What makes San Antonio-style grilled chicken marinade different from other Mexican marinades?

San Antonio-style marinade stands out with its bold use of lime juice, garlic, smoked paprika, and cumin. It leans more into smoky, earthy flavors with a Tex-Mex twist, often skipping the tropical sweetness you’d find in coastal Mexican marinades. It’s designed to complement high-heat grilling and produce a savory, slightly charred crust.

How long should chicken be marinated for maximum flavor?

For best results, marinate boneless chicken for at least 2 hours, and bone-in cuts for 6 to 12 hours. This gives the san antonio grilled mexican chicken marinade enough time to penetrate the meat while avoiding over-tenderization from the acidic ingredients.

Can I reuse leftover marinade from raw chicken?

You should never reuse marinade that has touched raw chicken unless it's boiled for at least 3–5 minutes. This step ensures it's safe to consume and can be repurposed as a finishing glaze or dipping sauce.

What’s the best way to grill marinated chicken without drying it out?

Use medium-high heat, flip the chicken only once or twice, and allow it to rest after grilling. Basting during the last few minutes also adds moisture and helps form a flavorful crust from the san antonio grilled mexican chicken marinade .

Can I freeze San Antonio chicken marinade?

Yes! You can freeze the marinade by itself for up to 3 months. Just label it with the date and ingredients. If freezing it with chicken already in it, use within 2 months and thaw in the fridge before grilling.

What side dishes go well with grilled Mexican chicken?

Classic sides like elote (Mexican street corn), charro beans, and tomato-based rice pair beautifully. For Tex-Mex flair, try chipotle mac and cheese, grilled pineapple salsa, or avocado slaw.

San Antonio Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade: 5-Star Flavor in 3 Easy Steps

Name: San Antonio Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1/3 cup fresh lime juice; 1/4 cup orange juice; 3 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional); 1 tbsp honey; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 lbs chicken (thighs, breasts, or wings)

San Antonio Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Discover the vibrant flavors of San Antonio with this Mexican chicken marinade recipe! Packed with zesty citrus, smoky spices, and just a touch of sweetness, this marinade creates tender, juicy, and perfectly grilled chicken every time.

Author: Amelia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Mexican
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

1/3 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup orange juice
3 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tbsp honey
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Chicken:

2 lbs chicken (thighs, breasts, or wings)

Instructions

In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, garlic, and all spices to prepare the marinade.
Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or glass dish, and pour the marinade over it. Ensure all pieces are coated.
Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for optimal flavor.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess marinade.
Grill the chicken for 6–8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, marinate the chicken overnight.
Use fresh citrus juices for the brightest flavor.
This marinade can also be used for pork, shrimp, or tofu.

Find it online: https://recipesbyamelia.com/san-antonio-grilled-mexican-chicken-marinade-recipe/