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Home » Recipes » Marinade Recipes

Mexican Chicken Marinade

Published: Nov 10, 2021 · Modified: Aug 24, 2023 by Nicole B.

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total time1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

This easy Mexican chicken marinade has a well-balanced flavor from chili powder seasoning, chipotle, garlic and onion powder and a nice freshness from lime. In addition to lime juice, this marinade also has lime zest for a strong lime flavor that pairs perfectly with the spices. The marinade makes delicious grilled chicken that's perfect for any Mexican dish, such as chicken fajitas, chicken tacos, burrito bowls and tostadas. You can also use it on fresh salads!

For another delicious Mexican chicken recipe, also check out this Mexican chicken dip!

Mexican chicken marinade being whisked in a bowl.
Jump to:
  • What's in the marinade?
  • Ingredient notes:
  • How to make and use the marinade:
  • Frequently asked questions:
  • More delicious marinade recipes for grilled chicken:
  • Full Printable Recipe
  • Comments

What's in the marinade?

Similar to this Mexican chicken seasoning, this marinade is made with a combination of chili powder seasoning and ground chipotle pepper. Chili powder adds its signature rich chili flavor and chipotle gives this marinade just a hint of spicy smokiness. The citrus juice adds delicious lime flavor and also tenderizes the meat.

Mexican chicken marinade ingredients on a table.
You need olive oil, lime juice and zest, ground chipotle pepper, chili powder seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder and salt to make the marinade.

Ingredient notes:

  • Chili powder seasoning is a blend of spices that includes various ground chili peppers in addition to cumin, oregano, garlic and salt. You can use mild, medium or hot chili powder seasoning for this marinade, depending on how spicy you like it.

How to make and use the marinade:

Step 1. Zest and juice a lime.

Lime juice and zest in bowls.

Step 2. Whisk all marinade ingredients together in a bowl.

Mexican chicken marinade ingredients being whisked in a bowl.

Step 3. Set chicken breasts on a cutting board or a cutting mat and cover with plastic wrap. Lightly pound the thick ends with a meat mallet or a rolling pin until you get an even thickness. Set aside.

Chicken breasts on a cutting mat with a meat mallet.

Step 4. Add the chicken breasts to a resealable plastic bag, pour the marinade into the bag, close and refrigerate for 1 hour. Take the chicken out of the bag and grill. The meat is cooked when it has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F., measured on a meat thermometer.

Chicken with marinade in a plastic bag.

Frequently asked questions:

How should I serve the grilled chicken?

Slice the grilled chicken breasts into strips and use them in fajitas, tacos or tostadas. The chicken is great with sides like pico de gallo, guacamole, black beans, rice and more! You can also add the chicken slices to a fresh salad and serve with a homemade taco salad dressing.

How spicy is this marinade?

If you're using mild chili powder seasoning, this marinade will be mildly spicy from the ground chipotle pepper. Use medium or hot chili powder seasoning for a spicier marinade.

What cut of chicken is best for this Mexican chicken marinade recipe?

This Mexican marinade is best for boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

More delicious marinade recipes for grilled chicken:

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  • Mediterranean grilled chicken salad with sumac dressing on a plate.
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Full Printable Recipe

Mexican chicken marinade being whisked in a bowl.

Mexican Chicken Marinade

The Spice Train
Add deliciousness to boneless, skinless chicken breasts with this easy and flavorful Mexican chicken marinade.
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Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Marinating Time: 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories (estimated) 198 kcal

Equipment:

  • measuring spoons
  • citrus zester
  • cutting board or cutting mat
  • plastic wrap
  • meat mallet or rolling pin
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • resealable plastic bag
  • grill

Ingredients:
  

For the marinade:

  • 1 lime
  • 2 tablespoons mild olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder seasoning*
  • ½ teaspoon ground chipotle pepper
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

For the chicken:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast

Instructions:
 

For the marinade:

  • Zest, then juice the lime.
  • Add all marinade ingredients to a bowl and whisk until combined.

For the chicken:

  • Set the chicken breasts on a cutting board or mat, cover with plastic wrap and pound the thick ends with a meat mallet or a rolling pin into even thickness.
  • Transfer the chicken to a resealable plastic bag, pour in the marinade, then close the bag and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  • Take the chicken out, discard the bag and the marinade and grill the chicken.

Notes:

* Chili powder seasoning is a spice blend usually made from ground chili peppers, cumin, oregano, dried garlic and salt. You can use mild, medium or hot chili powder seasoning, depending on how spicy you would like the marinade to be.

Nutrition Information (Estimated):

Calories: 198kcalCarbohydrates: 2.4gProtein: 24.3gFat: 9.9gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 209mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 0.6gSugar: 0.5gCalcium: 14mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition values provided on this website are generated from a nutrition database and are estimates only. The accuracy of the nutrition information for any recipe on this website is not guaranteed. Nutrition values can vary quite a lot depending on which brands are used.

Keywords: easy mexican chicken marinade, mexican chicken marinade

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