Description
This San Antonio Chicken Marinade is a bold and flavorful blend of Texan spices, citrus, and a hint of smokiness. Perfect for grilling, air frying, or baking, this marinade guarantees juicy, tender chicken every time. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ, this easy-to-make marinade will elevate your chicken with authentic Southwest flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken (breast, thighs, or drumsticks)
Olive oil – 3 tbsp
Fresh lime juice – 2 tbsp
Garlic, minced – 3 cloves
Smoked paprika – 1 tsp
Chili powder – 1 tsp
Ground cumin – ½ tsp
Honey – 1 tbsp
Worcestershire sauce – 1 tbsp
Salt & Black Pepper – to taste
Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes, fresh cilantro, or apple cider vinegar for extra depth
Instructions
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, honey, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Place the chicken in a ziplock bag or a shallow dish and pour the San Antonio Chicken Marinade over it, ensuring every piece is evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, marinate for 4-6 hours.
When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess liquid.
Grill over medium-high heat (375-400°F) for 5-7 minutes per side (longer for bone-in cuts) until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Alternatively, you can bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, pan-sear for 5-6 minutes per side, or air fry at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with fresh lime wedges and your favorite sides!
Notes
For a spicier kick, add extra chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes.
Do not marinate for more than 24 hours, as the acidity can break down the chicken too much.
Leftover marinade should not be reused unless boiled for 5 minutes to kill bacteria.
This marinade works well with beef, pork, and shrimp too!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes – 6 hours
- Category: Marinade
- Method: Grilling, Baking, Air Frying
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex, Southwest
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: San Antonio Chicken Marinade, Texas-style Chicken Marinade, Southwest Chicken Marinade