This fajita chicken marinade is all about balance — smoky, tangy, and just the right amount of heat. Infused with lime juice, garlic, and classic fajita spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika, it transforms plain chicken into a fiesta of flavor.
Whether you’re cooking for tacos, burritos, or fajita skillets, this marinade makes your chicken juicy, tender, and bursting with that unmistakable Tex-Mex flair. The olive oil helps lock in moisture while the lime juice tenderizes the meat, creating that restaurant-style sizzle at home.
Serve it sizzling hot with bell peppers and onions, fresh tortillas, or over rice — it’s a quick and flavorful base for any weeknight dinner or weekend cookout.
Ingredients
- 0.25 cup olive oil
- 2 juice of limes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Mix MarinadeWhisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well combined.
- Marinate ChickenPlace chicken in a resealable bag or bowl, pour marinade over it, and mix to coat evenly.
- RestLet it marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
- CookGrill, pan-sear, or bake until golden and fully cooked.
- ServeSlice and serve with sautéed peppers, onions, and warm tortillas for authentic fajitas.