Spicy Mexican Chicken Marinade Recipe
This Spicy Mexican Chicken Marinade combines zesty lime juice, smoky chipotle, and vibrant Mexican spices to create a bold and flavorful marinade that tenderizes and enhances chicken perfectly for grilling, baking, or pan-cooking. The blend of chili powder, paprika, cumin, and fresh cilantro delivers authentic Mexican flavor that’s easy to prepare and incredibly versatile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–25 minutes depending on cooking method
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including minimum marinating time)
- Yield: Marinade for about 4 pounds (1.8 kg) of chicken
- Category: Marinade
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 2 limes (juice)
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 2 Tbsp chipotle paste (or substitute with chopped chipotles in adobo sauce)
- 1 tsp chili powder or flakes
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- ½ cup cilantro (chopped)
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 ½ Tbsp onion powder
- 1 ½ Tbsp oregano
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add all the marinade ingredients to a resealable bag, jar, or container. Ensure the container is large enough to hold both the marinade and the chicken later on.
- Mix Marinade: Shake or whisk vigorously so the seasonings dissolve well and combine evenly, creating a smooth, flavorful marinade.
- Add Chicken: Place chicken pieces into the bag or container with the marinade. Close securely and shake or turn the bag/container to coat the chicken thoroughly on all sides.
- Marinate: Refrigerate or freeze the marinated chicken until ready to cook. For best flavor, marinate for at least 1 to 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Cook as Desired: Remove chicken from marinade and cook using your preferred method such as grilling, baking, or pan-searing until fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- The chipotle paste adds a smoky heat and can be purchased online or at specialty stores.
- If you don’t have chipotle paste, substitute with chopped chipotles in adobo sauce for a similar flavor.
- Marinating overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
- Discard leftover marinade that came into contact with raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination.
Find it online: https://deliciousyum.com/spicy-mexican-chicken-marinade-recipe/
