Mexican Marinated Chicken

Spice up your typical chicken meal with this Mexican Marinated Chicken. It’s a flavorful, freezer-friendly recipe made with lime and warm spices and is perfect for batch cooking or to have ready for an easy weeknight meal.

raw chicken in marinade in clear bag and cooked chicken, purple onion, avocado, tomatoes, rice, sour cream,  black beans and sauce in a bowl

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Mexican Marinated Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 10 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tsp. chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 2 tsp. smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp. oregano
  • 1 Tbsp. cilantro chopped
  • 2 Tbsp. lime juice
  • A pinch of brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Assembly Instructions:

  1. Place all ingredients in a large freezer bag. Gently smoosh to mix thoroughly.
  2. Removed excess air.
  3. Seal and freeze.

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Thaw.
  2. Oven: 350° for 45-60 minutes, uncovered.
  3. Skillet: 15-25 min. Over medium-high heat, turning occasionally.
  4. BBQ: 10-15 minutes over medium heat.
  5. Air Fryer: Cook at 380° for 16-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
  6. Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temp. of 165° F.
  7. Slice or shred and serve in burrito bowls, quesadillas, tacos, or fajitas.

How to Serve this Recipe

There are so many ways you can use this marinated chicken recipe; here are a few of our favorites.

Burrito Bowls: Layer cilantro-lime rice, Mexican-marinated chicken, black or pinto beans, roasted corn, shredded lettuce, salsa, and sour cream for a delicious “Chipotle-at-home” dish.

Tacos: Shred your Mexican-marinated chicken and use it as a filling for taco night, along with your favorite toppings. Some could include: fresh cilantro, diced red onion, avocado or guacamole, Pico de gallo, crumbled queso fresco, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Southwest Salad: Use as a protein topping for a southwest-inspired salad. Ingredients could include romaine or mixed greens, black beans, cherry tomatoes, corn, avocado, tortilla strips, with a lime vinaigrette or chipotle ranch.

Burritos, Quesadillas, or Nachos: Use as a protein filling for burritos, quesadillas, or nachos for a quick after-school or work snack.

For more recipes like this one, check out our Orange Cumin Chicken, Chicken Alfredo Pasta Shells, or Cauliflower Tacos.

Mexican Marinated Chicken
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
 
Course: Main Course
Servings: 4
Calories: 409 kcal
Ingredients
  • 10 boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tsp. chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 2 tsp. smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp. oregano
  • 1 Tbsp. cilantro chopped
  • 2 Tbsp. lime juice
  • A pinch of brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Assembly Instructions:
  1. Place all ingredients in a large freezer bag. Gently smoosh to mix thoroughly.
  2. Removed excess air.
  3. Seal and freeze.
Cooking Instructions:
  1. Thaw.
  2. Oven: 350° for 45-60 minutes, uncovered.
  3. Skillet: 15-25 min. Over medium-high heat, turning occasionally.
  4. BBQ: 10-15 minutes over medium heat.
  5. Air Fryer: Cook at 380° for 16-20 minutes, flipping half way.
  6. Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temp. of 165° F.
  7. Slice or shred and serve in burrito bowls, quesadillas, tacos, or fajitas.