Mexican Chicken Marinade
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Additional Time
1 hr
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Total Time
1 hr 20 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
340 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mexican
Mexican Chicken Marinade
Description
The Mexican Chicken Marinade uses citrusy lime juice and olive oil as base ingredients to coat chicken and tenderize it while the mixture of spices—cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, and onion powder—adds layered smoky and earthy notes. Fresh minced garlic and chopped cilantro contribute aromatic pungency and herbal brightness. A pinch of salt is optional to enhance flavors during marination.
Chicken pieces are fully coated and marinated for at least one hour, up to 24 hours in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to develop thoroughly and the texture to become more tender. After marinating, the excess liquid is discarded before cooking on a grill, stovetop, or in the oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
This marinade suits about 2 pounds of chicken and can be adjusted in quantity to fit varying amounts. The resulting chicken works well as a flavorful main dish or ingredient in Mexican-inspired recipes. Adjusting the spices can customize the heat level and smokiness.
Proper cooking and temperature checking ensures safety and optimal juiciness. Leftover cooked chicken stores well refrigerated for up to four days.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp garlic minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ⅓ cup cilantro fresh
- pinch salt optional, sea salt
- 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs
Instructions
- First, add chicken to a large bowl or plastic bag. Add in all marinade ingredients. Stir to coat chicken fully.
- Zip bag completely shut or cover bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 hour up to 24 hours.
- When ready to make chicken, remove from fridge. Preheat grill, oven or stovetop. Discard excess marinade liquid.
- Cook chicken for 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on size of chicken, more or less cooking time may be needed.
- Finally, serve chicken.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours to optimize flavor and tenderness.
- Do not exceed 24 hours in marinade to avoid affecting chicken texture negatively.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
- This marinade quantity works for about 2 pounds of chicken but can be adjusted as needed.
- Store cooked leftover chicken in the refrigerator up to 4 days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 340 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 340kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 3g | 1% |
| Protein | 21g | 42% |
| Fat | 27g | 42% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g | 29% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 82mg | 27% |
| Sodium | 83mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 263mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 0.5g | 2% |
| Sugar | 0.3g | 1% |
| Vitamin A | 352IU | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 32mg | 3% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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