Adobo Chicken Marinade
Tangy, mild adobo chicken marinade with lime, tequila, chipotle, and olive oil. Marinate 1 hour, then grill or skewer for fajitas and soups.
This is a good Mexican style marinade that isn't very spicy hot with a very pleasant flavor. I use this recipe when marinating chicken for a variety of Mexican dishes from soups to fajitas
Submitted by: Michael from Rochester Hills, Michigan
Yield: As written - for one pound of chicken breast, adjust as needed
- Simple citrus and tequila marinade with chipotle and adobo seasoning for a mild smoky flavor.
- Marinate chicken at least 1 hour; 1 to 4 hours is ideal for breasts, avoid very long soaks.
- Grill, skewer, or pan-fry. Cook to 165°F (74°C) and rest before slicing.
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Preparation Instructions:
- Place all ingredients into a cruet and vigorously shake to create an emulsification.
- Pour into a large bowl, add chicken breast meat and marinade for at least 1 hour.
- Grill chicken to well-done (of course)
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More About This Recipe
You can chop the chicken breast into small pieces and grill on skewers, or you can grill the breasts whole and then slice them after grilling - your choice. This marinade could probably even be used to pan fry ground chicken/turkey if you were so inclined.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this marinade on other meats or seafood?
Yes. It works well on turkey, pork, shrimp, fish, and even beef. Reduce marinating time for delicate proteins: 15 to 30 minutes for shrimp or fish, 1 to 4 hours for pork, and 1 to 6 hours for darker poultry cuts.
How long should I marinate chicken?
Marinate at least 1 hour for noticeable flavor. For chicken breasts 1 to 4 hours is ideal. You can go up to 8 hours, but avoid soaking for more than 12 hours because the lime can change the texture.
Can I substitute the tequila?
Yes. Use dry white wine, vodka, or chicken broth plus a little extra lime if you prefer no alcohol. Tequila adds a subtle flavor but is not essential.
Is the chipotle powder very spicy?
At 1/4 teaspoon the heat is mild and mostly smoky. Increase to 1/2 or 1 teaspoon for medium heat, or omit it for no heat.
What is the best way to cook marinated chicken?
Grilling is great for smoky flavor. You can skewer small pieces or grill breasts whole and slice after resting. Pan-frying works too, especially with ground poultry. Always cook to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and let the meat rest a few minutes before serving.
Can I use this marinade with ground chicken or turkey?
Yes. Mix the marinade into the ground meat, reduce the amount slightly so it is not too wet, and pan-fry until fully browned and cooked through.
How can I make this marinade low-sodium or gluten-free?
Start with the salt-free adobo seasoning in the recipe and avoid adding extra salt. Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check labels on adobo seasoning and tequila to be sure.
Can I freeze chicken in the marinade?
Yes. Place raw chicken and marinade in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking and use promptly.
Can I use this marinade on other meats or seafood?
Yes. It works well on turkey, pork, shrimp, fish, and even beef. Reduce marinating time for delicate proteins: 15 to 30 minutes for shrimp or fish, 1 to 4 hours for pork, and 1 to 6 hours for darker poultry cuts.
How long should I marinate chicken?
Marinate at least 1 hour for noticeable flavor. For chicken breasts 1 to 4 hours is ideal. You can go up to 8 hours, but avoid soaking for more than 12 hours because the lime can change the texture.
Can I substitute the tequila?
Yes. Use dry white wine, vodka, or chicken broth plus a little extra lime if you prefer no alcohol. Tequila adds a subtle flavor but is not essential.
Is the chipotle powder very spicy?
At 1/4 teaspoon the heat is mild and mostly smoky. Increase to 1/2 or 1 teaspoon for medium heat, or omit it for no heat.
What is the best way to cook marinated chicken?
Grilling is great for smoky flavor. You can skewer small pieces or grill breasts whole and slice after resting. Pan-frying works too, especially with ground poultry. Always cook to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and let the meat rest a few minutes before serving.
Can I use this marinade with ground chicken or turkey?
Yes. Mix the marinade into the ground meat, reduce the amount slightly so it is not too wet, and pan-fry until fully browned and cooked through.
How can I make this marinade low-sodium or gluten-free?
Start with the salt-free adobo seasoning in the recipe and avoid adding extra salt. Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check labels on adobo seasoning and tequila to be sure.
Can I freeze chicken in the marinade?
Yes. Place raw chicken and marinade in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking and use promptly.
This is brilliant I`m host of garden party this weekend and this will fit perfect in my menu. This is the best food blog!