Zesty Mexican Citrus Grilled Chicken Recipe to Spice Up Dinner

Succulent mexican citrus marinated grilled chicken brings zesty flavors dancing across your plate with incredible depth.

Vibrant oranges and limes infuse each tender morsel with bright, tangy notes.

Marinating transforms simple poultry into a spectacular meal bursting with regional character.

Warm summer evenings call for this straightforward yet impressive dish that impresses without complicated techniques.

Aromatic herbs and fresh citrus create a marinade that penetrates every fiber of the meat.

Spices whisper subtle hints of complexity, making each bite a delightful journey through mexican culinary traditions.

Gather your ingredients and let’s unlock an unforgettable dining experience that will transport you to sunny landscapes.

What Makes Mexican Citrus Marinated Chicken Zing

• Master Flavor Infusion: Vibrant citrus juices and aromatic spices transform ordinary chicken into a zesty, mouthwatering Mexican-inspired masterpiece that dances with bold, complex flavors.
• Versatile Cooking Methods: Enjoy maximum flexibility with two cooking options – grilling for smoky char marks or oven roasting for tender, even cooking, making this recipe perfect for any kitchen setup or weather condition.
• Quick Marinating Magic: Short marination time ensures juicy, tender chicken without compromising texture, allowing busy home cooks to prepare a restaurant-quality meal with minimal advanced planning.
• Crowd-Pleasing Performance: This chicken recipe appeals to all ages, delivering a crowd-pleasing dish that works brilliantly for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or casual entertaining with its universally loved taste profile.

Ingredients That Brighten This Grilled Chicken

• Orange Juice: A bright and tangy liquid that helps tenderize the chicken and adds a sweet citrus flavor.
• Lime Juice: Provides a sharp, acidic element that enhances the overall marinade and helps break down the chicken proteins.
• Olive Oil: Creates a smooth base for the marinade and helps distribute flavors evenly.

• Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic depth to the marinade.
• Achiote Powder: Contributes a distinctive earthy and slightly peppery flavor with a beautiful reddish color.
• Cumin, Coriander, Oregano: A classic blend of herbs and spices that brings warmth and complexity to the chicken.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste profile.

• Chicken: The main protein that absorbs the vibrant marinade and becomes tender and flavorful when grilled or roasted.

Cooking Mexican Citrus Chicken the Simple Way

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Fresh orange juice
• Tangy lime juice
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Achiote powder
• Ground cumin
• Crushed coriander
• Dried oregano
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag until well blended.

Step 2: Infuse Chicken with Citrus Magic

Submerge chicken pieces completely in the marinade, ensuring every surface gets coated.

Let the chicken soak up flavors for 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate up to 4 hours. Avoid longer marinating to prevent meat from breaking down.

Step 3: Prepare Grill for Cooking

Heat outdoor grill to medium-high temperature between 375º–425ºF. Brush grates with oil to prevent sticking.

Create two temperature zones: direct and indirect heat.

Step 4: Grill Chicken to Perfection

Place chicken on direct heat zone.

Grill for 20 minutes, rotating every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and beautiful char marks. Move chicken to indirect heat zone and continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 15-20 additional minutes.

Step 5: Alternative Oven Roasting Method

Preheat oven to 400°F. Position wire rack on baking pan.

Arrange chicken skin side up. Roast for 35-45 minutes until internal temperature hits 165°F.

Allow chicken to rest 10 minutes before serving to retain juices.

Tips for Juicy Citrus Chicken Every Time

• Maximize flavor by marinating chicken for exactly 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator to prevent tough meat texture.
• Create perfect grill marks by turning chicken every 5 minutes and maintaining medium-high heat between 375º-425ºF for even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F, preventing undercooking and potential foodborne illness.
• Enhance citrus notes by adding extra fresh lime or orange zest during marinating for deeper, more vibrant flavor profile.
• Rest grilled or roasted chicken for 10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and succulent meat.

Zesty Spins on This Marinated Chicken Recipe

• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add 1-2 diced jalapeños to the marinade for extra heat and zesty flavor.
• Tropical Pineapple Fusion: Replace half the orange juice with fresh pineapple juice for a sweeter, more tropical profile.
• Smoky Chipotle Version: Mix in 1-2 tablespoons of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to create a deep, smoky undertone.
• Herb Garden Blend: Incorporate fresh chopped cilantro, mint, and parsley into the marinade for a bright, herbaceous character.

Great Matches for Mexican Citrus Grilled Chicken

• Zesty Salsa Verde Pairing: Complement the citrusy chicken with a bright, tangy salsa verde made from tomatillos, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice, cutting through the rich marinade flavors.
• Crisp Mexican Lager Companion: Reach for a cold, light Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Pacifico, which perfectly balances the marinade's zesty and spicy notes while refreshing the palate.
• Cilantro-Lime Rice Side: Serve alongside fluffy white rice seasoned with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, echoing the marinade's citrus profile and providing a mild, complementary backdrop to the grilled chicken.

How to Store Mexican Citrus Chicken Right

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer cooled chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Freezer Storage: Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Microwave Reheating: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to prevent drying out. Aim for 165°F internal temperature.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to keep moist.

Questions About Citrus Chicken? Let’s Answer Them

• What makes achiote powder special in this marinade?

Achiote powder adds a vibrant reddish color and unique earthy, slightly peppery flavor that’s traditional in Mexican cuisine, giving the chicken a distinctive taste and appearance.

• Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs with fresh ones. Use about three times more fresh herbs compared to dried herbs to maintain the same flavor intensity.

• Why is it important to not marinate chicken for too long?

Extended marinating can break down chicken proteins too much, resulting in a mushy texture and potentially compromising the meat’s quality and taste.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked without a thermometer?

Check the chicken’s doneness by cutting into the thickest part – the meat should be white throughout with no pink areas, and juices should run clear.

Mexican Citrus Marinated Grilled Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes to 1 hour, 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent Mexican Citrus Marinated Grilled Chicken brings zesty sunshine to your dinner plate. Tangy lime, aromatic spices, and charred edges create a mouthwatering experience that transports palates directly to coastal Mexico.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) chicken thighs, legs, or breasts (bone-in or boneless, skin-on or skinless), trimmed

Citrus and Oil:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) orange juice
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) lime juice
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil

Spices and Seasonings:

• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tablespoon garlic paste)
• 1 tablespoon achiote powder (or achiote paste)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (Mexican oregano preferred)
• 2 teaspoons sea salt (or Kosher salt)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Create a vibrant marinade by whisking together citrus juices, olive oil, minced garlic, and a blend of aromatic spices including achiote, cumin, coriander, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a large container.
2. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Allow flavors to infuse for 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate up to 4 hours, avoiding extended marinating to preserve meat texture.
3. For grilling, heat outdoor grill to 375º–425ºF. Prepare grates with light oil and establish direct and indirect heat zones.
4. Position chicken over direct heat, grilling for 20 minutes with periodic rotation every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and beautiful char marks.
5. Transfer chicken to indirect heat zone, continuing to cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 15-20 additional minutes.
6. Alternatively, for oven roasting, preheat to 400°F. Place chicken on a wire rack positioned over a baking pan, skin side facing upward.
7. Roast for 35-45 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it hits 165°F.
8. Allow chicken to rest for 10 minutes before serving, enabling juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.

Notes

• Marinade Magic: Let citrus juices tenderize chicken without breaking down protein structure by limiting marinating time to 4 hours maximum.
• Flavor Boosting: Crush dried herbs before adding to marinade to release more intense aromatic compounds and enhance overall taste profile.
• Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F for perfect doneness without drying out meat.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for vegetarian version, adjusting cooking time and marinade absorption accordingly.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 392
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 575 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg