Mexican Chicken Marinade

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This Mexican chicken marinade recipe is easy, healthy, and full of flavour. It's keto, paleo, and works great with grilled chicken, steak, even shrimp and veggies! Use it for the most succulent chicken tacos and meal prep too.

A piece of grilled Mexican chicken garnished with cilantro and surrounded by limes on a plate.

Why you will love this recipe:

This gluten-free marinade is full of flavour and will make your chicken so juicy and tender! You’ll never want to season your chicken breasts any other way again.
This healthy Mexican marinade is made with all natural pantry staples for a quick and easy chicken dinner.
If you're looking for a great way to add moisture and flavour to your grilled chicken, this is it.
Besides being gluten free, this marinade is keto, paleo, Whole30, and dairy free.

Key ingredients and substitutions:

Lime Juice — Citrus juice helps penetrate the chicken for the deepest flavour. When you're talking about Mexican food, I always think lime juice. I recommend using freshly squeezed lime juice for the best taste.
Oregano — This spice is so perfect for adding a sweet herbaceous flavour to your dinner.
Cilantro — There's no more Mexican herb than cilantro! It add's a delicious flavour this this marinade.
Cumin — If you want just a little of that classic Mexican spice, it's cumin you need!
Paprika — You can use smoked or regular paprika for this marinade.
Chili powder — Get that subtle smokiness with chili powder.
Garlic — There's nothing that's not better with garlic, trust me. Add as little or as much as you want!
Chicken Breasts — This is my favorite marinade for juicy grilled chicken breasts. You can use it on any cut of chicken including chicken thighs too.

How to make this recipe:

Step one:

First, add all the marinade ingredients to a bowl or glass measuring cup. Stir well to combine.

A glass measuring cup filled with the ingredients for making a Mexican chicken marinade.

Step two:

Next, pour the marinade over the raw chicken breasts and let marinade for 2 hours, or up to overnight.

Chicken breasts in a glass baking dish marinading in a Mexican marinade.

Step three:

Then cook the chicken however you like. You can either grill it or bake it in the oven.

Tips and variations:

This chicken marinade recipe works for up to 6 chicken breasts, but it's easy to half, double, or even triple for a family cookout!
This marinade also works for chicken thighs, steaks, seafood, or even grilled vegetables.
You can marinade the chicken in a glass dish or in a plastic bag, whichever you prefer.
This recipe can be easily adapted and modified! Like more garlic? Add another clove. Like it more spicy? Add more chili powder. The variations are endless.
You can use this marinade as a chicken taco marinade.

Grilled chicken breasts on a white plate garnished with limes and fresh cilantro

Frequently asked questions:

Can you marinate raw chicken?

The best grilled chicken is always marinated first! It adds so much flavour deep into the raw chicken that you just can't get with a spice rub. I always marinate chicken at least a few hours before cooking.

How long should you marinate chicken?

Marinating takes a little time. You want to marinate your chicken at least 2 hours. Busy day? You can start the night before and have a delicious dinner waiting in the fridge when you get home. When I use a plastic bag for marinating, I like to set it in a baking dish just in case it leaks.

What are the main ingredients in a marinade?

Every marinade has a few basic components: acid, oil, and flavours. The oil and acid help permeate the meat and make it super juicy. The herbs and spices add extra flavour to the meat. With these three simple ingredients, you can make marinades at home!

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