Hey there, fellow foodies! Are you ready to spice up your meal routine with a flavor-packed recipe that’s as easy as it is delicious? Today, I’m super excited to share my go-to Easy Mexican Chicken Marinade Recipe that’s perfect for those quick family dinners or 30-minute meals we all love. Whether you’re a busy mom or someone who loves to cook without the fuss, this marinade will become your new best friend!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 10 minutes!
- Packed with bold, authentic Mexican flavors.
- Works perfectly for grilling, baking, or pan-frying.
- Great for meal prep or weeknight dinner ideas.
- Customizable to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering marinade. Don’t worry, most of these spices are probably already in your pantry!
- 500 g boneless chicken breast
- ½ Tablespoon Chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- ½ Tablespoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 Tablespoon fresh cilantro (finely chopped)
- 2 Tablespoons Lime juice
- ½ teaspoon Brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process. It’s so simple, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it!
Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, brown sugar, cilantro leaves, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. The aroma alone will have you smiling!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken breast or thighs in a shallow dish or a ziplock bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken and mix to coat evenly. Cover with clingfilm or seal the bag, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it’ll be!
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Once marinated, you can cook the chicken however you prefer—bake, grill, air fry, or pan-fry. Just remember, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safety. Use an instant-read thermometer to check.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some tips to take your dish to the next level:
- For an extra crispy texture, pat the chicken dry with paper towels before cooking.
- Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.
- Pair it with your favorite sides, like rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.
If you’re looking for more flavorful seasoning ideas, don’t miss my Best Blue Salt Steak Rub recipe. And if you’re into natural weight loss tips, check out my Pink Salt Weight Loss Recipe for a healthy twist!
How to Serve
This Mexican-inspired chicken is versatile and can be served in so many ways:
- Sliced in tacos or wraps.
- As the star of your weeknight dinner ideas.
- On top of a fresh green salad for a quick meal.
- With a side of creamy garlic pasta for a comforting combo.
Make Ahead and Storage
Prep like a pro with these storage tips:
- Prepare the marinade up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge.
- Cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
There you have it—a simple, flavorful recipe that’s perfect for quick family dinners or 30-minute meals. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or pan-frying, this Easy Mexican Chicken Marinade is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Let me know how you enjoy it in the comments below!
Easy Mexican Chicken Marinade
Ingredients
- 500 g boneless chicken breast
- 0.5 Tablespoon Chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 0.5 Tablespoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 Tablespoon fresh cilantro finely chopped
- 2 Tablespoons Lime juice
- 0.5 teaspoon Brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Make the marinade: Combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, brown sugar, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix well.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken in a shallow dish or ziploc bag, pour the marinade over it, and mix to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
- Cook: Bake, grill, air fry, or pan-fry the chicken until cooked through. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).