Latin Mayo Roasted Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a juicy, flavorful roast chicken with a Latin twist, you’re going to adore this Latin Mayo Roasted Chicken Recipe. I absolutely love how the mayo-based adobo keeps the chicken tender while packing in big, vibrant flavors you’d typically find in Latin cuisine. When I first tried this recipe, my kitchen smelled incredible, and my family went crazy for the crispy, golden skin. Stick with me here—I’ll walk you through each step so your chicken comes out perfect every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich, Creamy Flavor: The mayo-based adobo gives a rich texture that keeps the chicken moist and adds a subtle tangy depth.
  • Simple Ingredients: You won’t need any hard-to-find spices, just fresh produce and pantry staples.
  • Impressive Yet Easy: This recipe always looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but the method is straightforward.
  • Family Favorite: I’ve made this multiple times, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic happens by combining fresh Latin-inspired veggies with a creamy, garlicky mayo adobo that seals in juicy flavor. When you shop for this recipe, look for vibrant peppers and bright green cilantro—they make a big difference!

Flat lay of a whole clean raw chicken with pale skin, a whole fresh lime cut in half showing bright green flesh, three vibrant red bell peppers, two medium white onions with smooth skins, a small bunch of fresh green cilantro sprigs, four whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy pale mayonnaise, a small white ceramic bowl containing finely chopped red pepper, a small white ceramic bowl with finely chopped onion, a small white ceramic bowl with fresh lime juice, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt, and a small white ceramic bowl of ground black pepper, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Latin Mayo Roasted Chicken, Latin roasted chicken recipe, flavorful roast chicken with mayonnaise, Latin cuisine chicken, easy Latin chicken dinner
  • Whole Chicken: Choose a 4-5 lb chicken, cleaned and patted dry for perfect roasting.
  • Lime: Adds zesty freshness inside and in the adobo—brightens up the whole dish.
  • Red Peppers: Use fresh, crisp peppers for sweetness and color.
  • Medium Onions: They roast beautifully, imparting a mild sweetness.
  • Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is key for that distinct Latin flavor.
  • Salt: Go generous here—it really seasons the chicken inside and out.
  • Hellmann’s Mayonnaise: The base of the adobo, creamy and perfect for holding spices and flavors.
  • Garlic Cloves: Use fresh garlic for bold, savory notes.
  • Black Pepper: Freshly ground, for balanced heat.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Latin Mayo Roasted Chicken Recipe is—you can tweak it based on what you have in your kitchen or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative and make the flavors your own!

  • Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a little chopped jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce to the adobo when I’m craving heat, and it really wakes up the dish.
  • Dairy-Free Version: You can substitute the mayo with a non-dairy version or Greek yogurt if you’re looking to lighten it up—it still gives great creaminess.
  • Herb Twist: Swap cilantro for fresh parsley or add a pinch of oregano for a slightly different herbal note.
  • Marinate Longer: When I have time, I let the chicken marinate in the adobo overnight—it really amps up the flavor and makes the meat super tender.

How to Make Latin Mayo Roasted Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Blend the Flavorful Adobo

Start by tossing all your adobo ingredients—mayonnaise, half a red pepper, half an onion, lime juice, garlic cloves, cilantro, and salt and pepper—into a blender. Blend it until it’s completely smooth. I discovered this trick when I skipped chopping finely and just blended everything; it creates such a silky, vibrant sauce that clings wonderfully to the chicken.

Step 2: Prep Your Chicken for Flavor

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Pat the chicken dry all over—including inside the cavity—to help the skin crisp up beautifully. Then tie the legs together with kitchen string; this keeps everything compact and ensures even cooking. Season generously with salt both inside and out. Filling the cavity with lime halves, the chopped red peppers, onion, and cilantro creates an aromatic punch that infuses juicy flavor as it roasts.

Step 3: Roast with Love

Scatter the remaining chopped peppers and onion in your roasting pan, then set the chicken on top. Coat the entire chicken generously with the adobo sauce you blended earlier. Pop it in the oven for about 50-55 minutes. If you notice it browning too fast, tent some foil over it—that’s a trick I learned to protect the skin without sacrificing that golden color.

Step 4: Add Reserved Adobo and Finish Roasting

Remember that cup of reserved adobo? Now’s the time to brush it all over the chicken and roast for another 15 minutes. The chicken’s ready when the juices run clear or your instant-read thermometer hits 165°F in the thickest part of the breast or thigh. Let it rest for 15 minutes before carving—this step is key for juicy, tender meat that pulls apart effortlessly.

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Pro Tips for Making Latin Mayo Roasted Chicken Recipe

  • Patience with Drying: Drying the chicken thoroughly before seasoning prevents soggy skin and makes the roast crispier.
  • Use a Thermometer: Investing in an instant-read thermometer ensures perfectly cooked chicken without guesswork.
  • Reserve and Reapply Adobo: Saving some adobo for the last roasting phase creates an extra flavorful glaze that can’t be beat.
  • Let It Rest: Never skip resting after roasting—it lets juices redistribute so every bite is juicy and tender.

How to Serve Latin Mayo Roasted Chicken Recipe

On a white plate, there is a bed of light yellow rice mixed with small red and green bits. On top of the rice, there is a grilled chicken leg with a shiny, golden-brown skin. A slice of lemon sits on the chicken, with a few green parsley leaves on the lemon and chicken. To the side, there is a grilled slice of red pepper and a round grilled onion with grill marks. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a red and white checkered cloth under it photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Latin Mayo Roasted Chicken, Latin roasted chicken recipe, flavorful roast chicken with mayonnaise, Latin cuisine chicken, easy Latin chicken dinner

Garnishes

I love sprinkling some fresh cilantro leaves and a few lime wedges right on top of the carved chicken. The bright pops of green and the citrusy zing from the lime wedges bring everything to life and make the dish look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides like fluffy white rice or a vibrant mango salsa. Sometimes, I serve it alongside roasted sweet potatoes or sautéed garlic green beans to complement the rich, creamy adobo flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this Latin Mayo Roasted Chicken on a large wooden board surrounded by grilled veggies and scattered lime slices, creating a festive, shareable meal. It’s a real showstopper when friends come over!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When storing, I add a little extra lime juice and cilantro on top to keep it fresh and zesty.

Freezing

Freezing is totally doable! I recommend shredding the leftover chicken before freezing to make reheating easier and faster. Freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the chicken in a 325°F oven wrapped in foil for 15-20 minutes to keep it moist. You can also microwave in short bursts, adding a splash of water or lime juice to avoid drying out.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken?

    Absolutely! You can use thighs, drumsticks, or breasts if you prefer. Just adjust cooking time accordingly—about 35-45 minutes depending on the size of the pieces—and apply the adobo sauce generously for similar delicious results.

  2. Can I prepare the adobo sauce ahead of time?

    Yes! Making the adobo sauce a day ahead actually helps the flavors meld beautifully. Store it airtight in the refrigerator, then bring it back to room temperature before coating the chicken.

  3. What if I don’t have Hellmann’s mayonnaise?

    You can substitute with any good quality mayonnaise. The creamy texture is key to locking in moisture, so don’t skip it or replace it with oil alone. If you want a lighter version, Greek yogurt works but alters the flavor slightly.

  4. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

    Check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer; it should register 165°F in the thickest parts. Also, the juices should run clear when you pierce the meat. These signs guarantee juicy yet safe-to-eat chicken.

Final Thoughts

This Latin Mayo Roasted Chicken Recipe quickly became one of my go-tos whenever I want something comforting yet with a unique flavor punch. It’s straightforward to make but feels special enough to serve for guests or a cozy family dinner. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy seeing how the creamy adobo glaze turns a simple roast chicken into something memorable. Once you try it, I have a feeling it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too.

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Latin Mayo Roasted Chicken Recipe

Latin Mayo Roasted Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 141 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Latin

Description

Latin Mayo Roasted Chicken features a flavorful adobo marinade made with Hellmann’s mayonnaise, garlic, lime, and fresh herbs, delivering a moist and tender roasted chicken with a zesty, creamy coating. Perfectly roasted to golden perfection, this dish combines the brightness of lime and cilantro with the richness of mayo for a deliciously unique twist on traditional roast chicken.


Ingredients

Scale

For Chicken

  • 1 whole chicken (45 lb), cleaned
  • 1 lime
  • 3 red peppers
  • 2 medium onions
  • 1/4 cup cilantro
  • Salt, to taste

For Adobo

  • 1 cup Hellmann’s Mayonnaise
  • 1/2 red pepper
  • 1/2 onion
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1/4 cup cilantro
  • Salt and pepper, to taste


Instructions

  1. Prepare Adobo: Place all adobo ingredients—mayonnaise, half a red pepper, half an onion, lime juice, garlic cloves, cilantro, salt, and pepper—into a blender. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth. Set aside 1 cup of this adobo for later use.
  2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the chicken.
  3. Prepare Chicken: Pat the whole chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels, including the cavity, to ensure a crispy skin. Tie the legs together securely with kitchen string. Season generously with salt both inside the cavity and all over the outside of the chicken.
  4. Stuff Chicken: Chop the 3 red peppers and 2 onions into large pieces. Place the lime halves, some chopped pepper and onion, and the cilantro inside the chicken cavity for extra flavor.
  5. Arrange for Roasting: In a roasting pan, scatter the remaining chopped peppers and onions. Place the stuffed chicken on top. Cover the entire surface of the chicken with the prepared adobo sauce.
  6. Roast Chicken: Place the roasting pan in the oven and bake the chicken for 50-55 minutes. If the chicken begins to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
  7. Add Reserved Adobo and Continue Roasting: Remove the foil if applied. Spread the reserved 1 cup of adobo over the chicken again. Continue roasting for an additional 15 minutes. Check doneness by ensuring the juices run clear or using an instant-read thermometer; the thickest part of the breast or thigh should reach 165°F (74°C).
  8. Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest uncovered for 15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicy, tender meat.
  9. Serve: Carve the chicken and enjoy this flavorful Latin-inspired roasted chicken with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • You can apply the adobo marinade on the chicken and let it marinate for 1 to 3 hours or overnight before roasting for even deeper flavor penetration.
  • If the chicken skin browns too fast during roasting, covering it with foil helps prevent burning while allowing the meat to cook through.
  • Using a meat thermometer ensures perfectly cooked chicken—aim for 165°F in the thickest part of the bird.
  • Letting the chicken rest after roasting ensures the meat remains moist and juicy.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (approx. 6 oz cooked chicken with skin and sauce)
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg

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