Description
This vibrant Achiote Chicken recipe features tender boneless thighs marinated in a zesty blend of achiote paste, citrus juices, and spices, then perfectly grilled for a flavorful and juicy meal.
Ingredients
Units
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Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (approximately 6 medium chicken thighs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (more or less to taste)
- 1 1/2 tablespoon achiote paste
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (approximately 1 large lime)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In small bowl, combine together all ingredients except chicken thighs, and whisk together until fully combined.
- Marinate Chicken: Add chicken thighs to large zip-top bag, then pour marinade over chicken. Close bag, removing as much air as possible. Gently massage chicken thighs thru bag for 1 minute to ensure all are covered with marinade, then place bag in fridge and let marinate for at least 3 hours and up to 24 hours.
- Preheat Grill: Once chicken is ready to be cooked, preheat grill to medium-high heat, approximately 375° to 450° Fahrenheit. When grill is hot, remove chicken from marinade and place directly on grill grates with tongs.
- Grill Chicken: Grill chicken thighs with lid open for 7 to 8 minutes, then flip with tongs, and cook for another 7 to 8 minutes or until chicken is golden brown and internal temperature reached 160° Fahrenheit according to internal meat thermometer.
- Rest and Serve: Remove chicken thighs from grill and transfer to large plate. Let chicken rest 5 to 10 minutes, then slice or chop chicken and serve warm as desired.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for at least 3 hours and up to 24 hours for best flavor.
- Letting the chicken rest after grilling allows juices to redistribute for juicier meat.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 160° Fahrenheit.
