Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a burst of vibrant flavors! Our Mexican Pasty Chicken Marinade is the secret ingredient to transforming ordinary chicken into a fiesta on your plate. Imagine succulent, juicy chicken infused with zesty lime and a kick of chili powder, all ready in just 30 minutes! Whether you're planning a family dinner or a weekend barbecue, this marinade will have everyone asking for seconds. Dive into our recipe and discover how to elevate your chicken game to a whole new level!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 chicken breasts
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients needed for the marinade: 1 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of lime juice, 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of cumin, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the olive oil and lime juice. Whisk them together until they are well blended.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Continue to whisk the mixture until all the spices are fully incorporated into the marinade.
- Take the 4 chicken breasts and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Place the marinating chicken in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. For best results, marinate for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Once the chicken has marinated, preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the leftover marinade.
- Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This will help retain the juices within the chicken.
- Slice the chicken and serve it with your choice of sides, such as rice, beans, or a fresh salad, to complete your Mexican-inspired meal.
Tips
- Marinate Longer for Maximum Flavor: While 15 minutes will add some flavor, aim for 1-2 hours—or even overnight—for the best results. This allows the spices to fully penetrate the chicken.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lime juice will enhance the flavor of the marinade compared to bottled juice. Fresh spices will also provide a more vibrant taste.
- Preheat Your Grill: Make sure your grill is hot before placing the chicken on it. This helps achieve those beautiful grill marks and locks in the juices.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Give each chicken breast enough space on the grill to cook evenly. If you're grilling multiple pieces, do it in batches if necessary.
- Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute, making for a juicier bite.
- Experiment with Sides: Pair your grilled chicken with traditional Mexican sides like cilantro-lime rice, black beans, or a fresh avocado salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 90mg
