Smoky Ancho Chile Marinade for Grilled Chicken
This Smoky Ancho Chile Marinade is inspired by the bold flavors of gourmet taco joints like Chipotle. Infused with the earthy richness of ancho chiles, aromatic spices, and fresh herbs, this marinade brings a delightful depth to grilled meats. Perfect for chicken breasts or your choice of proteins, it's an excellent way to elevate your backyard barbecues or weeknight dinners. The marinade can be prepared ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in juicy, flavorful meat that will have you craving more!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried Ancho Chiles
2 ounces (soaked overnight in water until soft, seeds removed)
Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Cumin Powder
2 teaspoons (ground)
Fresh Oregano
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Garlic Cloves
6 (minced)
Red Onion
1/2 (quartered)
Vegetable Oil
1/4 cup (for blending)
Chicken Breasts or Meat of Choice
4 (boneless, skinless)
Instructions
1
Soak the dried ancho chiles in water overnight to soften them. Once softened, remove the seeds and stems.
2
In a food processor, combine the softened ancho chiles, black pepper, cumin, oregano, garlic, and onion. Add the vegetable oil and blend until smooth.
3
Place the chicken breasts (or your protein of choice) in a large bowl or zip-top bag and coat evenly with the marinade. Allow to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
4
Preheat your grill to 400°F (200°C).
5
Remove the chicken from the marinade and sprinkle with salt to taste.
6
Grill the chicken for about 4 to 6 minutes per side or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7
Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
8
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with your favorite sides.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Ancho Chile Marinade?
It is a bold, earthy marinade inspired by gourmet taco joints, using dried ancho chiles, aromatic spices, and garlic to create deep flavor for grilled meats.
How long should I soak the dried ancho chiles?
You should soak the dried ancho chiles in water overnight to ensure they are fully softened before blending.
How do I prepare the chiles after soaking?
Once softened, you should remove the stems and seeds from the ancho chiles before adding them to the food processor.
What is the recommended marinating time for the chicken?
For the best results, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour, though overnight is preferred for maximum flavor penetration.
What temperature should the grill be set to?
Preheat your grill to 400°F (200°C) to ensure a good sear and even cooking.
What is the safe internal temperature for the grilled chicken?
The chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I use this marinade for proteins other than chicken?
Yes, this versatile marinade works excellently with beef, pork, or even plant-based proteins like tofu.
Why is vegetable oil used in the marinade?
Vegetable oil helps emulsify the ingredients into a smooth paste and ensures the spices stick to the meat during the grilling process.
Should I add salt to the marinade or the meat?
The instructions recommend removing the chicken from the marinade and then sprinkling it with salt to taste just before grilling.
How long does it take to grill the chicken breasts?
Grill the chicken for approximately 4 to 6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the meat.
Is this marinade spicy?
Ancho chiles provide a mild to medium heat with a smoky, raisin-like sweetness rather than an intense spice level.
Can I make the marinade in advance?
Yes, the marinade can be prepared ahead of time, which allows the flavors of the spices and chiles to meld even more beautifully.
What can I use as a garnish for this dish?
Freshly chopped cilantro is the recommended garnish to add a bright, herbal finish to the smoky chicken.
Do I need a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor or high-speed blender is necessary to blend the chiles, garlic, and oil into a smooth consistency.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Can I use dried oregano if fresh is unavailable?
Yes, you can substitute dried oregano, though you should use about one-third of the amount called for in fresh herbs (about 2 teaspoons).
Why do I need to let the chicken rest after grilling?
Resting for a few minutes allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a much juicier chicken breast.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. You can marinate the chicken overnight and grill it the next day, or even freeze the chicken in the marinade for later use.
What kind of onion is best for this marinade?
The recipe calls for red onion, which provides a sharp, slightly sweet flavor that complements the smoky chiles.
Can I use this recipe for taco night?
Yes, this chicken is specifically inspired by gourmet taco flavors and is perfect for slicing and serving in tortillas.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed (chiles, spices, garlic, oil, and chicken), this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What if I don't have a grill?
If you don't have a grill, you can cook the marinated chicken in a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat on the stove.
Should the chicken be skinless?
The recipe specifies boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which allow the marinade to coat the meat directly for better flavor.
Can I use ground cumin instead of cumin seeds?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of cumin powder, so ground cumin is exactly what is needed.
How much garlic is used in the marinade?
The recipe uses 6 minced garlic cloves to provide a strong aromatic base for the marinade.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
The flavor is earthy, smoky, and savory with hints of citrus-like notes from the ancho chiles and herbal freshness from the oregano.
Can I use this marinade for a whole roasted chicken?
Yes, you can rub the marinade under the skin and inside the cavity of a whole chicken, though roasting times will differ from grilling.
What sides go well with Smoky Ancho Chicken?
It pairs perfectly with Mexican rice, black beans, grilled corn on the cob, or a fresh avocado salad.
Is it okay to use frozen chicken?
You should fully thaw the chicken before marinating to ensure the marinade can properly penetrate the meat and that it cooks evenly.
How much ancho chile is required?
You will need 2 ounces of dried ancho chiles for this specific recipe.