A flavorful and simple marinade that will transform any chicken into a juicy, Mexican-inspired dish perfect for grilling!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy Mexican Chicken Marinade is the perfect way to elevate your chicken dishes. With a vibrant combination of lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and paprika, it infuses your chicken with bold, zesty flavors. Whether you’re grilling, pan-frying, or baking, this marinade guarantees juicy, tender chicken every time. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, cookouts, or meal prep, and it’s full of that irresistible Mexican flair!
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Combine olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour marinade over the chicken.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for even more flavor.
- Grill or cook the chicken on medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the marinade for extra heat.
- Herb Infusion: Add some chopped cilantro to the marinade for a fresh, herbaceous note.
- Citrus Twist: Swap lime juice for orange juice for a sweeter, citrusy flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: This marinade works great on grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or portobello mushrooms.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftover marinated chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes per side or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use this marinade for other meats?
Yes, this marinade works well with beef, pork, or even shrimp. Adjust the marinating time for different proteins as needed.
2. How long can I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. However, marinating overnight will give the chicken even more flavor.
3. Can I cook the chicken in a pan instead of grilling?
Yes! You can pan-cook the marinated chicken over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
4. Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before cooking.
5. Can I use lemon juice instead of lime?
Yes, lemon juice is a good alternative to lime juice. It will give a slightly different flavor but still works well in the marinade.
6. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) or when the juices run clear when pierced with a fork.
7. Can I use skin-on chicken for this recipe?
Yes, skin-on chicken works great with this marinade. You can cook it the same way, but you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the chicken.
8. Can I add more garlic to this marinade?
Absolutely! If you love garlic, feel free to add more minced garlic to the marinade to boost the flavor.
9. Can I make this marinade without oil?
Yes, you can omit the olive oil and use a splash of chicken broth or water as a substitute. However, the olive oil helps the marinade adhere to the chicken and adds richness.
10. Can I use this marinade for chicken thighs?
Yes, this marinade works wonderfully with chicken thighs as well. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked through, as they may take slightly longer than breasts.
Conclusion
This Easy Mexican Chicken Marinade is a must-try for anyone looking to add vibrant, zesty flavor to their chicken. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create juicy, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for grilling, cooking, or even meal prep. Quick, easy, and full of flavor, this recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen!
Print
Easy Mexican Chicken Marinade
This Easy Mexican Chicken Marinade infuses your chicken with bold, zesty flavors of lime, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Whether grilling, pan-frying, or baking, it guarantees juicy, tender chicken every time. Perfect for weeknight dinners, cookouts, or meal prep, this simple marinade brings Mexican-inspired flair to any dish!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish, and pour the marinade over the chicken.
- Marinate: Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for the best flavor, marinate overnight.
- Cook Chicken: Grill or cook the marinated chicken on medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
Notes
- For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the marinade.
- Add fresh chopped cilantro for a herby twist.
- Substitute lime juice with orange juice for a sweeter citrus flavor.
- Great for grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or portobello mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilled, Pan-fried, or Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
