonings caramelize on the chicken creating a smoky sweet crust while keeping the meat incredibly juicy inside is pure magic. Every time I make it the kitchen fills with the most incredible aroma.

Simple Yet Special

What makes this chicken so wonderful is how it stays perfectly moist while developing those beautiful flavors. That blend of smoky paprika and chipotle with just a touch of sweetness makes every bite amazing. Plus it's so easy to prepare you'll find yourself making it again and again.

What You'll Need

  • Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Skin-on for maximum flavor and juiciness.
  • Spices: Smoked paprika, chipotle powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes for bold, smoky flavors.
  • Seasonings: Kosher salt, black pepper, dried parsley or coriander, and a hint of brown sugar.
  • Olive Oil: Helps the spices adhere and promotes even roasting.
A close-up of a seasoned, baked chicken thigh garnished with parsley, served alongside fluffy white rice on a plate. Pin it
A close-up of a seasoned, baked chicken thigh garnished with parsley, served alongside fluffy white rice on a plate. | recipesbyclare.com

Let's Make It Together

Start with Dry Chicken
Pat that chicken really dry it's the secret to crispy skin.
Make Your Spice Mix
Blend all those beautiful seasonings they'll create such amazing flavor.
Season with Love
Get every piece well coated in olive oil and that spice blend.
Time to Bake
Let it roast until it's golden and perfect.
Give It a Rest
Let those juices settle back into the meat.

Make It Perfect

That meat thermometer is your best friend here making sure it hits 165°F means perfectly cooked chicken every time. And don't skip the resting step it keeps all those delicious juices where they belong.

A white baking dish holds six roasted chicken thighs garnished with parsley, accompanied by a bowl of yogurt and lemon wedges on a wooden board. Pin it
A white baking dish holds six roasted chicken thighs garnished with parsley, accompanied by a bowl of yogurt and lemon wedges on a wooden board. | recipesbyclare.com

Serve It Right

I love this with cilantro lime rice and some roasted vegetables. Warm tortillas on the side let you make instant tacos. And don't forget fresh salsa it adds such a bright touch.

Keep It Fresh

This chicken keeps beautifully in the fridge perfect for meal prep through the week. When you reheat just cover it with foil to keep it moist. It's amazing how versatile the leftovers are too.

Cooked chicken pieces with a crispy, seasoned exterior sit in a flavorful sauce. Pin it
Cooked chicken pieces with a crispy, seasoned exterior sit in a flavorful sauce. | recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What cut of chicken works best?
Both chicken thighs and breasts work well. Thighs tend to be juicier, while breasts are leaner.
→ Why pat the chicken dry?
Patting chicken dry helps achieve crispy skin and allows the spice rub to adhere better.
→ How do I know when it's done?
Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at thickest part.
→ Why let it rest?
Resting 5 minutes after cooking allows juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier meat.
→ Can I adjust the spice level?
Reduce or omit red pepper flakes and chipotle for milder flavor. Add more for extra heat.

Pollo Al Horno

Tender chicken seasoned with a blend of Mexican spices and brown sugar, then baked until perfectly juicy.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 pound bone-in chicken thighs or breast.
02 ½ teaspoon kosher salt.
03 ½ teaspoon black pepper.
04 2 teaspoons ground chile ancho or paprika.
05 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
06 1 teaspoon onion powder.
07 1 tablespoon brown sugar.
08 1 teaspoon chipotle pepper.
09 1 teaspoon dried coriander or parsley.
10 ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes.
11 2 tablespoons olive oil.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 375°F. Pat chicken dry.

Step 02

Mix all spices in bowl. Coat chicken with oil, then spice mixture.

Step 03

Place seasoned chicken in 7x9 casserole dish.

Step 04

Bake 30-35 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F.

Step 05

Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  1. Pat chicken dry for crispy skin.
  2. Rest for juicier meat.
  3. Use thermometer for doneness.

Tools You'll Need

  • 7x9 casserole dish.
  • Meat thermometer.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 293
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 5 g
  • Protein: 27 g