Tajín Lime Chicken
Tajín lime chicken is a flavorful dish that combines the tangy, citrusy taste of lime with the zesty, smoky heat of Tajín. This is a popular Mexican seasoning made from chili peppers, lime, and salt. The chicken is typically marinated in a mixture of lime juice, Tajín, and other ingredients like garlic, olive oil. The result is a perfectly seasoned, tender chicken with a vibrant, spicy kick balanced by the refreshing lime. It’s oven-roasted and is delicious served with rice, tacos, or a fresh salad. If you like this recipe, give my Roasted Spatchcock Chicken recipe a try next!
What is Tajín Lime Chicken ?
Tajín lime chicken features a dynamic blend of bold, tangy, and smoky flavors. The key ingredients and their flavors are:
- Tajín: A seasoning made from ground chili peppers, lime, and salt. It adds a smoky, mildly spicy, and tangy flavor with a subtle citrusy kick.
- Lime: Fresh lime juice provides a bright, zesty, and refreshing citrus flavor that balances the heat from the Tajín and enhances the overall taste.
- Garlic: Adds a rich, aromatic, and savory depth to the marinade.
- Olive oil: Helps with moisture, giving the chicken a smooth texture while carrying the flavors of the spices.
- Optional ingredients: Other variations include a touch of honey for sweetness, cumin for earthiness, or cilantro for a fresh herbal note.
Overall, this dish offers a balance of smoky heat, citrus brightness, and savory depth, making it a flavorful and refreshing dish.
Tajin Lime Chicken
Equipment
- Mortar and pestle
- Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken broken down into 8 pieces or whole
- 4 tbsp grapeseed oil
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp tajin
- ¼ cup lime juice or juice of 2 limes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 3 tbsp green seasoning
Instructions
- Pre-heat your oven to 375℉.
- To a mortar and pestle, combine garlic cloves, tajin, and 1 tbsp of grapeseed oil. Mash this mixture together until its almost the consistency of a paste. Garlic chunks are okay.
- Add the garlic mixture into a bowl with the remaining oil, lime juice, smoked paprika, green seasoning, salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Mix well with a spoon.
- To your clean and patted dry chicken, pour this marinade over your chicken and massage it well. Be sure to get the seasoning underneath the skin as well.
- Arrange your chicken pieces in a cast iron dish or alternatively any baking dish you may own.
- Bake for 1hour and 15 minutes or until completely cook through. Every 15 minutes, baste the chicken with its own juices.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately, enjoy.
