This zesty San Antonio Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade comes together in about 30 minutes and takes your lunches to new heights! Perfectly grilled to get that smoky char, it’s a quick and easy meal that your whole family will love!
Ingredient Breakdown
Alright, friends, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what you’ll need for this delicious Mexican chicken marinade. Here’s a handy breakdown of the ingredients required:
Ingredients
- 4 boneless (skinless) chicken breasts: Easy to work with, these are your main protein source. (And a total crowd-pleaser!)
- 1/4 cup olive oil: This helps the marinade stick to the chicken and adds a lovely richness.
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice: Bright and tangy, essential for that delightful kick!
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Because who doesn’t love garlic? It adds tons of flavor.
- 1 tbsp chili powder: This is what gives it that warm, Mexican flair.
- 1 tsp ground cumin: Adds an earthy depth that’s just irresistible.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: For that smoky flavor that’s pure magic on grilled chicken!
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano: A bit of herbal goodness for balance.
- Salt and pepper to taste: A couple of pinches will do nicely!
Ingredient Tips
- Chicken Breasts: If you want, you can swap them for thighs; they’re juicier and just as tasty!
- Olive Oil: Avocado oil works great too if you want something different; it also has a high smoke point.
- Lime Juice: Fresh is best, but if you need to grab that bottled stuff from your fridge, it’ll still be great; just keep it handy!
How to Make San Antonio Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade
Get ready, because this is about to become your new go-to recipe! Here’s how to whip it all together:
- Mix the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, add your olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Whisk it all together until well combined. It should smell amazing! (You can thank the garlic and spices for that.)
- Marinate the Chicken: Place those chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or a baking dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover your dish and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, go for overnight! That’s when the magic really happens.
- Preheat the Grill: Get that grill hot, my friend! Preheat it to a medium-high heat (around 400°F). A well-heated grill will create those mouthwatering grill marks.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6–7 minutes per side. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F, and those beautiful char marks! If you like, brush a little leftover marinade on them as they grill (make sure it hasn’t touched the raw chicken!).
- Rest and Serve: Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy! Slice it up and serve it in your favorite way.
And the best part is, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand! Got some veggies? Toss them on the grill too! This marinade is so versatile, you’ll find yourself making it again and again, each time with a different twist.
If you loved this San Antonio Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade, be sure to check out my Taco Rice Bowl or my Mexican Street Corn Salad!
Why This Recipe Works
Comfort Food
This chicken marinade is loaded with flavor! It’s all about those gorgeous spices working together to create a rich and satisfying meal that feels like a hug from your favorite relative who always brings dessert.
Quick & Easy
When you’re short on time, this marinade is your friend. It requires minimal prep. Whisk it up, marinate, and you’re ready to grill in half an hour! Plus, any leftovers make for a fabulous next-day lunch.
Meal Prep Friendly
Want to get a jump on dinner? Marinate the chicken in advance! You can do it the night before or in the morning and just grill when you get home. It’s like having an instant meal waiting for you.
Customizable
This marinade is super flexible. Don’t have lime juice? Lemon works. No smoked paprika? Regular paprika will do. You can even add a bit of heat with some jalapeños if you’re feeling feisty!
Serving and Storage
What to Serve With This
This chicken pairs perfectly with fresh salads, rice, or grilled veggies. Think taco night or even a simple burrito bowl. You could also slice it up for delicious chicken sandwiches or serve it with tortillas for some amazing chicken tacos!
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you can resist it! I mean, what’s better than having a quick lunch ready to go?
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to eat those leftovers, the best way to reheat it is in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, this helps keep the chicken tender and juicy.
Freezer Friendly
Yes, it is! If you’d like to freeze it, I recommend doing so before cooking it. Marinate the chicken breasts and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep for about 4-6 months! Just thaw in the fridge before grilling.
So, there you have it, folks! Your new favorite quick and easy recipe for San Antonio Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade. Perfect for family dinners, it’s bursting with flavor and versatility, what’s not to love? Seriously, every bite is a delight and it brings that warmth and comfort we all crave. You’ll want to make it this week, trust me!
And remember, cooking should always be fun, not stressful. So grab those chicken breasts, throw together this marinade, and enjoy a lovely dinner with your loved ones. Happy grilling!
And wait, before I forget, I’m always looking for feedback and stories about your experiences! Did you switch up any ingredients? Share your adventures in the comments below! And for more recipes, follow us on Pinterest.
Print
San Antonio Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A zesty marinade that takes your chicken to new heights with smoky, tangy flavors. Perfect for grilling and versatile for various dishes.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and a couple of pinches of salt and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
- Place chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or baking dish and pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Seal or cover and let marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
- Grill the chicken for about 6–7 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For an even deeper flavor, marinate overnight. Use any leftover marinade for brushing while grilling (make sure it hasn’t touched raw chicken).
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg