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    Home » Recipes » Chicken

    Grilled Achiote Chicken +VIDEO

    Published: Jul 30, 2021 · Updated: May 15, 2023 by Maggie Unzueta

    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
    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.

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

    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. 

    Table of Contents

    • 1 Ingredients
    • 2 Step-by-Step Instructions
    • 3 How to Make the Achiote Marinade
    • 4 Pro Tip: 
        • 4.0.1 Hungry for More?
    • 5 Grilled Achiote Chicken
      • 5.1 Ingredients
        • 5.1.1 For the Marinade:
      • 5.2 Instructions
      • 5.3 Video
      • 5.4 Notes
      • 5.5 Nutrition
          • 5.5.0.1 Maggie Unzueta

    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. 

    Hungry for More?

    Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter for my latest recipes and videos.

    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 12 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dinner
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 4 hours hours 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 4 hours hours 35 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 302kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    For the Marinade:

    • 1 tablespoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon ground pepper
    • 8 garlic cloves
    • 7 cloves
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
    • ¼ cup orange juice
    • ¼ achiote paste bar
    • 1 teaspoon oregano ground or whole
    • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
    • ¼ teaspoon cumin ground or whole
    • 4lbs chicken thighs bone-in, skin on

    Instructions

    • Add all the marinade ingredients in a blender.
    • Remove ½ 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!
    Maggie Unzueta
    Website | + posts

    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.

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    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.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Marguerite

      July 09, 2023 at 8:21 am

      5 stars
      This was the best achiote grilled chicken I’ve ever eaten/made, and I’ve eaten/made it a lot! As a San Diego transplant to Denver, I’m always searching for more authentic Mexican food, and have learned that it is better to make it myself! I marinated it overnight, and then didn’t bother with brushing the chicken with the marinade while grilling; the flavor was terrific! Next time, I may use it on pork, although why would I mess with such a great dish! Served it with grilled corn ribs with elote seasoning (Trader Joe’s!) and a green salad for a great mid-summer deck dinner. Looking forward to making my next dish from this website…I’m thinking fish Veracruzana?

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        July 13, 2023 at 3:00 pm

        Thank you so much for your kind words! Can’t picture myself leaving San Diego for Denver. lol. Hope you enjoy the fish veracruz!

        Reply
    2. bebe

      May 27, 2023 at 4:29 pm

      grilled achiote chicken with a side of antacids. 😆🤣😂. i’ll take it! do you have a recipe for cilantro lime rice?

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        May 30, 2023 at 8:01 am

        Glad you enjoyed the Grilled Achiote Chicken! As for the cilantro lime rice, I don’t have that recipe. But I have a delicious Pollo al Cilantro recipe, you’ll love it.

        Reply
    3. 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
    4. 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
    5. 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
    6. 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
    7. Chef Dennis

      August 09, 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
    8. Amanda Dixon

      August 09, 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
    9. Sondra Barker

      August 09, 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
    10. Pam Greer

      August 09, 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
    11. Sue

      August 09, 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
    12. Alexandra

      August 08, 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

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    iBienvenidos! I'm Maggie. Welcome to my blog! My passion is authentic Mexican food and traveling throughout Mexico to bring you the very BEST in culture and cuisine.

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