Fajitas Marinade Chicken: Zesty Grilled Perfection
Tender, zesty grilled chicken marinated in a vibrant blend of citrus, spices, and aromatic flavor. This easy Mexican-inspired recipe features smoky paprika, cumin, and fresh lime juice for a juicy, flavorful fajita centerpiece.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients
1 1/2 to 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips
1/4 cup olive oil
2/3 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon sugar
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
Combine olive oil, lime juice, water, sugar, salt, cumin, garlic, smoked paprika, and chili powder in a bowl
Add chicken strips and stir to coat evenly
Cover and refrigerate 1 to 2 hours
Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat
Cook chicken in batches, turning once, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (10-15 minutes depending on heat source)
Let rest 5 minutes before serving
Notes
Use extra virgin olive oil for best flavor
Substitute brown sugar for deeper caramelization
Adjust salt to taste
Smoked paprika is crucial for authentic smoky depth
Marinate up to 2 hours but avoid exceeding 6 hours for optimal texture
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 160g
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 12g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Find it online: https://doughdazzle.com/fajitas-marinade-chicken/