Ancho Marinade

The Ancho Marinade has become a cherished staple in my kitchen, and I can’t wait to share why. One summer evening, I decided to have friends over for a backyard barbecue. I felt the need to elevate the usual grilled offerings, and that’s when I stumbled upon the idea of using an ancho chili marinade. The rich, smoky flavor of the ancho chilies was just what I needed to make the meal memorable. As I mixed the spices, the aroma filled my kitchen, and I knew this was going to be a hit. This marinade not only adds depth to any grilled meat but also brings a touch of warmth and excitement to every bite. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a quiet dinner at home, the Ancho Marinade will impress. It’s easy to prepare, and the flavors meld beautifully over time, making it even more delicious the next day. I’m thrilled to guide you through crafting this simple yet flavorful marinade that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Essential Ingredients for Ancho Marinade

The beauty of the Ancho Marinade lies in its simplicity and the quality of ingredients used. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that rich, flavorful base that makes this marinade beloved among culinary enthusiasts.

• 2 teaspoons ancho chili powder: The star ingredient that provides a deep, smoky flavor.
• 1 medium-sized garlic clove: Fresh garlic adds aromatic depth.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing flavors.
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cumin: Adds warmth and earthiness.
• 1 teaspoon light brown sugar: Enhances sweetness and caramelization.
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder: Contributes a subtle onion flavor.
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: A touch of heat and seasoning.
• ¼ teaspoon lime juice: Brightens the flavors and adds acidity.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Helps to coat the meat and facilitate cooking.
• 8 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast: The perfect protein to absorb the marinade.
• Vegetable oil: To coat the bottom of the pan for cooking.

Ancho Marinade Instructions

Creating the Ancho Marinade is as enjoyable as it is rewarding. Follow these simple steps to achieve flavorful perfection in no time.

1. Add all marinade ingredients to a bowl and whisk until well combined. The mixture will be thick, resembling a paste. This thickness helps it cling to the meat.
2. Transfer the chicken into the bowl and turn it around so that the meat is evenly coated with the marinade. Make sure every surface is covered; this ensures maximum flavor absorption.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld deeply into the chicken.
4. Lightly coat the bottom of a cast iron pan with vegetable oil, then transfer the cold pan to the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F while the pan warms up.
5. Once the oven is heated, carefully transfer the marinated chicken breast into the hot pan using kitchen tongs. It’s important to keep as much of the marinade on the chicken as possible for enhanced flavor.
6. Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, approximately 5 to 8 minutes per side, depending on the thickness. Look for a golden-brown crust forming on the outside.
7. Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This step is crucial for letting the juices redistribute back into the meat, ensuring every bite is juicy.

Tips and Variations

As you explore the Ancho Marinade, here are some handy tips to ensure your culinary journey is delightful:

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the marinade for future use, just thaw and use as needed.
• Pairing: This marinade pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
• Try Different Proteins: Experiment with steak, fish, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Adjusting Spice Levels: Feel free to add more chili powder to ramp up the heat for spicy lovers.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve with a squeeze of fresh lime over the top for an extra flavor boost.

What Goes Well With This Ancho Marinade

• Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements the smoky flavors beautifully and is an easy side dish.
• Mexican Rice: A side of seasoned rice adds substance and pairs nicely with the marinade.
• Fresh Salsa: A zesty salsa brings freshness to the plate, enhancing the richness of the chicken.
• Roasted Vegetables: Colorful seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized are perfect alongside.
• Wraps or Tacos: Use the marinated chicken in wraps or tacos with your favorite toppings for a fun meal.
• Cilantro Lime Rice: The refreshing taste of cilantro lime rice is a great complement.
• Picnic Gatherings: This marinade is ideal for outdoor gatherings or BBQs when served with cold salads.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Ancho Marinade is a fantastic way to infuse your meals with rich, smoky flavor that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s easy to prepare and works with a variety of ingredients, making it perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to give it a try; once you experience the burst of flavors, you’ll never want to go back to plain chicken again. Enjoy the culinary adventure!

Ancho Marinade

The ultimate flavor booster for your chicken, this Ancho Marinade combines rich, smoky flavors with a hint of sweetness. Perfect for grilling or roasting, this easy marinade will transform your meals into something special. Make it today and impress your family and friends!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 2 servings

Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

• Measuring Spoons
• cutting board or cutting mat
• knife OR garlic press
• Bowl
• Whisk
• Plastic Wrap
• meat mallet or rolling pin
• cast iron pan
• kitchen tongs
• meat thermometer(recommended)

Ingredients

  

• 2 teaspoons ancho chili powder
• 1 medium-sized garlic clove peeled and minced or pressed through a garlic press
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 8 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast pounded into even thickness
• vegetable oil to coat the bottom of the pan

Instructions

 

• Add all marinade ingredients to a bowl and whisk until well combined. The mixture will be thick, resembling a paste. This thickness helps it cling to the meat.
• Transfer the chicken into the bowl and turn it around so that the meat is evenly coated with the marinade. Make sure every surface is covered; this ensures maximum flavor absorption.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld deeply into the chicken.
• Lightly coat the bottom of a cast iron pan with vegetable oil, then transfer the cold pan to the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F while the pan warms up.
• Once the oven is heated, carefully transfer the marinated chicken breast into the hot pan using kitchen tongs. It’s important to keep as much of the marinade on the chicken as possible for enhanced flavor.
• Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, approximately 5 to 8 minutes per side, depending on the thickness. Look for a golden-brown crust forming on the outside.
• Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This step is crucial for letting the juices redistribute back into the meat, ensuring every bite is juicy.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Tip 2: You can freeze the marinade for future use; just thaw and use as needed.
• Tip 3: This marinade pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
• Tip 4: Experiment with steak, fish, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Tip 5: Feel free to add more chili powder to ramp up the heat for spicy lovers.

Keyword Ancho Marinade, easy chicken marinade, grilled chicken marinade, Smoky Marinade Recipe