Puerto Rican Grilled BBQ Chicken
Experience the exotic flavors of Puerto Rico with this authentic and mouthwatering grilled chicken recipe. Infused with aromatic spices and a tantalizing blend of Adobo and Season-All salt, this chicken is marinated overnight to absorb the deep flavors of the island. Roasted to perfection, the outer crispy skin encapsulates juicy and tender meat. For an extra twist, pair it with a honey-infused BBQ sauce to complement the bold flavors. Perfect for a family meal or an adventurous culinary experience.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole chicken
1 (split)
Goya Adobo seasoning
generous (with pepper)
Season-All salt
medium
Instructions
1
Place the split chicken in a large baking dish. Use a knife to pierce the chicken skin on both sides about 50 times. This will allow the marinade to penetrate deeply.
2
Generously sprinkle Goya Adobo seasoning all over both sides of the chicken, ensuring an even coating.
3
Apply a medium layer of Season-All salt over both sides, and gently rub it into the skin.
4
Position the chicken skin side up in the baking dish. Lightly dust a bit more Adobo seasoning all over the top.
5
Cover the chicken with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to marinate.
6
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
7
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the chicken for 1 1/2 hours or until it is nearly fully cooked.
8
Remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to broil. Allow the chicken to brown on top to your liking, keeping an eye on it to avoid burning.
9
Remove from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then serve hot. Optionally, brush with a honey-infused BBQ sauce for added sweetness and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Puerto Rican Grilled BBQ Chicken?
It is an authentic and flavorful grilled chicken dish marinated with island spices like Goya Adobo and Season-All salt, resulting in crispy skin and juicy meat.
What are the key seasonings used in this recipe?
The primary seasonings are Goya Adobo seasoning (with pepper) and Season-All salt.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should be covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
Why do I need to pierce the chicken skin with a knife?
Piercing the skin about 50 times on both sides allows the marinade and seasonings to penetrate deeply into the meat for maximum flavor.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for one whole chicken that has been split.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (163°C) for the main baking period.
How long does the chicken take to bake?
The chicken bakes covered for 1.5 hours, followed by a brief broiling period to brown the skin.
How do I get the skin crispy?
After baking, remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to broil to brown the skin to your preference.
Can I add BBQ sauce to this recipe?
Yes, optionally you can brush the chicken with a honey-infused BBQ sauce after it is finished cooking for added sweetness.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is tagged for meal prep because it stores well and maintains its bold flavors.
Do I need to rub the seasoning into the chicken?
Yes, you should apply the Season-All salt and gently rub it into the skin for the best results.
What position should the chicken be in while marinating?
The chicken should be positioned skin-side up in the baking dish during the marination process.
Should the chicken be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the baking dish with foil for the first 1.5 hours of cooking to keep the meat juicy.
What is Goya Adobo seasoning?
It is a popular all-purpose Latin American seasoning salt; this recipe specifically suggests the version with pepper.
Do I need to let the chicken rest after cooking?
Yes, removing it from the oven and letting it rest for a few minutes helps settle the juices before serving.
Is this chicken spicy?
It is savory and aromatic due to the Adobo and Season-All, but not necessarily heat-spicy unless you add hot sauce.
Can I use chicken parts instead of a whole split chicken?
Yes, you can use parts, though you may need to adjust the cooking time as smaller pieces cook faster than a whole split chicken.
What should I watch for when broiling?
You must keep a close eye on the chicken while broiling to ensure the skin browns perfectly without burning.
Can I use regular salt instead of Season-All?
Season-All contains a blend of spices that contributes to the unique flavor; using regular salt will result in a less complex taste.
Is this a traditional Puerto Rican dish?
Yes, it uses traditional Caribbean ingredients like Adobo to create an authentic island flavor profile.
Can I grill this outside instead of using the oven?
While these instructions are for oven roasting and broiling, the marinade and flavors are perfectly suited for an outdoor grill.
What side dishes go well with this chicken?
It pairs wonderfully with traditional Puerto Rican sides like rice and beans, tostones, or a simple green salad.
Does the recipe require oil?
No oil is mentioned in the ingredients; the chicken cooks in its own juices and the fat from the skin.
How much Adobo seasoning should I use?
The recipe recommends a generous amount to ensure both sides of the chicken are evenly coated.
How much Season-All salt is needed?
A medium layer applied to both sides is sufficient for this recipe.
Can I skip the overnight marination?
For the best flavor, overnight is recommended, but you can marinate for a few hours if you are short on time.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The core ingredients (chicken, Adobo, and Season-All) are generally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your specific spice brands.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I use this marinade for other meats?
Yes, the combination of Adobo and Season-All is excellent on pork chops or turkey as well.