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Easy Mexican Chicken Marinade

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 250
A simple and flavorful marinade that infuses chicken with vibrant Mexican spices, perfect for busy families.

Ingredients

For the marinade

  • ½ tablespoon Chili powder (Adjust based on family's spice preference.)
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin (Use fresh for best flavor.)
  • ½ tablespoon Smoked paprika (Fresh spices add wonderful earthiness.)
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano (Fresh oregano gives a brighter flavor.)
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh cilantro (finely chopped) (Optional, can be replaced with parsley.)
  • 2 tablespoons Lime juice (Adds zest and freshness.)
  • ½ teaspoon Brown sugar (Balances the flavors.)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil (For moisture and richness.)
  • to taste Salt and black pepper (Add according to preference.)

For the chicken

  • 500 g Boneless chicken breast (Choose skinless for a healthier option.)

Instructions 

Preparation of Marinade

  • In a bowl, add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, brown sugar, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix all to combine.

Marinate the Chicken

  • Place the chicken in a shallow dish or Ziploc bag. Pour the marinade over and cover all pieces. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.

Cooking the Chicken

  • Cook the marinated chicken by baking, grilling, air frying, or pan-frying until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Notes

Marinate overnight for maximum flavor. Use any leftover marinade as a sauce after cooking, ensuring it is cooked first. Chicken thighs are an excellent alternative for extra juiciness.
Calories: 250kcal
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: chicken marinade, Easy Marinade, Mexican chicken