Mexican Roadside Chicken Recipe

Name: Mexican Roadside Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 whole Chicken (about 5 Pound Size), Rinsed, Patted Dry And Spatchcocked/butterflied; 2 cups Sunny D Tangy Original; 1 Tablespoon Kosher Salt; 1 bunch Green Onions, Optional; 2 whole Limes (optional); 2 teaspoons Sugar (if Using Limes); 2 whole Jalapenos (optional); 8 whole Allspice Berries (or 1/4 Teaspoon Ground); 1 Tablespoon Whole Mexican Oregano, Dried; 1 teaspoon Cumin Seed (or 1/2 Teaspoon Ground); 1 teaspoon Black Peppercorns (or 1/2 Teaspoon Ground); 2 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar; 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil; 1 Tablespoon Garlic Salt; 1 teaspoon Ground Ancho Chile; 1/2 teaspoons Ground Chile De Arbol (or Cayenne); 1/4 teaspoons Ground Coriander; ⅛ teaspoons Ground Smoked Paprika; ⅛ teaspoons Ground Cinnamon

Servings: persons

1 whole Chicken (about 5 Pound Size), Rinsed, Patted Dry And Spatchcocked/butterflied
2 cups Sunny D Tangy Original
1 Tablespoon Kosher Salt
1 bunch Green Onions, Optional
2 whole Limes (optional)
2 teaspoons Sugar (if Using Limes)
2 whole Jalapenos (optional)
8 whole Allspice Berries (or 1/4 Teaspoon Ground)
1 Tablespoon Whole Mexican Oregano, Dried
1 teaspoon Cumin Seed (or 1/2 Teaspoon Ground)
1 teaspoon Black Peppercorns (or 1/2 Teaspoon Ground)
2 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon Garlic Salt
1 teaspoon Ground Ancho Chile
1/2 teaspoons Ground Chile De Arbol (or Cayenne)
1/4 teaspoons Ground Coriander
⅛ teaspoons Ground Smoked Paprika
⅛ teaspoons Ground Cinnamon

1
Put the chicken in a gallon sized zip-top bag and add the Sunny D and salt.
2
Seal the bag while removing the excess air.
3
Slosh the bag gently to combine.
4
Put the bag in a lipped baking dish or sheet pan (to catch any leaks) and refrigerate six hours, or preferably overnight.
5
About 90 minutes before you want to serve, start your grill and prepare for indirect cooking over medium heat (300-350 degrees F).
6
While the grill is starting, make the wet rub.
7
Combine the allspice berries, oregano, cumin seeds, and peppercorns in a spice grinder.
8
Pulse to finely grind it and pour into a small mixing bowl.
9
Add the remaining wet rub ingredients into the bowl, whisk/stir well to combine, set aside.
10
Remove the chicken from the marinade, rinse well with cold water, and pat dry with paper towels.
11
Smear the entire outside of the chicken on both sides with the wet rub.
12
Clean and dry the onions, jalapenos and limes.
13
Trim the ends of the onions.
14
Halve the limes and sprinkle the cut sides with sugar.
15
Grill the chicken indirectly until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165 degrees F (about 60-75 minutes).
16
Just before the chicken is done add the onions, limes and jalapenos to the direct heat side of the grill and grill until each is nicely roasted.
17
Then remove them from the grill to a plate and set aside.
18
When the chicken reaches 165 degrees F in the thigh, remove it from the grill, put it onto a platter and let it rest five minutes.
19
Then serve with the onions, limes, and jalapenos on the side.
20
Enjoy!

132

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 19 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 whole Chicken (about 5 Pound Size), Rinsed, Patted Dry And Spatchcocked/butterflied, 2 cups Sunny D Tangy Original, 1 Tablespoon Kosher Salt, 1 bunch Green Onions, Optional, and more.

Yes, Mexican Roadside Chicken falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Mexican Roadside Chicken

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions