Description
This is the ultimate marinade for chicken tacos—zesty, smoky, and packed with bold Mexican flavors. Designed to tenderize and infuse chicken with layers of garlic, lime, and aromatic spices, this marinade turns simple poultry into juicy, flavor-loaded taco filling. Perfect for grilling, pan-searing, or baking, it’s the secret to next-level taco nights, backyard fiestas, or meal prep magic.
Ingredients
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1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1½ to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder, onion powder, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
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Place chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow container. Pour marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
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Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (ideally 3–4 hours for maximum flavor).
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Remove chicken from the marinade and cook using your preferred method:
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Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until internal temp reaches 165°F.
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Pan-sear: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side, adding a bit of leftover marinade to form a light glaze.
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Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F. Bake chicken on a lined tray for 18–20 minutes. Broil for an additional 2 minutes for a charred finish.
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Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Notes
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For a smoky twist, add 1 chipotle pepper in adobo to the marinade.
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For a citrusy Yucatán-style version, swap lime juice for a mix of orange juice and white vinegar, and add 1 tablespoon achiote paste.
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Marinated chicken freezes well—store in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
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Best served in street taco style: double corn tortillas, minimal toppings, and a squeeze of lime.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: LUNCH
- Method: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: ~275 per serving
- Fat: ~12g
- Carbohydrates: ~3g
- Protein: ~34g