The BEST Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil provides a similar flavor with a higher smoke point.

lime juice

🥗Healthier: lemon juice

💰Cheaper: vinegar

Lemon juice offers a different citrus note, while vinegar is a cost-effective acid.

fresh cilantro

🥗Healthier: parsley

💰Cheaper: dried cilantro

Parsley provides a fresh flavor, while dried cilantro is more affordable.

chili powder

🥗Healthier: cayenne pepper

💰Cheaper: paprika

Cayenne adds heat with fewer calories, while paprika is often less expensive.

Inspect and trim the chicken thighs as desired.

Measure out 1/3 cup of garlic-infused olive oil and pour it into a resealable bag.

Juice 2 limes and add the juice to the bag.

Chop 1/3 cup of fresh cilantro and add it to the bag.

Add 1 teaspoon of oregano, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 2 teaspoons of chipotle peppers to the bag.

Mix all the ingredients in the bag until well combined and paste-like.

Add the chicken thighs to the bag and massage the marinade into the chicken.

Seal the bag and marinate for about 4 hours or overnight.

Prepare the grill and set it up for direct cooking.

Place the chicken thighs skin side down on the grill to sear and cook.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: