Craving bold flavors and juicy chicken? Then look no further than this recipe for Spicy Mexican Grilled Chicken Thighs! These aren't your average chicken thighs; we're talking tender, succulent meat infused with the vibrant zest of Mexican spices, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Forget bland, dry chicken – this recipe delivers a mouthwatering explosion of smoky char and zesty spice that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a lively fiesta. Imagine the tantalizing aroma of sizzling chicken, infused with chipotle peppers, cumin, and a hint of lime.
This recipe elevates simple chicken thighs to a restaurant-quality meal, easily achievable in your own kitchen. We'll guide you through each step, from preparing the flavorful marinade to achieving perfectly grilled chicken with gorgeous grill marks. Ready to transform ordinary chicken thighs into extraordinary flavor? Let's dive into the detailed step-by-step instructions!
Tools Needed
- Grill
- Bowl
- Whisk
- Ziploc bag
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs
- Infused olive oil (garlic): 1/3 cup
- Limes: 2
- Cilantro: 1/3 cup
- Oregano
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: 2-3 teaspoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Chicken and Marinade
- Inspect and trim chicken thighs, removing any excess skin or pieces.
- In a bowl, combine infused olive oil, lime juice, chopped cilantro, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and chipotle peppers. Mix well.
- Place chicken thighs in a Ziploc bag. Add the marinade, ensuring the chicken is well coated. Marinate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
Step 2. Grill the Chicken Thighs
- Preheat your grill. Prepare for both direct and indirect heat zones.
- Place chicken thighs skin-side down on the direct heat zone of the grill to sear and brown.
- Once seared, move chicken thighs to the indirect heat zone. Continue cooking, monitoring the internal temperature.
- Flip the chicken thighs halfway through cooking.
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches 160-162°F (71-72°C). The temperature will continue to rise slightly after removing from the grill.
Step 3. Rest and Serve
- Remove from grill and let rest before serving.
Read more: Grilled Mexican Octopus Recipe: A Sakora Gastronomy Delight
Tips
- Use a hot, soapy dish towel to avoid slippage while prepping the chicken.
- Invest in good quality Tupperware to store leftover marinade for future use.
- Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to control the level of spiciness.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs?
Both work great! Bone-in thighs will be slightly more flavorful and juicy, but boneless are quicker to cook.
2. How can I make this recipe less spicy?
Reduce the amount of chipotle powder or omit it altogether. You can also add a touch more lime juice to balance the flavors.
3. What can I serve with these Spicy Mexican Grilled Chicken Thighs?
These chicken thighs pair perfectly with Mexican rice, black beans, corn salad, tortillas, and your favorite salsa or guacamole.
These Spicy Mexican Grilled Chicken Thighs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delicious blend of smoky char and vibrant Mexican flavors. From weeknight dinners to backyard barbecues, this recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to adapt to your taste. So fire up the grill and get ready to experience the ultimate in flavorful, juicy chicken!