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–+ servings
Mexican Chicken Marinade

Mexican Chicken Marinade

This Mexican Chicken Marinade features cilantro and lime for a flavorful grilled chicken, perfect for cookouts, fajitas, tacos, and salads.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 5 servings
Calories 321 kcal

Equipment

  • Stainless Steel Grill Tongs
  • Citrus Juicer
  • Zyliss Control Chefs Knife, 8-inch
  • ZYLISS Susi 3 Garlic Press
  • Cuisinart 11-Cup Food Processor

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade

  • 0.5 cup cilantro (packed, leaves and stems)
  • 0.33 cup lime juice (about 3 limes)
  • 0.25 cup olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1.5 teaspoons Kosher salt reduce to ¾ teaspoon if using table salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Chicken

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Place all of the marinade ingredients into your food processor or blender. Pulse until the cilantro is broken up into small pieces.
  • Place chicken thighs into a food storage bag or glass container. Pour the marinade over top of the thighs, turning them so each side is well covered. Seal the bag or the container and place in the fridge. Marinate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
  • When you're ready to grill your chicken, preheat your grill to medium high heat (about 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit). Brush a high-heat oil like canola or vegetable oil over the grates.
  • Place the marinated chicken thighs directly on the grates and grill for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken has developed nice grill marks and releases easily from the grill. Use a meat thermometer to verify that your chicken is cooked when its internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Remove the chicken to a plate, cover with foil, and rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Top with fresh cilantro as a garnish before serving, if desired.

Notes

This marinade also works with chicken breasts or tenders. Substitute canola or vegetable oil for a more neutral flavor. Can also be seared in a cast iron skillet over medium high heat.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 321kcal
Keyword chicken marinade, cilantro lime chicken, fajitas, grilled chicken, Mexican Chicken Marinade, tacos
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