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Mexican Chicken Marinade Recipe

This Mexican Chicken Marinade makes juicy grilled or baked chicken with lime, chili, and cilantro, perfect for tacos, bowls, salads, and meal prep.
Prep Time10 minutes
Referigerate12 hours
Total Time12 hours 10 minutes
Course: Dressing
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 4
Author: Kristyn Merkley

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
  • 1-2 pounds chicken breasts, tenderloins or thighs

Instructions

  • In a large Ziploc bag, add olive oil, minced garlic lime juice, chili powder, oregano, cumin, garlic salt and cilantro. Close and shake to combine.
  • Add chicken and shake to combine until chicken is coated.
  • Refrigerate for at least 12 hours before grilling or baking.
  • TO GRILL: Heat grill to medium high, about 400 to 450°F. Oil grates lightly.Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill boneless thighs 5 to 7 minutes per side, bone in 7 to 9 minutes per side, until the thickest part reaches 165°F. Rest 5 minutes, slice or serve whole. Squeeze with extra lime if you like.
  • TO BAKE: Heat oven to 425°F. Line a sheet pan with foil and set a rack on top, or use a lightly oiled baking dish. Arrange chicken in a single layer, letting excess marinade drip off. Bake boneless thighs 18 to 22 minutes, bone in 30 to 35 minutes, until the thickest part reaches 165°F. Broil 1 to 2 minutes for extra color if desired, then rest 5 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Marinate at least 12 hours for best flavor, up to 24 hours for deeper seasoning.
Pat chicken lightly before cooking so it sears instead of steaming.
For meal prep, cook, cool, and slice, then refrigerate up to 4 days. Rewarm gently or serve chilled in salads and bowls.
Use the same marinade for breasts or tenders, adjust cook time and still aim for 165°F.
Save a little fresh cilantro and lime to sprinkle on cooked chicken for a bright finish.

Nutrition

Calories: 201kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 731mg | Potassium: 472mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 415IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg