Chicken Taco Marinade
This simple and flavorful Chicken Taco Marinade combines lime, garlic, and spices to create juicy, delicious chicken perfect for tacos or salads.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.25 to 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts Thighs tend to be juicier.
Marinade Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil Extra virgin recommended.
- 2 to 3 whole limes Zest and juice needed.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 ¼ teaspoons ground chili powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust seasoning according to preference.
Instructions
Preparation
- Trim fat from the chicken. If using breasts, slice them in half widthwise and pound to even thickness.
- Add the chicken to a large resealable plastic bag.
- Whisk together olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, onion powder, chili powder, oregano, plus salt and pepper. Remove 2 tablespoons and set aside for later.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag, knead to coat, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes but up to 4 hours.
Cooking
- Preheat the grill to medium-high (about 450 degrees F). Oil the grates well.
- Lift the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill for 4 to 6 minutes per side until the thickest part reaches 160 degrees F.
- Brush reserved marinade on during cooking.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate, cover with foil, and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
Serving
- Thinly slice or chop the chicken, and adjust seasoning if desired.
- Serve your marinated chicken in soft or hard taco shells with toppings like diced tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, and avocado, or over a bed of rice or in a salad.
Notes
Always taste the marinade before adding the chicken to make sure the flavors are to your liking. For extra zest, add a bit of lime zest to the marinade. If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade mix. Make sure to let the chicken rest after grilling for the best flavor and juiciness.
