Description
Achiote Chicken brings sizzling Mexican street flavors right to your backyard grill, making your weekend cookout feel like a festive Oaxaca celebration. Marinated with tangy citrus and earthy spices, this tender chicken promises a delicious journey through authentic regional tastes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
Primary Seasonings:
- 3 tablespoons achiote paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt to taste
Supporting Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- Juice of 2 limes
Instructions
- Create a vibrant marinade by whisking 3 tablespoons achiote paste, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon oregano, salt, and juice from 2 limes into a smooth, fragrant mixture.
- Thoroughly massage the marinade into your 4 chicken breasts, ensuring every surface gets coated with the rich, red mixture.
- Allow your chicken to soak up the flavors in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, giving the achiote and spices time to penetrate the meat.
- Heat your grill to 375°F, preparing a medium-high temperature zone that will create perfect char marks.
- Place the marinated chicken breasts directly on the preheated grill grates, cooking for 6-7 minutes on the first side until nice grill lines appear.
- Carefully flip the chicken and continue grilling for another 6-7 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Transfer the grilled chicken to a clean plate and let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and keep your meat tender.
- Slice the chicken against the grain and serve with your favorite Mexican-inspired accompaniments.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but overnight in the refrigerator delivers deeper, more intense flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, confirm your achiote paste contains no wheat-based additives.
- Always check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking.
- If grilling isn’t possible, this chicken works beautifully roasted in a 425°F oven or seared in a hot cast-iron skillet.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg