Easy Chicken Fajita Marinade

Rating: 4.58 stars
206 Ratings
  • 5 star values: 148
  • 4 star values: 41
  • 3 star values: 9
  • 2 star values: 5
  • 1 star values: 3

This is a simple fajita marinade that has been bounced around in my family for at least 15 years. It's simple, tasty, easily altered for a twist on the taste, and can be easily prepared in under 15 minutes. Serve with other fajita elements and enjoy! Some ideas: sauteed green bell pepper with white or yellow onions, jalapeno slaw, homemade salsa (tomato or mango), etc.

By jmcdaneld
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Ingredients

10
Original recipe yields 10 servings
The ingredient list now reflects the servings specified

Directions

  • Whisk vegetable oil, chili powder, lime juice, honey, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper in a bowl to make a marinade. Place chicken strips into a large resealable plastic bag; pour marinade over chicken. Knead bag to coat chicken with marinade. Squeeze out air, seal bag, and refrigerate 4 hours to overnight.

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  • Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.

  • Remove chicken strips from marinade; discard used marinade.

  • Grill chicken on preheated grill until browned, the juices run clear, and an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest piece reads at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C), about 10 minutes per side.

Cook's Note:

Feel free to experiment with other spices, the amount of lime juice and honey, and the type of garlic. Minced garlic can be used instead of garlic powder, and tossing in 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper can put an extra kick in the flavor.

Partner Tip

Reynolds® Aluminum foil can be used to keep food moist, cook it evenly, and make clean-up easier.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving:
260 calories; 14.1 g total fat; 70 mg cholesterol; 74 mg sodium. 5.9 g carbohydrates; 27 g protein; Full Nutrition

Reviews (153)

Read More Reviews

Most helpful positive review

Natalya Voytenko
Rating: 5 stars
12/23/2017
The chicken came out super flavorful and juicy after this marinade. I used lemon juice instead of lime (didn't have any) and it still came out great. Instead of chicken I used ham and instead of oil I used cookies but wow it still came out great! Also instead of garlic powder I used bananas. My husband thought it was a really amazing banana bread recipe but was confused about the ham. Highly recommended! Read More
Helpful
(90)

Most helpful critical review

Dara
Rating: 2 stars
12/03/2013
Followed the original recipe to the letter and I was not impressed. Yuck. Read More
Helpful
(13)
206 Ratings
  • 5 star values: 148
  • 4 star values: 41
  • 3 star values: 9
  • 2 star values: 5
  • 1 star values: 3
Reviews:
Most Helpful Most Positive Least Positive Newest
Natalya Voytenko
Rating: 5 stars
12/23/2017
The chicken came out super flavorful and juicy after this marinade. I used lemon juice instead of lime (didn't have any) and it still came out great. Instead of chicken I used ham and instead of oil I used cookies but wow it still came out great! Also instead of garlic powder I used bananas. My husband thought it was a really amazing banana bread recipe but was confused about the ham. Highly recommended! Read More
Helpful
(90)
Natalya Voytenko
Rating: 5 stars
12/23/2017
The chicken came out super flavorful and juicy after this marinade. I used lemon juice instead of lime (didn't have any) and it still came out great. Instead of chicken I used ham and instead of oil I used cookies but wow it still came out great! Also instead of garlic powder I used bananas. My husband thought it was a really amazing banana bread recipe but was confused about the ham. Highly recommended! Read More
Helpful
(90)
Kemerick423
Rating: 5 stars
02/27/2013
Absolutely loved this! I added a little ground cumin simply because I like it but I'm sure the marinade will be perfect without it. I had my family over for chicken fajitas and everyone loved the flavor! I actually baked the chicken and used some of the marinade for the vegetables then added the chicken to the vegetables and served it together. Very good and very easy!!! Read More
Helpful
(51)
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krystal.anne
Rating: 5 stars
04/18/2013
This was a great recipe! I changed things up a bit and used fresh squeezed lemon added hot pepper flakes and a little Sriracha. Excellent! Will be using again and again! Read More
Helpful
(26)
Jennifer Baker
Rating: 5 stars
02/20/2013
My whole family enjoyed the fajitas. This marinade is wonderfully simple but very flavorful. Yum! Read More
Helpful
(21)
seaside32
Rating: 5 stars
11/20/2013
Easy and tastes great! I added a teaspoon of cumin and salt; it came out fabulous! I chopped 1 red bell pepper 1 yellow bell pepper 1 red onion and 4 mushrooms wrapped them tightly in foil and put them on the grill with the chicken. Once the chicken was done I sliced it and added to a skillet along with the sliced vegetables (omit water) and stirred it around for 3-5 mins. My family and I ate this with guacamole flour & corn tortillas and my husband raved about it all night! Read More
Helpful
(20)
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Dara
Rating: 2 stars
12/02/2013
Followed the original recipe to the letter and I was not impressed. Yuck. Read More
Helpful
(13)
allison
Rating: 5 stars
05/29/2014
I was skeptical looking at the consistency of marinade and taste when making the sauce I did add cumin and some salt. But as it turned out marinated 2 hours husband grilled the chicken tenderloins just perfect and the taste turned out excellent! Definately a keeper and probably great with a flank steak too. Read More
Helpful
(12)
Terri
Rating: 5 stars
07/10/2013
It seriously doesn't get any easier than this! I tripled this for a wedding shower and it was very tasty. And to top things off I had all the items in my cupboard. I intend to use this recipe again and will even add more spices. (Even though tasted great as is!) Easy recipe to change things up. The only thing that I did diffferent was stir fry the chicken since I didn't have a grill.... Read More
Helpful
(10)
JHoward
Rating: 4 stars
01/02/2014
This had a wonderful flavor. I do suggest adding salt to taste to me this is the only thing missing. This recipe also works great if you don't have much time to marinate for grilling you can cook this in the sauce on top of the stove in a large skillet. Just add sliced onions and peppers at the end once the chicken is nearly cooked through. Read More
Helpful
(9)
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