San Antonio Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade Recipe
This San Antonio Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade Recipe delivers authentic Tex-Mex flavors by combining bold spices, fresh citrus, and a subtle touch of sweetness. Perfect for grilling, the marinade ensures juicy, tender chicken with smoky and vibrant notes, making it ideal for family dinners, barbecues, or festive gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (includes marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Chicken
- Chicken pieces (boneless, skinless thighs or breasts) – about 2 pounds
Marinade
- Olive oil – 1/4 cup
- Fresh lime juice – 1/4 cup (about 2 limes)
- Garlic cloves – 3 cloves, minced
- Ground cumin – 1 teaspoon
- Smoked paprika – 1 teaspoon
- Chili powder – 1 teaspoon
- Oregano (dried) – 1 teaspoon
- Honey or agave syrup – 1 tablespoon
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon
- Fresh cilantro (optional) – 2 tablespoons, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously until well blended and aromatic. Add fresh cilantro if using.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is evenly coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to deeply infuse the flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: About 15 minutes before cooking, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. For charcoal grills, prepare a two-zone heat setup for direct and indirect grilling.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill directly over heat for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), turning once for even cooking and grill marks.
- Rest and Serve: Transfer grilled chicken to a platter and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices before serving.
Notes
- Marinate longer (overnight) for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results compared to breasts.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill to ensure even cooking and perfect char marks.
- Keep a spray bottle of water nearby to control flare-ups on the grill.
- Use a meat thermometer to test for doneness and avoid drying out the chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken serving (approximately 6 oz)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: San Antonio, Mexican chicken, grilled chicken, Tex-Mex marinade, smoky chicken, lime marinade