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Mexican Chicken Marinade Sliced Mexican grilled chicken breast showing juicy interior, charred edges, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges on a dark plate.

Zesty Mexican Chicken Marinade

Bold citrus and warm spices come together to create a crave-worthy marinade that turns everyday chicken into something unforgettable.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Marinating Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Calories: 49
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin for best flavor
  • 4 cloves garlic finely minced for even distribution
  • 1 ¼ tablespoons fresh lime juice freshly squeezed for brightness
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons chili powder adds warmth without overpowering heat
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons smoked paprika for subtle smokiness
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons dried oregano Mexican oregano if available
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons ground cumin freshly ground if possible
  • ⅓ teaspoon ground cinnamon optional for warmth and depth
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons salt fine sea salt recommended
  • 2.2 pounds chicken breasts cutlets, thighs, or drumsticks (trimmed and patted dry)

Method
 

  1. Place the chicken into a large zip-top bag, then pour in the oil, citrus juice, garlic, and all seasonings. assemble
  2. Seal the bag tightly and massage everything together until the chicken is fully coated. mix
  3. Refrigerate the sealed bag and let the chicken rest in the marinade for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours. prep
  4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook by grilling or baking until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). finish

Nutrition

Serving: 120gCalories: 49kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 1gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 400mgPotassium: 40mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 373IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Bright, cozy, and endlessly versatile—this marinade brings taco-night energy to any cut of chicken with almost no effort.

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