This Mexican Chicken Marinade adds mouthwatering flavor to chicken breasts, thighs, or even drumsticks. It uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients and makes perfect chicken for tacos, burritos, fajitas, and more.
Looking for a few more delicious Mexican dishes? You have to try these Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas for a twist on enchiladas or these Chicken Fajita Kebabs if you love delicious grilled food.
Some Things To Know
- Make sure the chicken you are using is of even thickness. This ensures even cooking and juicier chicken because one part isn’t overcooked while another part is barely done. You can do this with a rolling pin to pound it out.
- For quicker cooking, cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally to make them thinner. Also, pound them out if needed.
- I highly suggest marinating your meat for at least 12 hours. However, you can marinate for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
- Use this marinade on chicken breasts, chicken thighs, drumsticks, beef, and even pork chops!
How To Make Mexican Chicken Marinade
This is a super simple recipe to make, but don’t let that fool you because it provides loads of flavor!
Make the quick and easy marinade for your chicken cuts of choice. Then coat the chicken with the marinade. Cover and place in the refrigerator until ready to use.
RECIPE TIP:
For ultra easy clean-up, combine the marinade ingredients in a ziploc bag, then add the chicken. Seal the bag and massage the marinade over the chicken. No mess, and toss the bag when you’re done!
You can choose to cook the chicken on the stovetop or on the grill (directions below). Both are equally delicious!
GRILL VERSION:
Preheat the grill to a medium-high heat (about 450) and oil the grates. Place the marinated chicken on the hot grill and don’t disturb for 4-6 minutes. Flip and cook until you have an internal temperature of 160℉.
Cook time will vary a little depending on how thick the chicken is.
Serving Suggestions:
We like to serve this chicken on a bed of Arroz Verde for a nice bright flavor, or if you like Mexican rice that will rival your favorite Mexican restaurant, try my Mexican rice!
We also love using this chicken to stuff into taco shells, Homemade Tortillas, or using it in taco salads. Top with Homemade Guacamole, and Pico de Gallo for a delicious taco Tuesday.
Mexican Chicken Marinade Recipe
Ingredients
- 1-2 pounds (453g-907g) chicken (breasts, thighs, or drumsticks)
- 3 tablespoons oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ¼ cup (60ml) orange juice
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- For chicken breasts: Slice each breast in half horizontally and pound with a rolling pin to an even thickness.For chicken thighs: remove skin and bones and pound to an even thickness.
- In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of oil and the remaining ingredients.1 teaspoon lime zest, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 teaspoon orange zest, ¼ cup (60ml) orange juice, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon honey, 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Add chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes but up to 24 hours.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken and cook for 4 minutes per side or until nicely browned. Chicken is done when it reads a an internal temperature of 160℉.
- Remove from skillet and allow to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- STORAGE: Store cooled leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- FREEZER-FRIENDLY: Place raw chicken along with marinade ingredients in a freezer-safe ziploc bag and massage to coat chicken. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Grill version found in the post. Also, drumsticks work best on the grill.
- NUTRITION: Nutrition is calculated using chicken breasts. Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the information shown is just an estimate. This website is not intended as nutritional advice, or a diet or health plan. Readers of this website are ultimately responsible for all decisions pertaining to their health.
