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Easy Mexican Chicken Marinade Recipe

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4.3 from 5 reviews

This Easy Mexican Chicken Marinade recipe delivers a flavorful and tangy seasoning blend that infuses boneless chicken breasts with the vibrant spices of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and fresh cilantro. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, then cook by baking, grilling, air frying, or pan-frying to achieve juicy, delicious results perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a festive gathering.

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 chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, brown sugar, chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until the marinade is well blended.
  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, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover the dish with clingfilm or seal the bag tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
  3. Cook the chicken: Choose your preferred cooking method: bake in the oven, grill, air fry, or pan-fry the marinated chicken. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using an instant-read thermometer to ensure safety and juiciness. Cooking time will vary based on the method and thickness of the chicken.

Notes

  • Marinating for longer than 30 minutes enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
  • You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier outcome.
  • Adjust the chili powder based on your desired spice level.
  • Leftover marinated chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly to avoid any food safety risks.