Description
Rich, zesty Mexican chicken marinade delivers bold flavors through tangy citrus and robust spices. Home cooks can easily create this simple, authentic dish for delicious weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 limes (juice)
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) vegetable oil
- ½ cup (20 g) chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsps chipotle paste
- 1 tsp chili powder or chili flakes
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 ½ tbsps onion powder
- 1 ½ tbsps oregano
- 2 tsps garlic powder
- 1 ½ tsps salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Container: Select a large resealable plastic bag or glass container for marinating the chicken.
- Create Marinade: Combine all liquid and dry ingredients, whisking vigorously until seasonings completely dissolve and create a harmonious flavor blend.
- Coat Chicken: Submerge raw chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring every surface is thoroughly and evenly covered by gently turning or rolling the meat.
- Infuse Flavors: Seal the container tightly and refrigerate, allowing the marinade to deeply penetrate and tenderize the chicken for optimal taste development.
- Storage Options: Depending on your cooking timeline, keep the marinated chicken in the refrigerator for short-term use or transfer to the freezer for extended preservation.
Notes
- Maximize Flavor Infusion: Let chicken marinate for at least 2-4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow deep penetration of Mexican-inspired spices and herbs.
- Prevent Cross-Contamination: Always use a clean container and utensils when handling raw chicken, and wash hands thoroughly to avoid bacterial spread.
- Optimize Marinade Coverage: Ensure chicken pieces are completely submerged in marinade, turning occasionally to guarantee even flavor distribution.
- Freezer Storage Tip: Marinated chicken can be safely stored in the freezer for up to 3 months, sealed in an airtight container or freezer bag to preserve taste and quality.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: None
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg