San Antonio Grilled Red Pepper Mexican Chicken Marinade Recipe

Estimated reading time: 11 minutes

Introduction to the Recipe

If you’re looking to spice up your grilling game, this San Antonio Grilled Red Pepper Mexican Chicken Marinade recipe is the perfect way to add a burst of flavor to your chicken. Combining smoky red peppers with zesty Mexican spices, this marinade is not only easy to prepare but also guarantees a flavorful, juicy, and tender result every time you fire up the grill. Whether you’re preparing for a family BBQ or a special dinner, this marinade will take your grilled chicken to a whole new level.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making this mouthwatering marinade, offer tips on grilling, and even suggest some amazing sides and drinks to pair with your dish. The balance of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors will transform your typical grilled chicken into something truly extraordinary.

Let’s dive into the key ingredients and steps for preparing this delicious marinade.

What Makes This Marinade Special?

Red Pepper and Mexican Spices

The San Antonio Grilled Red Pepper Mexican Chicken Marinade stands out due to the combination of fresh red peppers and authentic Mexican spices. Red peppers add natural sweetness and vibrant color, while spices like cumin and chili infuse the chicken with bold, smoky flavors. This marinade strikes the perfect balance between tangy lime and spicy heat.

Unlike store-bought mixes, this recipe uses fresh ingredients, giving you full control over the flavor. Roasting the peppers and blending them with garlic and cilantro brings out the essence of San Antonio-style Mexican cooking, delivering deep, savory flavors that enhance the chicken.

Benefits of Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh red peppers, instead of pre-made sauces, enhances the flavor with natural sweetness and freshness. You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more chili or reducing the red pepper. Fresh lime juice acts as a tenderizer, keeping the chicken juicy while grilling. This marinade ensures that your chicken is both flavorful and tender, creating a delicious grilled meal every time.

Ingredients for San Antonio Grilled Red Pepper Chicken

Before preparing your San Antonio Grilled Red Pepper Mexican Chicken, it’s essential to gather the right ingredients. This simple list delivers a complex, bold flavor profile that enhances your grilled chicken. Here’s what you need for the marinade:

Key Ingredients for the Marinade:

• Fresh Red Bell Peppers (2 large): These form the base of the marinade, adding a sweet, smoky flavor.
• Garlic (3-4 cloves): Offers a sharp, savory flavor that complements the peppers.
• Lime Juice (Juice of 2 limes): Provides a zesty tang and naturally tenderizes the chicken.
• Cilantro (1/2 cup, chopped): Adds a fresh, citrusy kick that’s key in Mexican dishes.
• Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon): Brings a warm, earthy note to balance the sweetness.
• Chili Powder (1 tablespoon): Delivers a signature Mexican heat; adjust for desired spice level.
• Oregano (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and complexity to the marinade.
• Olive Oil (1/4 cup): Helps emulsify and coat the chicken for grilling.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.

These ingredients create a marinade that delivers the bold, smoky, and tangy flavors of San Antonio-style cooking. The red bell peppers serve as the flavor base, while spices, lime, and cilantro work together to craft a balanced and complex marinade.

Optional Ingredients for Customization:

• Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce (1-2 peppers): Adds extra smokiness and heat for bold flavor lovers.
• Honey (1 tablespoon): Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.
• Jalapeño (1, finely chopped): For an extra spicy kick.

These optional ingredients allow you to customize the marinade to suit your spice preferences, while the basic recipe is already packed with flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing the Marinade for San Antonio Grilled Red Pepper Mexican Chicken Marinade Recipe

Now that you have all the ingredients ready for your San Antonio Grilled Red Pepper Mexican Chicken Marinade, let’s put them together! Follow this simple guide to create a flavorful, smoky marinade that will make your chicken irresistible.

Preparing the Red Pepper Mixture:

1. Roast the Red Peppers:
   Roasting the red bell peppers adds smokiness, a key flavor in this marinade. To roast:
   
   • Place the peppers under a broiler or on a grill.
   • Turn them occasionally until the skin is blackened and blistered (about 8-10 minutes).
   • Transfer them to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let them steam for a few minutes to loosen the skins.
   • Peel off the skins, remove stems and seeds, and chop the flesh into chunks.
2. Blend the Red Pepper Mixture:
   
   • Add the roasted peppers, garlic, lime juice, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and olive oil into a blender or food processor.
   • Blend until smooth, forming a thick, vibrant marinade. The result should be a well-balanced blend of smokiness, tang, and spice.
3. Season to Taste:
   Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning.
   
   • For more heat, add extra chili powder or jalapeño.
   • If it’s too strong, balance it with more lime juice or a touch of honey.
     This step allows you to customize the marinade based on your preferences.

Marinating the Chicken:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   
   • Use your preferred cut—skinless bone-in chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks.
   • If using breasts, flatten them slightly with a meat mallet to ensure even cooking.
   • Leave thighs or drumsticks whole, as they stay juicy when marinated.
2. Apply the Marinade:
   
   • Place the chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish.
   • Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
   • Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
     For optimal flavor, marinate for at least 1-2 hours, but overnight is best. This allows the flavors to fully infuse and tenderize the meat.
3. Massage the Marinade In:
   
   • If using a zip-top bag, gently massage the chicken to distribute the marinade evenly.
   • If using a dish, turn the chicken every 30 minutes to ensure full coverage.

With these steps, your chicken will be ready for grilling, packed with bold flavors from the fresh ingredients and smoky red peppers!

Grilling Your Chicken

Now that your San Antonio Grilled Red Pepper Mexican Chicken is properly marinated, it’s time to get it onto the grill. Grilling is where the magic happens—transforming your marinated chicken into a beautifully charred, juicy masterpiece. Here’s how to get it just right.

Preparing the Grill

1. Preheat the Grill: Before you start grilling, make sure your grill is properly heated. If you’re using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are covered in white ash, which indicates they’re ready for cooking. If you’re using a gas grill, preheat it to medium-high heat (around 400°F or 200°C). This temperature range ensures that the chicken gets a nice sear on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside.
2. Oil the Grill Grates: To prevent the chicken from sticking, brush the grill grates with some vegetable oil or canola oil. You can do this using a paper towel soaked in oil or a grill brush. This step ensures a clean, smooth surface for the chicken to cook evenly.
3. Set Up Two Zones: If your grill allows, set up a two-zone cooking system. This means you have one side of the grill with direct heat (high heat for searing) and the other side with indirect heat (lower heat for cooking through without burning). If you don’t have two zones, you can always move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill if it starts charring too quickly.

Grilling the Chicken to Perfection

1. Grill the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken and place it on the hot grill, listening for a sizzle.
   • For chicken breasts: Grill each side for about 5-7 minutes, depending on the thickness, until you see nice grill marks. After searing both sides, move the chicken to the cooler side of the grill (if using two-zone cooking) to cook through without burning. Cook for an additional 7-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
   • For chicken thighs or drumsticks: These cuts tend to take a bit longer due to the bone, so grill them over indirect heat for about 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Check for doneness using a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
2. For chicken breasts: Grill each side for 5-7 minutes, then move to a cooler side for 7-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
3. For thighs or drumsticks: Grill over indirect heat for 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C).
4. Avoid Overcrowding: Ensure space between pieces for even cooking. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of grilling.
5. Monitor Heat: Adjust the grill’s heat as needed to prevent burning or slow cooking. Move the chicken to a cooler side if it’s charring too fast.
6. Flip and Baste: Baste with leftover marinade in the final minutes of grilling to enhance flavor, ensuring no contamination from raw marinade.
7. Rest the Chicken: After reaching the ideal temperature, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes to redistribute juices and ensure tenderness.

Serving Suggestions for San Antonio Grilled Red Pepper Mexican Chicken Marinade Recipe

After grilling your flavorful chicken, it’s time to serve it with sides that enhance its bold taste. Here are some tasty options:

1. Fresh Mexican Sides

Pair your grilled chicken with fresh, tangy sides to balance the bold flavors:

• Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Charred corn slathered in mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and cilantro. The rich, smoky flavor complements the chicken perfectly.
• Guacamole and Chips: A classic mix of ripe avocados, lime, cilantro, and onions served with crispy tortilla chips.
• Pico de Gallo: A refreshing salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime, and jalapeño. The coolness contrasts nicely with the warm, grilled chicken.
• Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice with peas, carrots, and cumin. Its mild flavor balances the spicy chicken without overpowering it.

2. Grilled Veggies

Grilled vegetables are a great addition to your plate:

• Bell Peppers and Onions: Grilled slices of bell peppers and onions, with caramelized edges, add depth to the dish.
• Zucchini or Squash: Lightly grilled zucchini or squash, drizzled with olive oil and salt, provide a healthy, refreshing contrast to the smoky chicken.

3. Tortillas and Tacos

For a fun, interactive meal, serve the chicken with tortillas to make tacos. Add toppings like:

• Shredded lettuce, avocado, and cheese for texture.
• Hot sauce or salsa for added heat.
• Lime wedges for a zesty kick.

4. Salads to Balance the Heat

Balance the spiciness of the chicken with a cool salad:

• Cabbage Slaw: Shredded cabbage, carrots, lime, and a pinch of salt offer a crunchy, tangy contrast to the smoky chicken.
• Avocado Salad: A creamy salad with avocados, tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice to mellow the heat.

These side dishes bring out the vibrant flavors of your grilled chicken while offering a balanced and satisfying meal.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love the San Antonio Grilled Red Pepper Mexican Chicken Marinade Recipe?

You’re going to love the San Antonio Grilled Red Pepper Mexican Chicken Marinade because it’s a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and spicy flavors that elevate your grilled chicken to the next level. The roasted red peppers, garlic, and lime create a marinade that not only adds incredible depth of flavor but also keeps the chicken juicy and tender. Plus, it’s easy to customize to suit your heat preferences, whether you like it mild or bold. With fresh ingredients and simple steps, this recipe guarantees a crowd-pleasing, flavorful meal every time. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to for grilling!

Enjoy making your San Antonio Grilled Red Pepper Mexican Chicken Marinade? We have plenty more chicken recipe options for you. Explore our “Thin Sliced Chicken Breast Recipes“ to keep the culinary creativity flowing.

FAQs About San Antonio Grilled Red Pepper Mexican Chicken Marinade Recipe

San Antonio Grilled Red Pepper Mexican Chicken Marinade Recipe

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• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 1-2 hours (including marinating time)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This San Antonio Grilled Red Pepper Mexican Chicken Marinade infuses your chicken with smoky, tangy, and spicy flavors. Fresh red peppers, zesty lime, and a mix of authentic Mexican spices create the perfect marinade for a juicy and tender grilled chicken.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large Fresh Red Bell Peppers
• 3–4 cloves Garlic
• Juice of 2 Limes
• 1/2 cup chopped Cilantro
• 1 tsp Ground Cumin
• 1 tbsp Chili Powder
• 1 tsp Oregano
• 1/4 cup Olive Oil
• Salt and Pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Roast the Red Peppers:
   • Place the red bell peppers under a broiler or on a grill. Turn occasionally until the skin is blackened and blistered (8-10 minutes).
   • Transfer the peppers to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let steam for a few minutes to loosen the skins.
   • Peel the skins, remove the stems and seeds, and chop the flesh into chunks.
2. Blend the Red Pepper Mixture:
   • In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted peppers, garlic, lime juice, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and olive oil. Blend until smooth.
3. Season and Marinate:
   • Taste the marinade and adjust seasoning, adding more chili powder or jalapeño for heat or lime juice or honey to balance.
   • Marinate the chicken for at least 1-2 hours, ideally overnight, in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Massage or turn the chicken to ensure even coating.
4. Grill the Chicken:
   • Preheat your grill to medium-high (400°F or 200°C).
   • Grill the chicken, turning occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Chicken breasts take about 12-15 minutes, thighs and drumsticks around 25-30 minutes.
5. Rest and Serve:
   • Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to redistribute the juices.

Notes

• For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
• Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less chili powder or using jalapeños for extra heat.
• If using a two-zone grill, sear the chicken over high heat and finish cooking over indirect heat to avoid burning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-30 minutes (depending on the cut of chicken)
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: Per Serving (approximate)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 380mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g (This includes both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat, primarily from the olive oil and peppers)
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 70-80 mg

Keywords: grilled chicken, red pepper marinade, Mexican chicken, San Antonio chicken, smoky chicken, spicy chicken marinade