Zesty Southwestern Chicken Marinade & Rub
Elevate your grilling game with this vibrant Southwestern Chicken Marinade & Rub inspired by the flavors of the Southwest. Perfect for gas grilling, campfire cooking, or oven baking, this versatile blend enhances the natural juiciness of the chicken, leaving you with a deeply flavored meal. With a delightful combination of kosher salt, aromatic spices, and dried herbs, this marinade not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses it with a mouthwatering zesty kick. Take just a quick hour to allow the chicken to marinate, and you're ready to savor an incredible flavor experience that will impress family and friends at any gathering.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Kosher Salt
4 teaspoons (none)
Ground Cumin
2 teaspoons (none)
Chili Powder
2 teaspoons (none)
Dried Cilantro
2 teaspoons (none)
Dried Onion Flakes
2 teaspoons (none)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the kosher salt, ground cumin, chili powder, dried cilantro, and dried onion flakes until evenly mixed.
2
Generously rub the spice blend onto the surface of each chicken piece, ensuring even coverage.
3
Place the seasoned chicken into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and penetrate.
4
To transform the spice blend into a paste, whisk in 3 tablespoons of olive oil for every tablespoon of the rub and apply on steaks or roasts for a new dimension of flavor.
5
After marinating, remove the chicken from the refrigerator, grill, or bake as desired, and enjoy your flavorful Southwestern dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of the Zesty Southwestern Chicken Marinade & Rub?
The recipe offers a vibrant Southwestern flavor with a mouthwatering zesty kick, combining kosher salt, aromatic spices, and dried herbs.
How long should the chicken be marinated?
The chicken should be refrigerated for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and penetrate the meat.
What are the core ingredients in this spice blend?
The blend consists of Kosher Salt, Ground Cumin, Chili Powder, Dried Cilantro, and Dried Onion Flakes.
Can this recipe be used for cooking methods other than grilling?
Yes, this versatile blend is perfect for gas grilling, campfire cooking, or oven baking.
How do I turn the dry rub into a paste?
To create a paste, whisk in 3 tablespoons of olive oil for every tablespoon of the dry rub.
What other meats besides chicken can I use this on?
When converted into a paste, the blend is excellent for enhancing the flavor of steaks or roasts.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to provide 8 servings.
What is the recommended amount of Kosher Salt?
The recipe calls for 4 teaspoons of Kosher Salt.
How much Ground Cumin is used in the mix?
You will need 2 teaspoons of Ground Cumin.
Is fresh cilantro required for this rub?
No, this specific recipe uses 2 teaspoons of Dried Cilantro.
How much Chili Powder is included in the Zesty Southwestern rub?
The recipe includes 2 teaspoons of Chili Powder.
What amount of Dried Onion Flakes is needed?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of Dried Onion Flakes.
What is the first step in preparing the marinade?
The first step is to thoroughly combine the salt, cumin, chili powder, cilantro, and onion flakes in a small bowl until evenly mixed.
How should the spice blend be applied to the chicken?
The spice blend should be generously rubbed onto the surface of each chicken piece to ensure even coverage.
Where should the chicken be stored while marinating?
Place the seasoned chicken in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and keep it in the refrigerator.
Does this marinade help tenderize the meat?
Yes, the combination of ingredients not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the chicken.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as Tex Mex cuisine.
Is this a complicated recipe to make?
No, it is tagged as an easy recipe that can be prepared quickly with simple ingredients.
Can I use this for campfire cooking?
Yes, it is specifically mentioned as being inspired for and perfect for campfire cooking.
Is this rub suitable for gas grilling?
Yes, the rub is perfect for gas grilling and outdoor cooking.
How many total ingredients are used in the spice mix?
The spice mix consists of 5 main ingredients.
Does the recipe include nutritional information like calories or fat?
The provided data does not include specific nutritional values for calories, fat, or carbohydrates.
What should I do after the one-hour marinating time is up?
After marinating, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and grill or bake it as desired.
Can this be used as a dry rub only?
Yes, it can be used as a dry rub by applying the spice mixture directly to the chicken.
What makes the chicken juicy in this recipe?
The blend enhances the natural juiciness of the chicken by infusing it with flavor during the marinating process.
What tags are associated with this chicken recipe?
Some tags include grilled chicken, marinade, rub, southwestern, and tex mex.
Is there a specific way to mix the spices?
The instructions recommend mixing them in a small bowl until they are evenly distributed.
Is this recipe good for social gatherings?
Yes, it is noted that the flavor experience will impress family and friends at any gathering.
How does the olive oil paste affect the flavor?
Adding olive oil to create a paste adds a new dimension of flavor, especially when applied to steaks or roasts.
Is any preparation needed for the ingredients?
No special preparation is needed for the ingredients; they are used directly as specified.