Mexican Chicken Marinade (2024)

Published: Jul 19, 2021 · Modified: Apr 30, 2024 by Dr. Erin Carter · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

This is the best Mexican chicken marinade recipe! It's made with simple ingredients including lime juice, oil, cumin, and cilantro and has the most incredible flavour. You will also love how quick and easy it is to make.

Ingredient notes:

You should be able to find all of these simple ingredients at local grocery stores. For the exact measurements refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Fresh lime juice: The citrus juice from the fresh limes helps penetrate the chicken for the deepest flavour and helps tenderize the meat. I recommend using freshly squeezed lime juice for the best taste.
• Herbs and spices: dried oregano, cilantro, cumin, paprika, sea salt, ground black pepper and chili powder all blend perfectly to give this easy marinade recipe the best flavour.
• Fresh garlic cloves: to add even more flavor to this simple marinade recipe.
• Chicken breasts: I recommend using free range chicken breasts if possible for the best taste. You can also use this marinade for other chicken cuts including chicken thighs, chicken wings, or chicken drumsticks too.

How to make (step-by-step):

Step one:

First, add all the marinade ingredients to a bowl or glass measuring cup and stir well to combine.

Step two:

Next, pour the marinade over the raw chicken breasts and let marinade for 2 hours, or overnight to use the next day. You can marinade the chicken in a largeglass bakingdish or in a large resealable plastic bag, whichever you prefer.

Step three:

Then cook the chicken however you like. You can either grill it or bake it in the oven.

Tips and variations:

• This chicken marinade recipe works for up to 6 chicken breasts or thighs but you can easily double or triple this recipe if you are serving a crowd or want leftovers.
• This marinade also works for chicken thighs, chicken wings, chicken drumsticks, steaks, seafood, or even grilled vegetables.
• The best way to get juicy chicken is to ensure you don't overcook your chicken or else it can end up rather dry.
• This recipe can be easily adapted and modified!Like more garlic? Add another clove. Like it more spicy? Add more chili powder. You could also use Mexican oregano or smoked paprika to give it a different flavor.

How to serve:

You can serve this chicken recipe in so many ways. You can use it to make a delicious chicken salad, chicken tacos, taco salad,chicken fajitas, enchiladas, burrito bowls, or serve it on it's own with other side dishes such as rice,cauliflower rice,sweet potato rice, Mexican rice,cooked or grilled vegetables.

For even more flavour you could top this chicken withmango habanero salsa, sour cream, pico de Galloorguacamole.

How to store:

If you have extra marinade, set aside the extras (before you soak the chicken in it) and store it in the fridge in an airtight jar or container for up to 5 days. You can also freeze this marinade for later use.

Once the chicken is cooked, you can store any leftover chickenin an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This chicken is agreat recipeto have on hand for meal prep and for easy weekday lunches or weeknight meals.

Frequently asked questions:

Other recipes you will love:

• Pork Belly in the Air Fryer
• Carne asada seasoning mix
• Chicken taco seasoning
• Whole30 Chicken Stir Fry
• Duck Burgers
• Keto Steak Marinade
• Gluten-Free Meatloaf

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