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Mexican Marinade for Chicken Recipe

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4.2 from 26 reviews

A flavorful and easy Mexican marinade for boneless, skinless chicken thighs, combining olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic, lime juice, honey, and fresh cilantro. This marinade infuses the chicken with zesty, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors, perfect for grilling and serving with fresh cilantro garnish.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 24 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Marinade Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 Tbsp honey
  • 1 3/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus extra for garnish

Main

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: Whisk together olive oil, chili powder, ground cumin, minced garlic, fresh lime juice, honey, kosher salt, black pepper, and chopped fresh cilantro in a bowl until well combined.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs into a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag after squeezing out excess air, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated with the marinade.
  3. Refrigerate: Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to penetrate, though marinating for up to 24 hours will enhance the taste further.
  4. Preheat the Grill: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  5. Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
  6. Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for about 5 minutes to redistribute juices and keep it moist.
  7. Serve: Garnish with additional cilantro leaves and serve warm.

Notes

  • For best results, marinate the chicken for 24 hours, but a minimum of 2 hours is acceptable.
  • If grilling is not an option, you can cook the marinated chicken in a hot skillet or bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
  • Use fresh lime juice for the most vibrant flavor.
  • Adjust chili powder according to your preferred spice level.
  • Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and used in salads or tacos.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mexican