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Raw chicken breasts marinating in a resealable bag with fresh cilantro, lime, and spices on a light gray surface with lime wedges and black pepper nearby.

San Antonio Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade

Recipes Guide
This San Antonio Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade combines fresh lime and orange juice, olive oil, garlic, spices, cilantro, and honey to create a zesty, smoky, and flavorful marinade. Perfect for tenderizing and infusing chicken with bold Tex-Mex flavors, it’s an easy main course for grilling that pairs well with traditional Mexican sides like rice and beans.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinating time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 258 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • teaspoon1 chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 cup resh cilantro chopped
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, chopped cilantro, and honey. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended to create the marinade.
  • Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the used marinade.
  • Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid pressing down on the chicken to keep it juicy.
  • Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a serving plate and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the grilled chicken garnished with additional fresh cilantro and lime wedges, if desired.

Notes

Additional Tips:

  • Marinating Time: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers to the marinade.
  • Alternate Proteins: This marinade also works well with shrimp, pork, or beef.
  • Serving Suggestions: Pair with Mexican rice, grilled vegetables, or wrap in tortillas for delicious tacos.