Ever tried a marinade that makes your taste buds dance? The San Antonio Red Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade is smoky, spicy, and full of flavor. I grew up watching my abuela make her famous pollo asado.
This recipe is my twist on her classic. Whether you’re grilling for a BBQ or just want bold flavors, this marinade is perfect. Juicy, flavorful chicken is just a few steps away. Let’s bring some San Antonio magic to your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re tired of the same old chicken recipes, the San Antonio Red Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade is here to shake things up. Imagine smoky chipotle, zesty lime, and fresh cilantro coming together to create a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance.
This isn’t just any pollo asado—it’s a recipe that brings the vibrant tastes of Mexico straight to your grill. What makes it even better? It’s super easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or just cooking for your family, this marinade works like magic.
Plus, it’s versatile. Use it for tacos, salads, or even meal prep. One bite of this juicy, flavorful chicken, and you’ll be hooked. Let’s get cooking and bring some San Antonio flair to your kitchen!
Ingredients for San Antonio Red Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade
Here’s what you’ll need to make the San Antonio Red Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade Recipe:
- 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (optional)
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar (for a touch of sweetness)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional )
Cooking Time San Antonio Red Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6 People
How To Make San Antonio Red Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade Recipe
Step-01: Prepare the Chicken: Start by trimming any excess fat or skin from your chicken thighs. I like to leave the skin on for extra juiciness, but you can remove it if you prefer. Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade stick better and ensures a nice sear on the grill.
Step-02: Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the garlic-infused olive oil, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Add the chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together until it forms a rich, smoky paste. This is where the magic happens—the San Antonio Red Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade gets its bold flavor from this mix.
Step-03: Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large ziplock bag or bowl and pour the marinade over them. Massage the marinade into the chicken, making sure every piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, then let it marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better). Trust me, the longer it marinates, the more flavorful your pollo asado chicken marinade will be!
Step-04: Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F). Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill for 5-7 minutes to get a nice char. Flip them over and move to indirect heat. Close the lid and let them cook for another 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Pro tip: Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
Step-04: Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve with warm tortillas, grilled veggies, or a side of Mexican rice for a complete meal.
If you’re pairing it with Chicken and Yellow Rice, you’re in for a treat—it’s a match made in culinary heaven. Enjoy!
Watch How To Make San Antonio Red Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade
Tips for Perfect San Antonio Red Grilled Mexican Chicken
Marinate Longer: Patience is key. The longer you let your chicken soak up that bold, smoky flavor, the better. I always aim for overnight marination—it gives the spices time to infuse every bite. If you’re short on time, give it at least 4 hours, but trust me, overnight is worth the wait.
Customize Spice: Love the Heat? Add an extra chipotle pepper in adobo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Prefer it milder? Reduce the chipotle or swap it for a teaspoon of smoked paprika to keep that depth of flavor without the burn. This marinade is versatile, so tweak it to match your spice tolerance.
Bone-In, Skin-On: While boneless skinless chicken works, bone-in, skin-on thighs give you the most tender, flavorful results. The skin crisps up beautifully on the grill, locking in all that Mexican BBQ chicken goodness. Plus, the bones help retain moisture, so your pollo asado recipe Mexican-style never dries out.
Sear First: For that authentic San Antonio Red Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade recipe char, start cooking skin-side down over direct heat for about 5-7 minutes. This step locks in the flavor and gives you that crispy, golden-brown crust. After that, move the chicken to indirect heat and let it finish cooking slowly for ultimate juiciness.
Use a Thermometer: For that authentic Mexican grilled chicken recipes char, start cooking skin-side down over direct heat for about 5-7 minutes. This step locks in the flavor and gives you that crispy, golden-brown crust. After that, move the chicken to indirect heat and let it finish cooking slowly for ultimate juiciness.
Rest Before Serving: I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but give your chicken 5-10 minutes to rest after grilling. This allows the juices to be redistributed, keeping every bite tender and flavorful. Trust me, it makes a difference!
Serve Creatively: This San Antonio Red Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade is incredibly versatile. Serve it hot off the grill with warm tortillas, Mexican rice, and grilled veggies for a complete meal. Leftovers? Shred them for tacos, burritos, or even meal prep—this chicken is just as good the next day!
Master these tips, and you’ll have Mexican BBQ chicken that’s smoky, juicy, and packed with bold San Antonio flavors. Now, fire up that grill and get ready for a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
FAQs For San Antonio Red Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade Recipe
Can I use boneless skinless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. However, bone-in, skin-on thighs are recommended for extra juiciness and flavor.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best. This allows the San Antonio Red Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade to infuse the meat with flavor fully.
Can I cook this in the oven instead of grilling?
Absolutely! Bake the San Antonio Red Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade at 375°F for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How can I adjust the spice level?
For a milder flavor, reduce the chipotle peppers or remove the seeds. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Serve your chicken asada marinade recipe with Mexican rice, grilled veggies, warm tortillas, or a fresh salad. Leftovers are great for tacos or quesadillas!
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken in the marinade for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking.
Conclusion
The San Antonio Red Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade is more than just a recipe—it’s a flavor-packed experience that brings the bold tastes of Mexico to your table. With its smoky chipotle, zesty lime, and fresh cilantro, this marinade turns simple chicken into a showstopper. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or cooking up a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to impress.
So, what are you waiting for? Fire up the grill, try this recipe, and let the magic of San Antonio Red Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade flavors take over. Don’t forget to share your results with friends and family—they’ll be begging for the recipe!
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