Description
This bold and flavorful Mexican chicken marinade transforms ordinary chicken into a juicy, tender, and spice-infused delight. A perfect blend of smoky chili powder, cumin, lime juice, and a touch of sweetness makes this marinade ideal for grilling, baking, air frying, or pan-searing. Use it for tacos, burrito bowls, salads, or a delicious protein-packed meal on its own!
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- ½ tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- ½ teaspoon brown sugar (optional but recommended)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Chicken:
- 500g (about 1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Marinade
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cilantro, lime juice, brown sugar, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (for a light flavor) or up to 24 hours (for maximum taste).
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Grill Method (Smoky & Charred):
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for 4-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Oven-Baked Method (Hands-Off & Juicy):
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place the marinated chicken in an oven-safe dish.
- Bake for 15-25 minutes, depending on thickness, until fully cooked.
Air Fryer Method (Crispy & Quick):
- Preheat air fryer to 385°F (195°C).
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Pan-Sear Method (Crispy & Flavorful):
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of oil.
- Sear the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Use in tacos, burrito bowls, salads, or fajitas, or serve with grilled vegetables and rice.
Notes
- Marination Time Matters: A minimum of 30 minutes works, but for deeper flavors, marinate for 4-6 hours or overnight. Avoid exceeding 24 hours, as the acidity in lime juice can break down the chicken too much.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro enhance the flavors better than bottled juice or dried herbs.
- Poke the Chicken: If short on time, poke small holes in the chicken with a fork before marinating to help absorb the flavors faster.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Marination Time: 30 minutes to 24 hours
- Cook Time: 15-25 minutes (varies by method)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Marinating & Cooking (Grill, Bake, Air Fry, or Pan-Sear)
- Cuisine: Mexican