Chicken Yucatan

Bursting with vibrant flavors inspired by the Yucatán Peninsula, Chicken Yucatan is a dish that perfectly balances tangy citrus, smoky spices, and earthy achiote paste. This easy-to-make recipe features tender, marinated chicken thighs infused with a zesty blend of orange and lime juices, garlic, and cumin, then seared to perfection for a slightly charred finish. Aromatic cilantro adds a fresh final touch, while serving options like corn tortillas make it versatile enough to enjoy as a main dish or in taco form. With just 15 minutes of prep and a little time to marinate, this flavorful chicken recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleasing centerpiece for your next fiesta. Perfect keywords: Yucatan chicken recipe, citrus-marinated chicken, achiote chicken, Mexican chicken dish, easy grilled chicken.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Chicken thighs
• 0.5 cup Orange juice
• 0.25 cup Lime juice
• 2 tablespoons Achiote paste
• 3 pieces Garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 8 pieces Corn tortillas (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, achiote paste, minced garlic, olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Step 2

Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight for best results.

Step 3

Preheat a grill or large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or pan to prevent sticking.

Step 4

Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the leftover marinade.

Step 5

Cook the chicken on the grill or skillet for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred.

Step 6

Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices.

Step 7

Garnish the chicken with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Step 8

Serve the Chicken Yucatan hot, either as a main dish with a side of rice and beans or wrapped in corn tortillas for a flavorful taco experience.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1570.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3115.3

Total Fat 141.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 35.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 852.7mg	0%
Sodium 3194.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 205.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.2g	0%
Total Sugars 15.3g
Protein 259.3g	0%

Vitamin D 63.5IU	0%
Calcium 486.7mg	0%
Iron 15.1mg	0%
Potassium 3091.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.7%

Protein: 33.1%

Carbs: 26.2%