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Home » Recipes » Chicken » Grilled Achiote Chicken +VIDEO

Grilled Achiote Chicken +VIDEO

Last Updated April 18, 2022. Originally Posted July 30, 2021 By Maggie Unzueta

This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This mouthwatering Grilled Achiote Chicken is a tasty way to enjoy the warm summer months. It’s a juicy and satisfying dinner option that’s bursting with flavor.
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
A blue plate with grilled chicken and refried beans.

This is a sponsored post by Boiron USA. As always, all opinions are mine and mine alone.

A blue plate with grilled chicken and refried beans.

Grilled Achiote Chicken is a winner, winner, summer dinner!

The marinade is loaded with flavor and has just the right amount of spice. 

Super tasty in every bite! 

Grilled to perfection, and a great way to enjoy your next outdoor BBQ. 

Ingredients

The ingredients needed to make Achiote Chicken labeled and spread out on a wooden table.

These are the ingredients you need to make this dish. 

Swap Out Options:

Instead of apple cider vinegar, you can also use white distilled vinegar. 

Substitute 2 tablespoons of achiote powder for achiote paste. 

Powdered or whole oregano, cumin, or thyme. Since we are blending everything, EITHER form works. 

Only use ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves, if substituting. 

Step-by-Step Instructions

Raw chicken on a blue plate.

Here, we’re using chicken thighs with the bone in and skin on. 

You can use any cut of chicken. Cooking times DIFFER depending on the cut of meat. 

Poultry must reach 165 degrees F internal temperature in order to be fully cooked.

How to Make the Achiote Marinade

A collage showing how to make the achiote marinade.

It may look like a lot of ingredients to make the marinade, but trust me, they make the best combination of flavors. 

Achiote Paste is made from annatto seeds and is deep red in color. 
You’ll see it in recipes like Cochinita Pibil, Pollo Pibil, or Turkey Pibil Tamales.

The red achiote marinade in a blender.

The marinade should be a salmon or orange coral color. 

Pro Tip: 

  • Make the marinade ahead of time. 
  • Freezing the sauce is also an option. 

With so many spices in the marinade, you won’t notice any freezer burn. 

The achiote marinade pouring over raw chicken.
  • Marinade the chicken for 4 hours. 
  • Overnight is best. 

Save some of the sauce (about ½ cup) for basting when it’s on the grill. 
Note: The marinade penetrates the skin of the chicken and will make it look pink.

A hand brushing the achiote marinade on chicken grilling on a grill.
  • Fire up the grill. 
  • Baste with the reserved sauce.
  • Flip and baste again. 

How long does it take to grill chicken thighs at 400?

Preheat the grill to 400-450 degrees F. Place the thighs on the grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes. Flip and cook for another 6-7 minutes. Cook until the internal temperature on the thickest part of the thigh reads 165 degrees F. 

How Long to Bake Chicken Thighs

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the cooking thermometer reads 165 degrees in the thickest part of the chicken. Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to get the skin crispy. 

Maggie Unzueta grilling in a backyard.

Mexicans, we are famous for our carne asadas!

Open fire. Smoke in the air. Friends and family. Grilled meats and lots of salsa. Yum! 

The heartburn, though, that’s what makes it no fun. 

Whatever is on your plate this summer, these Acidil’s meltaway tablets can bring relief. 

Boiron Acidil boxes sitting on the side of a grill.

You can BBQ without the burn!

The tablets easily dissolve in your mouth to relieve acid indigestion, bloating, and upset stomach. 

They are the plant-powered way to fight acid indigestion. 

Since they are easy to take without water, you can even take them when you’re out hiking. 

A blue plate with grilled chicken and refried beans next two Boiron boxes.

For bloating, pressure, discomfort, and pain associated with gas, including burping and flatulence, Boiron makes Gasalia meltaway tablets.

Like Acidil, the unflavored tablets melt in the mouth without water.

You’re going to love this TASTY Grilled Achiote Chicken. What a delicious way to enjoy the summer grilling months without the burn. 

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Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!

A blue plate with grilled chicken and refried beans.

Grilled Achiote Chicken

This mouthwatering Grilled Achiote Chicken is a tasty way to enjoy the warm summer months. It’s a juicy and satisfying dinner option that’s bursting with flavor.
5 from 10 votes
Print Pin Rate
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 302kcal
Author: Maggie Unzueta

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground pepper
  • 8 garlic cloves
  • 7 cloves
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 achiote paste bar
  • 1 tsp oregano ground or whole
  • 1/4 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/4 tsp cumin ground or whole
  • 4lbs chicken thighs bone-in, skin on

Instructions

  • Add all the marinade ingredients in a blender.
  • Remove 1/2 cup of the marinade and place in the fridge until ready to use.
  • Rinse and pat dry the chicken.
  • Pour the remaining marinade all over the chicken.
  • Turn the chicken to cover on all sides.
  • Cover with plastic wrap or seal the bag.
  • Marinate in the fridge for a minimum of 4 hours.
  • Overnight is best.
  • Preheat the grill to 400-450 degrees F.
  • Place the thighs on the grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes.
  • Baste with the reserved marinade.
  • Flip and cook for another 6-7 minutes.
  • Baste again with the marinade.
  • Cook until the internal temperature on the thickest part of the thigh reads 165 degrees F.

Video

Notes

How Long to Bake Chicken Thighs
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the cooking thermometer reads 165 degrees in the thickest part of the chicken. Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to get the skin crispy.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 302kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 3579mg | Potassium: 318mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 135IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

Filed Under: Chicken, Mexican, Recipes

About Maggie Unzueta

Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Alexandra

    August 8, 2021 at 10:34 pm

    5 stars
    Such a delicious and flavoursome way to prepare chicken!

    Reply
    • Maggie Unzueta

      September 14, 2021 at 10:35 am

      Yes. Love the marinade.

      Reply
  2. Sue

    August 9, 2021 at 3:42 am

    5 stars
    Wonderful flavor in this chicken!

    Reply
    • Maggie Unzueta

      August 10, 2021 at 11:10 am

      Indeed. I really enjoy the flavor of the marinade.

      Reply
  3. Pam Greer

    August 9, 2021 at 6:54 am

    5 stars
    This chicken has the best flavor!

    Reply
    • Maggie Unzueta

      August 10, 2021 at 11:07 am

      Yes! So much flavor in this marinade.

      Reply
  4. Sondra Barker

    August 9, 2021 at 8:37 am

    5 stars
    Such a flavorful dish! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • Maggie Unzueta

      August 10, 2021 at 11:06 am

      Flavor is my middle name. lol. Thank you for your comment!

      Reply
  5. Amanda Dixon

    August 9, 2021 at 1:45 pm

    5 stars
    Such a wonderful chicken! The marinade was super flavorful, and it was really easy to prepare.

    Reply
    • Maggie Unzueta

      August 10, 2021 at 11:06 am

      Thank you. Hope you give this recipe a try. It’s super yummy!

      Reply
  6. Chef Dennis

    August 9, 2021 at 1:46 pm

    5 stars
    This is making me really hungry now!

    Reply
    • Maggie Unzueta

      August 10, 2021 at 11:06 am

      You’re always making me hungry too. 🙂

      Reply
  7. Anna

    August 10, 2021 at 2:11 am

    5 stars
    This is exactly what I was looking for! Can’t wait to try this recipe, I just know that my whole family is going to love it!

    Reply
    • Maggie Unzueta

      August 10, 2021 at 11:05 am

      I know your family will love this recipe. Enjoy!

      Reply
  8. Natalie

    August 10, 2021 at 7:06 am

    5 stars
    This chicken looks fantastic. I love the flavors. I just saved the recipe to give it a try. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Maggie Unzueta

      August 10, 2021 at 11:05 am

      Yes, the flavors are fantastic. Thank you!

      Reply
  9. Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/

    August 10, 2021 at 12:33 pm

    5 stars
    I love a proper marinade and yours sounds fabulous for chicken! I’ll have to try it very soon!:)

    Reply
    • Maggie Unzueta

      August 18, 2021 at 11:59 am

      Hope you do. This is a great recipe, if I say so myself. 😉

      Reply
  10. Swathi

    August 10, 2021 at 3:22 pm

    5 stars
    This grilled achiote chicken looks yumm

    Reply
    • Maggie Unzueta

      September 14, 2021 at 10:35 am

      Thank you. The marinade is amazing!

      Reply

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