San Antonio Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade Recipe
The San Antonio Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade Recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken infused with smoky, tangy, and spicy Tex-Mex flavors. Perfect for grilling enthusiasts, this easy-to-make marinade uses simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create a bold and flavorful dish ideal for family dinners, barbecues, and casual cookouts.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (includes marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Marinade Ingredients
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup 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
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar
- Prepare the Marinade: Combine fresh lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and honey or agave nectar in a bowl. Whisk until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed and the marinade is smooth and vibrant in color.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place your choice of chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, or drumsticks) in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, to allow flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Prepare Your Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure that the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking and promote beautiful grill marks and even cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, then place it on the grill. Cook each side for about 5 to 7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid moving the chicken too much to achieve a nice sear.
- Rest and Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken to a platter and let it rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful.
Notes
- Marinate Longer: For maximum flavor, marinate overnight but no longer than 24 hours to avoid a mushy texture.
- Room Temperature Chicken: Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Check the internal temperature for perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Leave space between pieces for even heat distribution and proper charring.
- Save Extra Marinade: Boil leftover marinade if you want to use it as a sauce, but never use it raw for food safety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1 chicken breast or equivalent)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: San Antonio grilled chicken, Mexican chicken marinade, Tex-Mex chicken, grilled chicken recipe, smoky chicken marinade, easy chicken marinade, backyard barbecue chicken