Description
This Easy Mexican Chicken Marinade recipe delivers flavorful and juicy chicken breasts infused with a zesty combination of lime juice, garlic, and classic Mexican spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, this marinade enhances the chicken with chili powder, cumin, and paprika, creating a vibrant and aromatic dish that can be grilled or cooked on the stovetop to tender perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts
Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, thoroughly mix together the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper until well blended to create the marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, then pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is evenly coated.
- Marinate: Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate, allowing the chicken to soak up the flavors for at least 30 minutes. For more intense flavor, marinate overnight.
- Cook Chicken: Preheat a grill or stovetop pan to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is fully cooked through. Let the chicken rest before serving.
Notes
- For best results, marinate overnight to allow deeper flavor penetration.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- To keep it gluten-free, ensure all spices are pure and free from additives.
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately check for doneness and avoid overcooking.
