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Spicy Mexican Chicken Marinade Recipe

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3.9 from 78 reviews

This Spicy Mexican Chicken Marinade is a vibrant blend of citrus, smoky chipotle, and aromatic spices designed to infuse chicken with bold, fiery flavor. Perfect for grilling or roasting, this marinade tenderizes the meat while adding a savory kick that makes every bite a delicious Mexican-inspired experience.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes (including minimum marinating time)
  • Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

Marinade Ingredients

  • 2 limes (juiced)
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 Tbsp chipotle paste
  • 1 tsp chili powder or flakes
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • ½ cup cilantro (chopped)
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 ½ Tbsp onion powder
  • 1 ½ Tbsp oregano
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • 1 ½ tsp salt

Protein

  • Chicken (amount as needed for marinating)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a resealable bag, jar, or container, combine lime juice, vegetable oil, chipotle paste, chili powder, sweet paprika, chopped cilantro, cumin powder, onion powder, oregano, garlic powder, pepper, and salt. Shake or whisk vigorously to dissolve and thoroughly blend all seasonings.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken pieces into the prepared marinade container or bag. Shake or turn the container to coat the chicken evenly on all sides with the marinade.
  3. Refrigerate: Seal the container or bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight. You can also freeze the marinated chicken if you plan to cook it later, ensuring flavors deepen over time.
  4. Cook as Desired: Remove chicken from the marinade and cook by grilling, roasting, or pan-searing until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The marinade provides a rich, smoky, and spicy flavor to your chicken.

Notes

  • The chipotle paste adds a smoky heat and can be found online or at specialty grocery stores.
  • You can substitute chipotle paste with chopped chipotles in adobo sauce for a similar smoky flavor and texture.
  • Allowing the chicken to marinate longer will enhance the flavor and tenderness.
  • Always discard any leftover marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-30 minutes (depending on cooking method)
  • Category: Marinade
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Mexican