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Mexican Chicken Marinade

Mexican Chicken Marinade

This Mexican Chicken Marinade recipe delivers vibrant, bold flavors combining fresh lime juice, smoky spices, and herbs to infuse chicken with a perfect balance of tang, spice, and savory goodness. Easy to prepare and versatile for grilling, baking, or pan-searing, it transforms simple chicken into a flavorful and juicy dish perfect for Mexican-inspired meals.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marination)
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Juice fresh limes and mince garlic cloves. Finely chop the cilantro and have spices measured and ready to use to streamline the marinade preparation.
  2. Combine Marinade Components: In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, honey or agave nectar, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper until well blended, ensuring all flavors are fully incorporated.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, or drumsticks) in a large resealable bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is evenly coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill, bake, or pan-sear until fully cooked and juicy, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  5. Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the chicken to add a burst of color and refreshing flavor before serving.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour; overnight marination yields the best flavors and tenderness.
  • Use fresh lime juice and herbs for the best taste; bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch if 100% natural.
  • Cook chicken only until done to keep it juicy and tender; avoid overcooking.
  • Prepare extra marinade to baste the chicken while grilling for enhanced flavor.
  • Boneless chicken thighs are ideal for moisture retention, but breasts work well with good marinating.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling, Baking, Pan-searing
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4 oz chicken)
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: Mexican chicken marinade, grilled chicken marinade, spicy chicken marinade, lime chicken, cilantro marinade, healthy chicken marinade