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Plated grilled chicken with fresh cilantro, lime, and grilled vegetables.

San antonio grilled mexican chicken marinade recipe

tasty vibes recipes
This bold and zesty marinade combines fresh lime, orange juice, smoky spices, and herbs to create the ultimate Tex-Mex grilled chicken. Perfect for tacos, salads, or a standalone dish!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
2 hours (or overnight) 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican, Tex-Mex
Servings 4 People
Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish
  • Grill (charcoal, gas, or stovetop grill pan)
  • Tongs

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade:

  • Juice of 2 limes about ¼ cup
  • ½ cup orange juice freshly squeezed or store-bought
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro finely chopped
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • ½ tsp black pepper

For the Chicken:

  • 2 lbs 900g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Instructions
 

Prepare the Marinade:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, cilantro, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Marinate the Chicken:

  • Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or 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 2 hours, or ideally overnight.

Preheat the Grill:

  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F/190°C). If using a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are hot and ashed over. For a gas grill, let it heat up for about 10 minutes.

Grill the Chicken:

  • Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the used marinade.
  • Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste with extra marinade during the first few minutes of grilling for added flavor.

Let It Rest:

  • Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.

Serve and Enjoy:

  • Slice the chicken or serve it whole. Pair with your favorite sides like tacos, rice, beans, or grilled veggies.

Notes

  • Storage: Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • No Grill? Cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
  • Extra Flavor: Add a splash of beer or tequila to the marinade for an extra layer of flavor.
Keyword Easy Dinner, Grilled Chicken, Marinade, Tex-Mex