Mexican Chicken Marinade Recipe

Introduction

This Mexican Chicken Marinade recipe brings bold, zesty flavors to your grilled chicken breasts. With a vibrant mix of lime, garlic, and taco seasoning, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful barbecue.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 medium garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 green onions (thinly sliced)
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, taco seasoning, fresh lime juice, lime zest, brown sugar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag.
3. Step 3: Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight.
4. Step 4: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
5. Step 5: Place the chicken breasts onto the grill. Discard any leftover marinade.
6. Step 6: Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Step 7: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
8. Step 8: Garnish with sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges, if desired, before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra tender chicken, marinate overnight to maximize flavor absorption.
• Substitute chicken thighs for juicier results and a bit more richness.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicier kick.
• If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken in a hot skillet or bake it at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.

Storage

Store any cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to keep it moist. For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use this marinade for other meats?

Yes, this marinade works well with pork, shrimp, or even vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.

Do I need to pound the chicken breasts before marinating?

Pounding the chicken to an even thickness helps it cook more evenly but isn’t strictly necessary. If using uneven breasts, monitor cooking times closely.

Mexican Chicken Marinade Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 498 reviews

This flavorful Mexican Chicken Marinade recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts infused with a zesty blend of lime, garlic, and classic taco seasoning. Perfectly grilled to smoky perfection, this dish delivers a vibrant taste of Mexican-inspired cuisine that’s easy to prepare and ideal for a healthy, satisfying meal.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-16 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including marinating time)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts

Marinade

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 medium garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish

• 4 green onions (thinly sliced)
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, taco seasoning, fresh lime juice, lime zest, brown sugar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined to form a flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight, to tenderize and infuse the chicken with flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill: Lightly oil your grill and preheat it to medium-high heat to prevent sticking and achieve perfect grill marks.
4. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding any excess marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), adjusting time for thickness.
5. Rest the Chicken: Transfer the grilled chicken to a clean plate and allow it to rest for a few minutes. This step helps the juices redistribute, resulting in tender, juicy meat.
6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the grilled chicken with thinly sliced green onions and chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor if desired.

Notes

• For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
• If grilling is not an option, chicken can be cooked on a stovetop grill pan or baked in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
• Adjust the amount of brown sugar to your preferred balance of sweetness.
• Leftover grilled chicken can be used in salads, tacos, or wraps.

Keywords: Mexican chicken marinade, grilled chicken, lime chicken, taco seasoning chicken, easy chicken recipe, healthy Mexican dinner