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Marinated Chicken for Tacos & More Recipe

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4.1 from 72 reviews

A flavorful marinated chicken recipe perfect for tacos and various other dishes. This marinade infuses the chicken with zesty lime, smoky paprika, and aromatic spices to create tender, juicy meat that can be grilled, baked, or cooked on the stovetop.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including minimum marinating time)
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs (or substitute with chicken breasts)

Marinade

  • ¼ cup lime juice
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine lime juice, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, salt, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated to create a smooth marinade.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs (or breasts) in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2 to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Cook using your preferred method: grill over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C); alternatively, cook in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil for approximately 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through; or bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked.
  4. Rest and Slice: After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Slice or shred as desired for tacos, salads, or bowls.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for juicier meat, or breasts for a leaner option.
  • Marinate for at least 1 hour, but longer (up to 8 hours) intensifies the flavor.
  • Adjust chili powder amount to control spice level.
  • Cook chicken thoroughly to avoid foodborne illness; meat should reach 165°F internal temperature.
  • Leftover marinated chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-25 minutes (depending on cooking method)
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Halal