Print

Mexican Chicken Marinade

Mexican Chicken Marinade
Print Recipe

This vibrant Mexican Chicken Marinade recipe infuses juicy chicken with bold citrus, smoky spices, and fresh herbs. Perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing, this simple yet flavorful marinade locks in moisture and delivers authentic Mexican zest with customizable heat levels for mouthwatering dishes every time.

Ingredients

Marinade Ingredients

  • Fresh lime juice – 1/4 cup
  • Garlic cloves, minced – 3 cloves
  • Olive oil – 1/4 cup
  • Chili powder – 2 teaspoons
  • Ground cumin – 1 teaspoon
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped – 1/4 cup
  • Honey or agave nectar – 1 tablespoon
  • Salt – 1 teaspoon
  • Black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon

Optional Variations

  • Diced jalapeño or chipotle peppers in adobo – to taste (for extra heat)
  • Orange or lemon juice – substitute for lime juice for citrus twist
  • Fresh oregano or parsley – substitute for cilantro
  • Smoked paprika or liquid smoke – 1/2 teaspoon (for smokier flavor)

Instructions

  1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, chopped cilantro, honey, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is well blended and smooth.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from your chicken pieces and pat them dry with paper towels to help the marinade adhere better and ensure even cooking.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over it. Seal or cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 4 to 6 hours, to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
  4. Cook Your Chicken: Grill, bake, or sauté the marinated chicken according to your preference. Cooking times will vary based on the cut, but ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
  5. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes post-cooking to retain juices, then slice or serve whole with your favorite Mexican-inspired sides.

Notes

  • Use fresh lime juice for sharper, brighter acidity than bottled juice.
  • Do not marinate chicken longer than 8 hours to prevent mushy texture from citrus acids.
  • Mix marinade thoroughly and toss chicken well for even coating and flavor distribution.
  • Reserve a small amount of marinade before adding chicken to brush on during cooking for added flavor.
  • Bring chicken to room temperature before cooking to ensure even doneness and juiciness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican chicken marinade, chicken marinade, grilled chicken, smoky chicken, citrus marinade, easy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://eazyum.com/mexican-chicken-marinade/