Serve this Mexican-style chicken tucked into tacos or burritos with a generous dollop of easy guacamole and a fizzy lime margarita!
Mexican chicken marinade ingredients
This easy marinade only takes a few ingredients and most of them you’ll have in your kitchen right now. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cilantro lime chicken marinade: We love to grill the marinated chicken, but you could easily bake it, too. Once cooked, it’s really versatile. Serve it with a simple Mexican-inspired vegetable side, chopped into chunks on a salad, or tucked into a sandwich or tacos. It’s the perfect marinated chicken recipe for busy weeknights, and great for cookouts, too. If you’re a fan of meal prepping, portion out your chicken into freezer-proof containers, add the marinade, and freeze it until you’re ready to use it.
It’s quick and easy to make It results in chicken that’s juicy and tender It adds so much flavor! It’s healthy and fresh You can make it ahead so it saves you time It makes versatile chicken that can be used in so many different ways
Cilantro – this fresh, citrusy tasting herb adds big flavor to this marinade. Avocado oil – is a neutral-tasting oil that coats the chicken and locks in moisture. Lime juice – for its zesty flavor, and the acidity helps to tenderize the chicken. Seasonings – chili powder, cumin, oregano, and sea salt add Mexican flavors. Garlic – for its versatile taste and a bit of kick. Chicken – boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts work equally well here.
To bake the chicken, place the ovenproof baking dish in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake it uncovered for the time shown in the notes on the recipe card below. To grill the chicken, remove the chicken from the marinade and grill it over medium heat. See the notes in the recipe card below for recommended cooking times.
If you love heat, mince up a fresh jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade. Add in a squeeze of fresh orange or grapefruit juice for a more sweet citrus flavor. Add more herbs you have on hand like like mint, oregano, thyme, or parsley. Try pork chops instead of chicken (just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly). Make it sweet by adding a tablespoon of honey or agave syrup.
This Mexican-style cilantro lime chicken recipe is so versatile. It’s great all on its own, in a taco salad, on nachos, or even sliced up in sandwiches the next day.
We love it with a salad like our Mexican cucumber salad, roasted corn and avocado salad, or a heartier Mexican pasta salad.
While you’ve got the grill out, try it with our chili lime grilled corn on the cob, chunky grilled guacamole, or grilled vegetable salad. This Mexican chicken marinade is great for making in a big batch for special occasions or cookouts, too.
Just don’t forget to stay hydrated with a delicious grapefruit margarita or watermelon margarita!
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