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San Antonio Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Keywords: San Antonio grilled chicken, Mexican chicken marinade, Tex-Mex chicken, grilled chicken recipe, smoky chicken marinade, easy chicken marinade, backyard barbecue chicken