Mexican Grilled Chicken

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Mexican Grilled Chicken

Mexican Grilled Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish that captures the essence of traditional Mexican cuisine. With its unique blend of spices, citrusy marinade, and smoky grill flavor, this chicken is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table or backyard cookout. This recipe is easy to follow and so enjoyable that you and your family will want to make it again and again. In this post, I’ll provide a step-by-step guide to creating this delicious dish, so you can savor the authentic tastes of Mexico right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to love this Mexican Grilled Chicken recipe. First and foremost, the marinade is a delightful fusion of fresh citrus, aromatic spices, and savory ingredients, ensuring that each bite bursts with flavor. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weekdays or casual weekend gatherings. Additionally, this recipe is family-friendly, catering to both adults and kids with its adjustable spice levels.

Along with the delicious taste, you’ll find that this dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it with your favorite sides, use it in tacos, or toss it in salads— the possibilities are endless! Plus, it’s made with wholesome ingredients that pack a nutritious punch.

Ingredients

For this mouthwatering Mexican Grilled Chicken, you will need:

• 4–5 lbs bone-in chicken thighs (skin removed)
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
• 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 oz achiote paste
• 1 tbsp ground coriander
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp chipotle chili powder

This combination of ingredients creates a chic and flavorful experience, with juicy chicken thighs enveloped in a divine marinade that features a colorful palette of flavors, perfect for your summer grilling sessions.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl or resealable bag, whisk together the olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, chopped onion, minced garlic, achiote paste, and all spices until they form a smooth marinade. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. This marination time allows the flavors to penetrate deep into the meat for maximum taste.

2. Prepare the Grill: For grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (425–450°F). Lightly grease the grates to prevent sticking.

3. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Grill for about 5–7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is charred and cooked through. The recommended internal temperature should be 175°F.

4. Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving to ensure juiciness.

5. Oven Option: If you prefer baking, preheat your oven to 400°F, line a baking sheet with foil, and arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer. Bake for 25–35 minutes or until the chicken reaches 175°F. For an extra charred finish, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Serve the Mexican Grilled Chicken hot with warm tortillas. For the ultimate meal, pair it with sides like Mexican street corn, cilantro lime rice, or fresh salsa.

Tips & Tricks

• Marination Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. This time allows the spices and juices to fully penetrate the meat.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chipotle chili powder based on your spice preference. For milder chicken, reduce the chili powder.
• Resting Period: Always let the chicken rest after grilling or baking, as this helps keep the meat juicy and tender.
• Add Fresh Greens: Consider tossing in some fresh chopped cilantro or lettuce as a garnish right before serving for a crunchy texture and fresh flavor.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

For a complete meal experience, serve your Mexican Grilled Chicken with:

• Warm tortillas for a delicious taco feast.
• Mexican street corn (Elote) for a sweet and smoky flavor.
• Cilantro lime rice for a zesty side that complements the chicken.
• Fresh salsa or pico de gallo to add freshness and enhance the dish’s vibrant colors.

Nutritional Information

| Ingredient | Amount per Serving |
|———————|———————|
| Calories | Approximately 400 |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Total Fat | 28 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 2 g |

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)

Storing Tips & Variations for Mexican Grilled Chicken

Storing: Store any leftover Mexican Grilled Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing: You can also freeze the marinated chicken before cooking. Just make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag to prevent freezer burn. When ready to cook, thaw completely and follow the cooking instructions.

Variations: Feel free to tailor this recipe to your liking by using different cuts of chicken, such as drumsticks or breasts. You can also substitute the achiote paste for another marinade if you prefer something more familiar.

Conclusion for Mexican Grilled Chicken

Mexican Grilled Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s an experience filled with bold flavors and beautiful colors. It’s perfect for family dinners, summer cookouts, or any festive occasion. With the ease of this step-by-step recipe, you’ll be able to whip up a delicious dish that will impress all your guests. So grab your grill or oven, and dive into this flavorful adventure—you won’t be disappointed!

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
   Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer, but you should reduce the cooking time as breasts typically cook faster than thighs.

2. What other ingredients can I add to the marinade?
   You can add a splash of tequila for a smoky flavor or some jalapeño for extra heat.

3. How long should I marinate the chicken?
   For best results, marinate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better.

4. Can I grill vegetables alongside the chicken?
   Absolutely! Bell peppers, onions, and zucchini are lovely grilled alongside the chicken, soaking up those delightful smoky flavors.

5. What should I do if I don’t have a grill?
   You can bake or pan-sear the chicken using the instructions given for the oven method, which will still yield delicious results!

Mexican Grilled Chicken

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

A vibrant and flavorful dish featuring juicy marinated chicken thighs, perfect for grilling or baking, capturing the essence of traditional Mexican cuisine.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 240 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 275 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling or Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: N/A

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4–5 lbs bone-in chicken thighs (skin removed)
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
• 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 oz achiote paste
• 1 tbsp ground coriander
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp chipotle chili powder

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Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl or resealable bag, whisk together the olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, chopped onion, minced garlic, achiote paste, and all spices until they form a smooth marinade. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 240 minutes, ideally overnight.
2. Prepare the Grill: For grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (425–450°F). Lightly grease the grates to prevent sticking.
3. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Grill for about 5–7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is charred and cooked through (internal temperature should be 175°F).
4. Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving to ensure juiciness.
5. Oven Option: Preheat your oven to 400°F, line a baking sheet with foil, and arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer. Bake for 25–35 minutes or until the chicken reaches 175°F. Broil for 2–3 minutes for a charred finish, but monitor closely.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate overnight. Adjust spice levels to preference and rest chicken after cooking to maintain juiciness.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 1000mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 150mg

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