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Easy Mexican chicken marinade with spices and herbs in a bowl

Easy Mexican Chicken Marinade

A simple and flavorful marinade that infuses chicken with vibrant Mexican spices, perfect for busy families.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the marinade
  • ½ tablespoon Chili powder Adjust based on family's spice preference.
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Use fresh for best flavor.
  • ½ tablespoon Smoked paprika Fresh spices add wonderful earthiness.
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano Fresh oregano gives a brighter flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh cilantro (finely chopped) Optional, can be replaced with parsley.
  • 2 tablespoons Lime juice Adds zest and freshness.
  • ½ teaspoon Brown sugar Balances the flavors.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil For moisture and richness.
  • to taste Salt and black pepper Add according to preference.
For the chicken
  • 500 g Boneless chicken breast Choose skinless for a healthier option.

Method
 

Preparation of Marinade
  1. In a bowl, add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, brown sugar, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix all to combine.
Marinate the Chicken
  1. Place the chicken in a shallow dish or Ziploc bag. Pour the marinade over and cover all pieces. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
Cooking the Chicken
  1. Cook the marinated chicken by baking, grilling, air frying, or pan-frying until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Notes

Marinate overnight for maximum flavor. Use any leftover marinade as a sauce after cooking, ensuring it is cooked first. Chicken thighs are an excellent alternative for extra juiciness.