Mexican Chicken Marinade

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mexican Chicken Marinade brings bold, zesty flavor to your chicken with the perfect blend of citrus, garlic, and spices. Ideal for grilling, baking, or pan-frying, this marinade infuses the meat with authentic Mexican taste, making it juicy, tender, and delicious every time. It’s quick to prepare and works beautifully for tacos, burrito bowls, or standalone main dishes.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

olive oilfresh lime juiceorange juicegarlic cloves (minced)ground cuminchili powderpaprikadried oreganoonion powdersaltblack pepperfresh cilantro (optional for extra flavor)

directions

In a medium bowl or resealable plastic bag, combine olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Whisk or shake the mixture until well blended.

Add chicken (breasts, thighs, or drumsticks) to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated.

Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2–4 hours for maximum flavor. Do not exceed 24 hours.

Remove chicken from the marinade and discard any excess.

Grill, bake, or pan-fry the chicken until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).

Let rest a few minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Servings and timing

This marinade is enough for approximately 2 pounds of chicken.Preparation time: 5 minutesMarinating time: 30 minutes to 4 hoursCooking time: 15–25 minutes depending on methodTotal time: up to 4 hours 30 minutes

Variations

Use smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.

Add a minced jalapeño or chipotle pepper for extra heat.

Substitute lemon juice for lime if desired.

Add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar for a touch of sweetness.

Use with beef, shrimp, or tofu as an alternative protein.

storage/reheating

Store unused marinade (before contact with raw chicken) in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Marinated raw chicken can be kept in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheat gently in a microwave or covered in a skillet over medium-low heat to maintain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?

Yes, though fresh juice offers better flavor.

Is this marinade spicy?

It has mild heat, but you can adjust the chili powder to taste.

Can I cook the chicken in the marinade?

No, discard the used marinade due to raw chicken contamination. If you want a sauce, reserve some marinade before adding the chicken.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Don’t overcook and let it rest after cooking for juicy results.

Can I freeze chicken in the marinade?

Yes, add raw chicken to the marinade and freeze immediately. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.

Conclusion

Mexican Chicken Marinade is a flavorful, easy way to elevate your chicken dishes with classic Mexican zest. Whether grilled for tacos or baked for a weeknight dinner, this marinade delivers delicious results every time. It’s a must-have in your recipe rotation for its simplicity, flexibility, and unbeatable taste.

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