5 from 33 votes
Mexican Chicken Marinade
This Mexican Chicken Marinade combines olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and a blend of spices including cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, and onion powder with fresh cilantro to infuse chicken breasts or thighs with bright, aromatic flavors. The marinade tenderizes the chicken while imparting a balanced zesty and smoky profile.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Additional Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 20 mins
Servings:
4
servings
Calories:
340 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Mexican
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.
Cup of Yum
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
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%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 340
% 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.