Marinated Chicken for Tacos & More – The Ultimate Guide-2025
Learn how to make the best-marinated chicken for tacos, burritos, fajitas, and more!
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- Juice of 2 limes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp oregano
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade – In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, and all the spices.
- Marinate the Chicken – Place the chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over it. Ensure each piece is well coated.
- Refrigerate – Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (ideally 2–4 hours for best flavor)
- Cook the Chicken – Grill over medium-high heat for about 5–7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Alternatively, pan-sear in a hot skillet or bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.
- Rest & Slice – Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve – Use in tacos, burritos, rice bowls, or salads.
Notes
This marinated chicken recipe is the ultimate way to add formidable, juicy flavors to your tacos and extra. With the correct balance of citrus, spices, and herbs, it’s clean to prepare and pairs nicely with various dishes. Whether grilling, pan-searing, or baking, this foolproof marinade ensures soft, flavorful chicken every time.
Ready to elevate your taco recreation? Try this recipe these days and revel in restaurant-satisfactory marinated chook at domestic!