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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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 1.25 to 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts Thighs tend to be juicier.
Marinade Ingredients
  • 1/4 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 1/4 teaspoons ground chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste Salt and pepper Adjust seasoning according to preference.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Trim fat from the chicken. If using breasts, slice them in half widthwise and pound to even thickness.
  2. Add the chicken to a large resealable plastic bag.
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high (about 450 degrees F). Oil the grates well.
  2. 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.
  3. Brush reserved marinade on during cooking.
  4. Transfer the chicken to a plate, cover with foil, and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
Serving
  1. Thinly slice or chop the chicken, and adjust seasoning if desired.
  2. 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.