Craving the vibrant tastes of Mexico? Look no further than this incredible Mexican Grilled Chicken recipe! Inspired by the flavors of Sinaloa street food and adapted from a Bobby Flay creation, this dish delivers an authentic taste experience that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. Whether you’re firing up the grill, using a skillet on the stove, or even baking in the oven, this marinade will transform ordinary chicken into a flavor sensation. Perfect for tacos, salads, or enjoying on its own, get ready to discover your new favorite way to cook chicken.
This recipe draws inspiration from Bobby Flay’s renowned “Mexican Red Chicken,” a testament to his skill in capturing bold, global flavors. What makes Bobby Flay’s approach so appealing is his commitment to authentic taste profiles. Even when taking creative liberties, he respects the essence of traditional cuisines. This Mexican grilled chicken marinade is a prime example – it’s not just “Mexican-inspired,” it genuinely tastes like real Mexican street food.
The secret to this amazing Mexican grilled chicken lies in the marinade. It’s a beautiful blend of citrus, spices, and just a touch of heat that penetrates the chicken, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. Forget bland chicken – this recipe is all about creating a deeply savory and aromatic experience.
Originally adapted from Bobby Flay’s Mexican Red Chicken with Grilled Black Corn and Quinoa Relish recipe found in his Barbecue Addiction cookbook, this version simplifies the process while maximizing flavor. We’re focusing solely on the incredible chicken marinade, making it ideal for tacos and countless other dishes. The original Sinaloa street food version uses whole chickens cooked over charcoal, but this home-style adaptation uses chicken thigh fillets for faster cooking and ease.
Crafting the Perfect Mexican Grilled Chicken Marinade
The marinade is where the magic happens. It’s a simple mix, but each ingredient plays a crucial role in building that authentic Mexican flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need:
Marinade Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons orange juice: Provides sweetness and citrus notes.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar): Adds tanginess and tenderizes the chicken.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice: Enhances the citrus brightness and adds acidity.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for savory depth.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chipotle or ancho chile powder: Chipotle offers smoky heat, while ancho is milder and fruitier. Choose based on your spice preference and availability.
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano: A classic Mexican herb that adds earthy notes.
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika powder: Contributes a smoky flavor reminiscent of charcoal grilling.
- 1/8 teaspoon All Spice: A warm, aromatic spice that adds complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder: A surprising but essential ingredient that provides warmth and depth.
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For extra heat, adjust to your liking.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors and seasons the chicken.
- Black pepper: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
Instructions:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a ziplock bag or a shallow dish.
- Add 1 to 1.5 lbs (500-750g) of chicken thigh fillets to the marinade. Ensure the chicken is well coated.
- Massage the marinade into the chicken.
- Refrigerate and marinate for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor penetration.
Grilling Your Mexican Chicken to Perfection
Once your chicken has marinated, it’s time to cook it! Grilling is highly recommended for that authentic smoky flavor, but stovetop and oven methods work great too.
Grilling Instructions:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from the marinade, discarding the marinade.
- Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill chicken for about 4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely browned with grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Stovetop Instructions:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from the marinade, discarding the marinade.
- Cook chicken for about 4 minutes per side, until cooked through and nicely browned.
Baking Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place marinated chicken in a baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
After cooking, let the chicken rest for 3 minutes, loosely covered with foil, before slicing or shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
Serving Suggestions: Mexican Grilled Chicken Tacos and Beyond
This Mexican grilled chicken is incredibly versatile. While it’s absolutely fantastic in tacos, don’t limit yourself!
Mexican Grilled Chicken Tacos:
The most classic and popular way to enjoy this chicken is in tacos! Warm up some tortillas (corn or flour), slice or dice the grilled chicken, and load them up with your favorite taco toppings. Here are some suggestions:
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh and vibrant tomato salsa.
- Sour cream or Mexican crema: Adds coolness and creaminess.
- Avocado or guacamole: For richness and healthy fats.
- Fresh cilantro: A burst of fresh flavor.
- Lime wedges: For a final squeeze of citrus.
- Salsa verde or your favorite hot sauce: To kick up the heat.
Beyond Tacos:
- Chicken Bowls: Serve over rice with black beans, corn, and your favorite salsa for a healthy and satisfying bowl.
- Salads: Add sliced or shredded chicken to salads for a protein boost and a ton of flavor.
- Quesadillas: Use it as a filling for cheesy quesadillas.
- Nachos: Top tortilla chips with cheese, Mexican grilled chicken, and all your favorite nacho toppings.
- Simply Served on its Own: Enjoy it as a main course with sides like Mexican rice, grilled corn, or a fresh cabbage salad.
Tips for the Best Mexican Grilled Chicken
- Chicken Thighs are Best: While you can use chicken breasts, thigh fillets are highly recommended. The higher fat content in thighs keeps the chicken moist and tender during grilling and caramelizes beautifully with the marinade.
- Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat. If using ancho chile powder, which is milder, you might want to add a bit more cayenne if you prefer a spicier chicken.
- Finding Chili Powders: Chipotle and ancho chili powders might be found in specialty stores or online if not available in your regular supermarket. If you can’t find them, a good substitute is a mix of smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
- Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a wonderful smoky depth that mimics charcoal grilling. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika will still work.
- Marinating Time: Don’t rush the marinating process! At least 3 hours, or ideally overnight, will allow the flavors to fully penetrate the chicken.
Enjoy Authentic Mexican Flavors at Home
This Mexican grilled chicken recipe brings the vibrant and authentic flavors of Mexican street food right to your kitchen. With a simple yet powerful marinade and versatile cooking methods, you can easily create a delicious and crowd-pleasing meal. Whether you’re making tacos, bowls, or simply enjoying it on its own, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So fire up the grill and get ready to experience the amazing taste of Mexican grilled chicken!
