Are you ready to transport your taste buds straight to the heart of San Antonio? This vibrant grilled chicken recipe, bursting with the flavors of roasted red peppers and authentic Mexican spices, is your ticket to a delicious and unforgettable meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a lively weekend gathering, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this incredible San Antonio-inspired dish!
Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
This recipe balances sweet, smoky, and spicy notes perfectly. Here's what you'll need:
- For the Marinade:
- 1 large red bell pepper, roasted and peeled (or 1 cup jarred roasted red peppers, drained)
- 1/2 cup lime juice (about 3-4 limes)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Deliciousness
Let's get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering meal:
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Roast the Red Pepper (if using fresh): Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the red pepper directly on the oven rack and roast for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is blackened and blistered. Place the roasted pepper in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it steam for 10 minutes. This will make peeling much easier. Once cool enough to handle, peel off the skin and remove the seeds. Roughly chop the pepper.
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Prepare the Marinade: In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted red pepper, lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
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Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it's fully coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or preferably for 2-4 hours for maximum flavor. Overnight is even better!
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Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess marinade. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve your delicious grilled chicken immediately. It's fantastic on its own, in tacos, salads, or with your favorite sides like Mexican rice and beans.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Grill:
- Don't overcrowd the grill: Leave space between the chicken pieces for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer: This ensures the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking.
Variations: Spice Up Your Life!
- Citrus Twist: Add a tablespoon of orange zest to the marinade for a brighter flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with adding fresh cilantro or parsley to the marinade.
- Chipotle Kick: Incorporate a few chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky and spicy twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on using chicken breast and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion size.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-10g
This San Antonio Grilled Red Pepper Mexican Chicken Marinade recipe is a simple yet incredibly flavorful way to enjoy healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. It's the perfect example of delicious dishes that are easy to prepare, making homemade cooking accessible to everyone. Enjoy the fiesta!