Description
This easy chicken marinade recipe is perfect for infusing Mexican flavors into your chicken dishes. Combining olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and a blend of spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, this marinade enhances the chicken’s taste and keeps it juicy and tender. Ideal for grilling or baking, it’s a versatile and flavorful base for chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks, making meal prep simple and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Chicken
- 1 to 2 pounds chicken (breasts, thighs, or drumsticks)
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all the necessary ingredients including olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and your choice of chicken pieces.
- Prepare Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lime juice. Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a well-blended marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours to allow flavors to infuse.
- Cook Chicken: Preheat your grill or oven. If grilling, cook the chicken over medium-high heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), typically 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness. If baking, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
Notes
- Marinating longer enhances flavor but do not exceed 24 hours to avoid texture changes.
- Chicken can be cooked by grilling or baking depending on preference.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Use fresh lime juice and garlic for the best flavor.
- Adjust chili powder amount to control spice level.
