Achiote Chicken (Grilled & Flavor-Packed)
Marinated in citrus, herbs, and achiote paste, this juicy grilled chicken is bursting with smoky, zesty flavor. It’s summer grilling perfection 🌞🔥
🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
🕒 Cook Time: 15 minutes
🕒 Marinating Time: 3 hours
🕒 Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4
Smoky Grilled Achiote Chicken You’ll Crave All Summer!
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Juicy, citrus-marinated achiote chicken thighs grilled to smoky perfection — the ultimate summer meal!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (approx. 6)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ tablespoons achiote paste
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 large lime)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients except the chicken thighs.
2. Place chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag and pour marinade over the chicken.
3. Seal the bag, removing excess air, and gently massage to coat. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or up to 24 hours.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375–450°F).
5. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 7–8 minutes per side, or until internal temp reaches 160°F.
6. Transfer chicken to a plate and rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Marinate overnight for deeper flavor.
You can use a grill pan or cast iron skillet if no grill is available.
Perfect for tacos, salads, or meal prep bowls.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grill
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 253
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 735mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0.03g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 162mg
🍗 Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6 thighs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 ½ tablespoons achiote paste
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (1 large lime)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients except the chicken thighs until fully combined. 🌿🍊 - Marinate the Chicken
Place chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag. Pour in the marinade, remove as much air as possible, and seal. Gently massage the bag for a minute to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or up to 24 hours. - Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375–450°F). Remove chicken from marinade and place on grill grates using tongs. - Cook Until Perfectly Charred
Grill chicken with the lid open for 7–8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Use a meat thermometer for best accuracy 🔥 - Let it Rest & Serve
Transfer grilled chicken to a plate and let rest for 5–10 minutes. Then slice, chop, or serve whole as desired. Yum!
💡 Pro Tips
- 🕰️ Plan Ahead: Letting it marinate overnight gives the best flavor.
- 🔥 No Grill? Use a grill pan or cast-iron skillet for a stovetop version.
- 🥗 Meal Prep: Great for tacos, rice bowls, or salads throughout the week!
📊 Nutrition Info (Per Serving)
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 serving | 253 | 33g | 4g | 11g | 0.5g | 2g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
