Best San Antonio Grilled Red Pepper Chicken Marinade Recipe

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

San Antonio Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade Recipe 

This San Antonio Grilled Red Pepper Mexican Chicken Marinade Recipe is the perfect way to transform a traditional grilled chicken into something really bold and flavorful. Roasted red peppers are entered into the marinade with garlic, cilantro, and some of the more traditional Mexican spices, creating a mouthwatering sauce that makes the chicken extremely delicious.

Each mouthful is filled with flavor marinating the chicken in this combination. The red pepper makes a rich base while cumin, chili powder, and lime juice bring just the right amount of heat and acidity. This grilled chicken also acquires just a murmur of smokiness that makes it simply delicious with the complete complexity of the marinade.

Another recipe to keep family dinners interesting, or for a weekend barbecue, it’s great for a leg or a chicken breast, or on its own, as a topping for tacos and salads. 

Next, you will learn how to make this really simple, delicious marinade, grilling tips, and other ways to jazz the recipe to your very own tastes. Get ready to cook up a storm, bold flavors in true San Antonio style.

Key Ingredients for the Marinade

The secret to the San Antonio Grilled Red Pepper Mexican Chicken Marinade Recipe lies in the perfect blend of ingredients that create a bold yet finely balanced flavor. Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients that make this marinade stand out:

• Roasted Red Bell Peppers: These sweet, smoky peppers are the cornerstone of the marinade. When roasted, they bring out their natural sweetness and create a rich, smoky flavor that serves as the perfect base for the chicken.
• Garlic: A few cloves of garlic lend a savory, aromatic richness to the marinade. Garlic helps deepen the flavor, balancing the sweetness of the peppers with a savory kick.
• Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is essential for adding brightness and tanginess, cutting through the richness of the other ingredients. It also helps tenderize the chicken, keeping it juicy and full of flavor.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro contributes a fragrant, herbaceous quality, giving the marinade that fresh, authentic Mexican flavor. It complements the peppers and lime, tying all the ingredients together.
• Chili Powder and Cumin: These spices provide the warmth and complexity of the marinade. Chili powder adds a mild heat, while cumin brings an earthy, smoky flavor that completes the overall taste profile.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil helps bind everything together, ensuring the marinade coats the chicken evenly, allowing the flavors to infuse the meat thoroughly.

Together, these ingredients create a marinade that is vibrant, balanced, and perfect for grilling. The result is flavorful, tender chicken that’s sure to impress!

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing the San Antonio Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade

Preparing the San Antonio Grilled Red Pepper Mexican Chicken Marinade Recipe is easy and quick. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get your chicken perfectly marinated and ready for grilling:

1. Roast the Red Bell Peppers

Start by roasting your red bell peppers. Place them on a grill or under a broiler, turning occasionally until the skin is charred (about 10-12 minutes). Once roasted, cover the peppers with a lid or plastic wrap for 5 minutes to steam. Peel off the skin, remove seeds and stems, then chop the peppers roughly.

2. Prepare Garlic and Cilantro

While the peppers roast, peel and crush 2-3 garlic cloves. Finely chop a handful of fresh cilantro. Both ingredients will add depth and freshness to the marinade.

3. Blend the Ingredients

In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted red bell peppers, garlic, cilantro, the juice of one lime, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and 1/4 cup of olive oil. Blend until smooth, ensuring all the ingredients are well combined.

4. Taste and Adjust

Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more lime juice for acidity or extra cumin for a deeper flavor. Blend again to incorporate any changes.

5. Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.

6. Grill and Serve

Grill the marinated chicken on medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Serve and enjoy the delicious, flavorful chicken!

Grilling the Chicken to Perfection

Grilling the chicken after marinating it in the San Antonio Grilled Red Pepper Mexican Chicken Marinade Recipe is where the magic happens. With the right technique, you can achieve perfectly cooked, juicy chicken with a delicious char. Here’s how to grill your chicken to perfection:

1. Preheat the Grill

Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). This assures the chicken will cook evenly and get that nice sear on the outside. If you’re using a charcoal grill, let the coals burn down to a steady, even heat. For a gas grill, adjust the heat settings accordingly.

2. Oil the Grill Grates

Before placing the chicken on the grill, lightly oil the grill grates using a paper towel dipped in oil or a grill brush. This helps prevent the chicken from sticking and assures smooth flipping.

3. Grill the Chicken

Place the marinated chicken on the grill. For chicken breasts, grill for about 6-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. For thighs or bone-in cuts, you may need to cook them for 8-10 minutes per side. Use tongs to flip the chicken gently to avoid losing the flavorful marinade.

4. Check for Doneness

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can also check by cutting into the thickest part of the meat—if the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink, it’s ready.

5. Let It Rest

Once the chicken is off the grill, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken stays tender and juicy.

Now, your San Antonio Grilled Red Pepper Mexican Chicken is ready to serve—grilled to perfection with a smoky, flavorful crust!

Serving Suggestions for San Antonio Grilled Mexican Chicken

Once done, here are a few ways to serve the San Antonio Grilled Red Pepper Mexican Chicken:

• Tacos or Burritos: Slice the chicken and fill warm tortillas with it. Drizzle on sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.
• Grilled Veggies: Pair with grilled vegetables like corn, zucchini, and peppers for a balanced meal.
• Fresh Salsa or Pico de Gallo: Top with a bright, fresh salsa for a burst of flavor.
• Rice and Beans: Serve with classic combinations of cilantro-lime rice and refried beans.

You can also try our “Galena Chicken Recipe” for a different take on chicken that pairs wonderfully with these same sides and toppings.

These sides and toppings will perfectly complement the smoky-flavored chicken!

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits of San Antonio Grilled Mexican Chicken

• Lean Protein: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
• Vitamin C: Red bell peppers are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, boosting immune health and skin vitality.
• Vitamins A, C, and K: Cilantro adds these essential vitamins, promoting overall health and well-being.
• Heart-Healthy Fats: Olive oil provides healthy fats that support heart health.
• Low in Carbs: The dish is low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for a balanced diet.

Why you will love the San Antonio Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade

The *San Antonio Grilled Red Pepper Mexican Chicken Marinade Recipe* is an opportunity for enjoying meat where the taste of smokey piquant tang rises to a level where one ends up chewing a whole world of spices. The application of fresh ingredients-including red bell pepper, garlic, cilantro, and lime-takes care of a drool-worthy marinade that even makes grilled chicken a pretty delightful dish, whether served in tacos, grilled vegetables, or placed on a fresh salad with the rest. There is an endless number of serving ideas. With that hodgepodge, you are looking at a balanced meal that is not only indulgent with taste but equally, by virtue of protein, vitamins, and healthy fats, nutrient making it fit for most diets.

FAQs about the San Antonio Grilled Mexican Chicken Marinade