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Mexican Chicken Marinade Recipe


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3.9 from 14 reviews

  • Author: Chef
  • Total Time: 45 minutes to 24 hours (including marinating)
  • Yield: 1 serving (500 g chicken)

Description

A vibrant and flavorful Mexican chicken marinade recipe that infuses boneless chicken breasts with a blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and fresh cilantro, balanced with lime juice and a touch of brown sugar. This marinade can be used for baking, grilling, air frying, or pan-frying chicken, making it versatile for various cooking methods and perfect for a quick, tasty meal.


Ingredients

Chicken

  • 500 g boneless chicken breast

Marinade

  • ½ Tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ Tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh cilantro (finely chopped)
  • 2 Tablespoons lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon brown sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste


Instructions

  1. Make the marinade: In a bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, brown sugar, fresh cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Place the boneless chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the dish with clingfilm or seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
  3. Cook the chicken: Choose your preferred cooking method: baking, grilling, air frying, or pan-frying. Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using an instant-read thermometer for safety and optimal juiciness.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken overnight will result in more intense flavors.
  • Adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your preferred spice level.
  • For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika, but regular paprika can be substituted if needed.
  • Ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature to avoid undercooking.
  • This marinade works well with chicken thighs as an alternative to breasts.
  • Leftover marinated chicken can be frozen before cooking for convenience.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican