Mexican Bbq is renowned for its vibrant flavors and diverse regional styles. While many might immediately think of smoky beef brisket or pork carnitas, Mexican BBQ also shines with chicken, and this recipe for Mexican BBQ Chicken offers a truly authentic taste experience. Inspired by Sinaloa-style chicken, a popular Mexican street food, and adapted from a Bobby Flay recipe, this marinade is incredibly easy to make and delivers a powerful punch of genuine Mexican flavors. Get ready to elevate your next barbecue with this sensational dish!
Authentic Mexican BBQ chicken skewers grilling, showcasing the rich, dark marinade and char marks.
What sets this Mexican BBQ Chicken apart is the marinade. It’s not just your average BBQ sauce; it’s a carefully balanced blend of citrus, spices, and mild heat that penetrates the chicken, resulting in incredibly juicy and flavorful meat. This recipe draws inspiration from Bobby Flay’s “Mexican Red Chicken,” but simplifies it for home cooking while retaining the core essence of authentic Mexican BBQ. Flay, known for his bold flavors and grilling expertise, is a great source for genuine-tasting, even if slightly Americanized, ethnic cuisine. And that’s precisely what we aim for here – real Mexican flavor, accessible to everyone.
Close-up of marinated Mexican BBQ chicken thighs in a bowl, highlighting the vibrant color and texture of the marinade.
This isn’t your typical sweet and smoky BBQ chicken. This is Mexican BBQ Chicken with depth and character. The marinade features orange and lime juice for brightness, apple cider vinegar for tang, and a medley of spices including chipotle or ancho chile powder, oregano, smoked paprika, allspice, and cinnamon. This combination creates a beautiful balance of smoky, earthy, and slightly sweet notes, with a gentle warmth that’s characteristic of authentic Mexican BBQ. The cinnamon and allspice might sound unusual in BBQ, but they are key ingredients in Sinaloa-style chicken, adding a unique aromatic complexity that truly elevates the dish.
Overhead shot of grilled Mexican BBQ chicken sliced and ready to be served, illustrating its versatility for tacos or platters.
The beauty of this Mexican BBQ Chicken recipe lies in its versatility. While the original recipe was crafted for tacos, this flavorful chicken is fantastic in countless other ways. Imagine serving it as part of a Mexican BBQ platter, alongside grilled corn on the cob and Mexican rice. Or, shred it and use it as a filling for burritos, quesadillas, or even salads. The rich, smoky flavor pairs perfectly with classic Mexican sides like pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream.
Ingredients for the Mexican BBQ chicken marinade laid out, showcasing the spices, citrus, and chili powder.
This Mexican BBQ Marinade is incredibly simple to whip up. Just whisk together orange juice, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, minced garlic, chipotle or ancho chile powder, oregano, smoked paprika, allspice, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat), salt, and pepper. Then, simply marinate chicken thigh fillets (or chicken breasts, if preferred) for at least 3 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to fully penetrate. Chicken thighs are recommended for their richer flavor and ability to stay moist during grilling, making them perfect for BBQ.
Once marinated, the Mexican BBQ Chicken cooks quickly on the grill or in a skillet. Grilling over medium-high heat will impart a wonderful smoky char, enhancing the BBQ experience. Cook for about 4 minutes per side, until beautifully browned and cooked through. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and flavorful Mexican BBQ Chicken.
Plated Mexican BBQ chicken tacos with various toppings, demonstrating a popular serving suggestion.
Whether you’re planning a casual backyard barbecue or a festive Mexican-themed dinner, this Mexican BBQ Chicken recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Its authentic flavors, ease of preparation, and versatility make it a standout dish that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Mexico. So fire up the grill and get ready to experience the deliciousness of true Mexican BBQ!
Ingredients:
- 1 – 1.5 lb / 500 – 750g chicken thigh fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Marinade:
- 4 tbsp orange juice
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1 1/2 tbsp lime juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 tbsp chipotle or ancho chile powder
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp smoked paprika powder
- 1/8 tsp All Spice
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1/4 – 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a ziplock bag or bowl.
- Add chicken and massage to coat evenly.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
- Remove chicken from marinade and discard marinade.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat or preheat grill to medium-high.
- Cook chicken for 4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely browned.
- Let chicken rest for 3 minutes before slicing, shredding, or serving whole.
- Serve as part of a Mexican BBQ platter, in tacos, burritos, or your favorite Mexican dishes.
Enjoy your Authentic Mexican BBQ Chicken!
