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Mexican Chicken Marinade

Mexican Chicken Marinade

A quick and flavorful Mexican Chicken Marinade combining fresh lime juice, authentic spices, and herbs to infuse chicken with bold, smoky, and zesty flavors. Perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing, this marinade ensures juicy, delicious results every time and can be customized for heat and taste preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (for extra heat)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Zest and juice fresh limes, mince garlic cloves, and measure out all the spices to have everything ready and organized for a smooth process.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add finely chopped jalapeño or any other chosen variations at this stage.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, or wings) in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 3 hours for best flavor.
  4. Cook to Perfection: Grill, bake, or pan-sear the marinated chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring juicy and flavorful results.

Notes

  • Use fresh lime juice for the best vibrant flavor.
  • Do not marinate longer than 3 hours to avoid altering chicken texture.
  • Adjust salt gradually and taste the marinade if possible before applying.
  • Freshly grind spices like cumin and chili powder for better flavor.
  • Reserve a portion of the marinade before adding chicken to brush on during or after cooking for enhanced taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican chicken marinade, spicy chicken marinade, grilled chicken marinade, easy chicken marinade, authentic Mexican flavors