Zesty Mexican Chicken Adobo
Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexico with this Zesty Mexican Chicken Adobo recipe. Over the years, I've refined this dish to create a mouthwatering blend of citrusy tang, smoky adobo seasoning, and aromatic spices. The chicken is marinated to perfection, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate for an unforgettable taste. While the ideal marination time is two days, a minimum of 24 hours will still yield succulent results. Serving this dish at your gathering will not only impress your friends and family but also leave them craving more. Perfect for backyard barbecues or family dinners, this chicken dish pairs wonderfully with rice or a fresh salad.
N/A
Servings
175
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless chicken breasts
4 (trimmed and halved if large)
fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (juiced)
orange juice
9 ounces (freshly squeezed or bottled)
ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground preferred)
adobo seasoning
2 tablespoons (Chef Marino or similar)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
dried basil leaves
1 teaspoon (crumbled)
achiote paste
2 tablespoons (softened)
red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons (unflavored)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground preferred)
canola oil
1/4 cup (for marinating and grilling)
Instructions
1
In a blender, combine the lemon juice, orange juice, ground cinnamon, adobo seasoning, minced garlic, dried basil, achiote paste, red wine vinegar, black pepper, and canola oil. Blend until smooth and well mixed.
2
Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it's evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, preferably 48 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
3
Before cooking, preheat your grill to medium-hot. Remove the chicken from the marinade and reserve some of the marinade for brushing. Grill the chicken 5 to 6 inches from the coals for about 5 to 8 minutes on one side.
4
Flip the chicken, cover, and continue grilling for an additional 10 minutes, turning and brushing with the reserved marinade 2 to 3 times until fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5
Alternatively, for broiling, preheat your oven's broiler and grease a 13x9x2-inch pan. Arrange the chicken in the pan and pour half of the marinade over it. Broil the chicken about 4 inches from the heat source until it turns light brown, approximately 20 minutes.
6
Turn the chicken over, pour the remaining marinade over it, and broil for an additional 6 minutes or until fully cooked.
Nutrition Information
8.75g
Fat
3.125g
Carbs
18.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Mexican Chicken Adobo?
It is a vibrant Mexican dish featuring chicken marinated in a citrusy and smoky blend of orange juice, lemon juice, achiote paste, and adobo seasoning.
How long should I marinate the chicken for this recipe?
For the best results, you should marinate the chicken for 48 hours, though a minimum of 24 hours will still produce succulent results.
How many calories are in a serving of this chicken?
There are approximately 175 calories per serving.
What are the primary citrus components in the marinade?
The marinade uses 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and 9 ounces of orange juice.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains 18.75g of protein.
What is the recommended cooking temperature for the chicken?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be fully cooked.
Can I cook this chicken in the oven?
Yes, you can broil the chicken in a greased pan about 4 inches from the heat source for approximately 26 minutes total.
How do I prepare the marinade?
Combine lemon juice, orange juice, cinnamon, adobo seasoning, garlic, basil, achiote paste, vinegar, pepper, and oil in a blender until smooth.
What kind of adobo seasoning should I use?
The recipe suggests Chef Marino brand or a similar adobo seasoning.
Is this recipe low in carbohydrates?
Yes, it is relatively low in carbs, containing only 3.125g per serving.
What should I serve with Zesty Mexican Chicken Adobo?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or a fresh garden salad.
How many chicken breasts are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 boneless chicken breasts, trimmed and halved if large.
What is achiote paste?
Achiote paste is a blend of annatto seeds and spices used for color and earthy flavor; this recipe uses 2 tablespoons.
How do I grill the chicken?
Grill 5 to 6 inches from the coals for 5 to 8 minutes per side, brushing with reserved marinade until done.
Do I need to save some of the marinade?
Yes, you should reserve some marinade to brush on the chicken while it is grilling to enhance flavor.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves.
Is there cinnamon in Mexican Chicken Adobo?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon is used to add an aromatic spice layer.
What type of vinegar is best for this marinade?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 tablespoons of unflavored red wine vinegar.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 8.75g of fat per serving.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
Yes, you can use either freshly squeezed or bottled orange juice.
How do I ensure the chicken is moist?
The long marination time (at least 24 hours) and brushing with extra marinade while grilling helps keep the chicken succulent.
What type of oil is used for the marinade?
1/4 cup of canola oil is used for the marinade and grilling.
Is this recipe suitable for a BBQ?
Absolutely, it is noted as being perfect for backyard barbecues and gatherings.
What distance should the chicken be from the heat when broiling?
It should be arranged in a pan approximately 4 inches from the heat source.
Do I need to cover the chicken while grilling?
After flipping the chicken once, it is recommended to cover it for the remaining 10 minutes of grilling.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 11 ingredients.
What seasoning provides the smoky flavor?
The adobo seasoning and achiote paste combine to provide the signature smoky and earthy flavor.
Should the chicken be boneless?
Yes, the recipe specifically uses boneless chicken breasts.
Is dried basil used in this Mexican dish?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of crumbled dried basil leaves is included in the marinade.
How many minutes total for broiling?
Broiling takes about 20 minutes on the first side and 6 minutes on the second side, totaling 26 minutes.