This cilantro lime chicken marinade is packed with savory flavors that combine to make the best tacos, salads, enchiladas, and more! It is delicious on chicken breasts, thighs, wings, you name it! Simply mix and marinate the chicken, then serve either grilled, oven-baked, or pan-fried for a quick and flavorful Mexican dinner!
1tablespoongarlic(optional - minced garlic, or use 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
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Instructions
In a small bowl whisk to combine the lime juice, and olive oil.
Add the chopped cilantro, ground cumin, cayenne powder, salt, and pepper (plus the optional garlic, if desired). Mix well.
Transfer the marinade and chicken to your plastic storage or freezer bag. Squeeze out all of the excess air while sealing.
Massage the marinade into the chicken meat through the bag.
Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours prior to use, or 2 days maximum with a citrus-based marinade.
Notes
This makes enough marinade to season 1 pound of chicken.
Marinate your chicken for at least 20 minutes before cooking. The longer you let the chicken marinate, the more flavorful it will be!
I would usually recommend at least 4 hours for marinating. 24 hours is best, and you can marinate the chicken for up to 2 days refrigerated. This is the maximum time I would marinate chicken with any citrus-based marinade.
Freeze chicken in the marinade for extra flavor. I recommend a maximum of three months. Allow the frozen marinated chicken to thaw in the fridge overnight, and the marinade will seep into the meat while it's thawing.