The Mexican Chicken marinade recipe is the perfect solution to bring some flavorful chicken to accompany any side meal. With a blend of traditional spices and just the right amount of heat, this marinade is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
We love to cook on the Big Green Egg, which is a great charcoal grill, and perfectly grilled chicken every time. The chicken pieces always come out with nice grill marks and the end result is a flavorful juicy chicken.
I doubled this great recipe so I could have leftover chicken for the next day to make chicken tacos, which was a great way to meal prep for the next day's dinner. So, get ready to spice up your chicken with this authentic Mexican marinade, let me show you how it's done.
Marinade Ingredients
To create this authentic Mexican marinade, you'll need a combination of spices and simple ingredients that are readily available in most grocery stores. All you need to do is gather the following ingredients:
- olive oil
- freshly squeezed lime juice
- chili powder
- paprika
- garlic powder
- dried oregano
- cumin
- cilantro
- salt
- cayenne pepper
What Chicken to Use
I used one pound of skinless chicken breasts for this recipe which was what was on sale at the grocery store. I usually buy chicken that is BOGO which is why I have also done the following:
- boneless skinless chicken thighs or boneless chicken thighs for that crispy skin for more flavor.
- A whole chicken - by using a cutting board and a sharp knife, I will cut into the thickest part of the chicken to make it into smaller sections so that way all the pieces are about the same size. This will help the chicken cook at about the same time on the grill
Prepare the Best Mexican Chicken Marinade
- Start by whisking together the olive oil and lime juice in a small bowl. This not only serves as the base for the marinade but also helps tenderize the chicken.
- Next, add in the spices - chili powder, cumin, and paprika - making sure to mix them well into the marinade. These spices will provide an authentic Mexican taste and aroma.
- To add even more flavor, garlic and cilantro, then mix into the marinade. The garlic will add a subtle pungent taste and the cilantro is a traditional herb used in Mexican cuisine.
- Once the marinade is ready, take a zip-top bag or a container with a tight lid and place the chicken inside, then pour the marinade. Coat the chicken by mixing the bag and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
- Now that you have your perfectly marinated chicken, it's time to grill or roast it. But before you do so, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind to make sure your chicken turns out just as delicious as you imagined.
Tips for Perfectly Grilled or Roasted Chicken
Now that you have your perfectly marinated chicken, it's time to grill or roast it. But before you do so, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind to make sure your chicken turns out just as delicious as you imagined.
Firstly, make sure your outdoor grill or oven is preheated to the correct temperature. For grilling, it should be medium high heat. The oven it should be 375°F. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and doesn't dry out.
Next, place the chicken on the grill or on a baking dish coated with olive oil in the oven and avoid moving it around too much. Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes before checking on it and flipping it over. This will give it a nice sear or crispy exterior.
When grilling, use tongs to flip the chicken instead of a fork. Piercing the chicken with a fork will cause the juices to escape, leading to dry chicken.
Lastly, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F for it to be safe to eat.
Now that you have grilled or roasted your perfectly marinated chicken, it's time to plate it up and enjoy. Here are a few serving suggestions to take your meal to the next level.
Mr Bailey decided that he wanted a bite too because it was so good!
Different Ways to Serve
- Once you have made this delicious Mexican Marinade Chicken, you're probably wondering what to do with the chicken after it's cooked. There are plenty of ways to serve this flavorful dish that will make your taste buds dance.
- First, slice the chicken and serve it on a bed of rice. This will make for a complete and filling meal. You can also add some fresh vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and spinach to the mix for added nutrients.
- Another option is to shred the chicken and use it as a filling for a taco salad, chicken fajitas, or burrito bowls. Top with some black beans, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a burst of flavor.
- If you're looking for a lighter option, chop the chicken and add it to a salad like I did for our Sunday dinner. Top with some avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of lime vinaigrette for a refreshing and healthy meal.
No matter how you choose to serve it, this authentic Mexican marinade will add a delicious flavor to any dish. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different serving options to find your new favorite way to enjoy this delicious chicken.
More Mexican Recipes
Don't be afraid to get creative with serving suggestions and enjoy the burst of flavor this marinade brings to your table. As the famous Mexican proverb goes, "Barriga llena, corazón contento" - a full stomach makes a happy heart. Till next time my beautiful friends, join me next week as my quest continues in search of the perfect bite!
Mexican Chicken marinade
Equipment
- 1 grill
Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 pound Chicken breast
Instructions
Prepare Chicken
- Start by whisking together the olive oil and lime juice in a small bowl.
- Next, add in the spices - chili powder, cumin, and paprika - making sure to mix them well into the marinade.
- To add even more flavor, add garlic and chop the cilantro to mix into the marinade. Then slice the chicken into equal strips long way.
- Once the marinade is ready, take a zip-top bag or a glass container with a lid and place the chicken inside, then pour the marinade. Coat the chicken by mixing in and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
- Now that you have your perfectly marinated chicken, it's time to grill or roast it.
Grill or Oven
- Firstly, make sure your outdoor grill or oven is preheated to the correct temperature. For grilling, it should be medium high heat. The oven it should be 375°F. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and doesn't dry out.
- Next, place the chicken on the grill or on a baking dish coated with olive oil in the oven and avoid moving it around too much. Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes before checking on it and flipping it over. This will give it a nice sear or crispy exterior.
- When grilling, use tongs to flip the chicken instead of a fork. Piercing the chicken with a fork will cause the juices to escape, leading to dry chicken.
- Lastly, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F for it to be safe to eat. Serve and Enjoy!
Notes
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before cutting. This will help to marinate it better.
- Always check the temperature of the chicken to make sure it is cooked. Every grill is different when heating and oven so time of cooking are different for most of us.
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