Name: Achiote Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (approximately 6 medium thighs); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 ½ tablespoon achiote paste; ¼ cup apple cider vinegar; ¼ cup orange juice; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (approximately 1 large lime); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ¼ teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon salt, more or less to taste; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, more or less to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 84 reviews

If you are looking to brighten up your dinner table with something bursting with vibrant flavors, then this Achiote Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Marinated for hours in a lively mixture of achiote paste, citrus juices, garlic, and warming herbs, this chicken promises not only beautiful color but also a taste that will dance on your tongue. Grilled to juicy perfection, this dish is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly extraordinary.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white rectangular dish holds four raw chicken legs with pale skin showing subtle purple and yellow tones, arranged side by side and filling the dish. Above the dish on a white marbled surface are five small clear glass bowls arranged in a row and semi-circle pattern from left to right, containing dark brown spice, green herb, white salt, yellow oil, and bright orange-red spice. At the top left corner, there is a half orange with bright orange flesh and near the top right corner a whole white garlic bulb. A white cloth with black stripes is partly visible on the top right edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this recipe lies in its carefully chosen ingredients, each one contributing to the distinct flavor, tender texture, and striking appearance of the dish. These essentials strike the perfect balance between traditional and fresh elements to make your meal unforgettable.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (1 ½ pounds): These provide juicy, tender meat that absorbs the marinade beautifully.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps to create a smooth marinade and prevents the chicken from sticking to the grill.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors in the marinade and the chicken itself.
Freshly ground black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a mild heat and depth to the overall flavor.
Achiote paste (1 ½ tablespoon): The star ingredient, giving the chicken its signature earthy, slightly tangy, and vibrant red color.
Apple cider vinegar (¼ cup): Introduces a subtle tang that brightens and tenderizes the meat.
Orange juice (¼ cup): Provides natural sweetness and balances the tartness of the vinegar and lime.
Fresh lime juice (2 tablespoons): Adds fresh citrus notes that lift the entire dish.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the marinade with robust, aromatic flavor.
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Offers a herby, slightly bitter edge to contrast the citrus and sweetness.
Dried thyme (½ teaspoon): Brings subtle earthiness to deepen the spice mix.
Cumin (¼ teaspoon): Adds a warm, nutty undertone that rounds out the spice blend perfectly.

How to Make Achiote Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by whisking together the achiote paste, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Watch how these ingredients come together into a richly colored, fragrant marinade that sets the foundation for this dish’s incredible flavor.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag and pour the marinade over the top. Seal the bag carefully, squeezing out any excess air, then massage the marinade into the chicken for about a minute to ensure an even coat. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 3 hours — this step is crucial because it lets those bold flavors seep in deeply, making every bite tender and delicious.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

About 30 minutes before cooking, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature between 375° and 450° Fahrenheit. A properly heated grill ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and develops those gorgeous grill marks that make the dish visually enticing.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and place them directly on the grill grates. Grill with the lid open for 7 to 8 minutes, then flip and grill for another 7 to 8 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160° Fahrenheit. You’ll notice the outside caramelizes beautifully while the inside stays juicy and packed with flavor.

Step 5: Rest and Slice

Once grilled, transfer the chicken to a large plate and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period is so important to redistribute the juices, making the meat tender and succulent when sliced. Now your Achiote Chicken Recipe is ready to impress!

How to Serve Achiote Chicken Recipe

A large white plate filled with many pieces of grilled chicken. The chicken pieces are a mix of light and golden brown colors with some darker grilled marks. Small bits of green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding contrast. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a soft cloth and a spoon visible near the edge. The chicken looks cooked with a slightly crispy texture on some parts. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like fresh cilantro, thinly sliced red onions, or a sprinkle of freshly chopped lime zest elevate the dish with bursts of color and extra freshness. These small touches enhance the visual appeal and add a bright contrast to the smoky, earthy flavors of the chicken.

Side Dishes

Achiote Chicken pairs beautifully with an array of sides. Consider serving it alongside fluffy cilantro lime rice, charred corn on the cob, or a crisp green salad to provide balance and texture to your plate. The vibrant flavors in the chicken allow for creative side combinations that range from Mexican-inspired to more casual summer BBQ favorites.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve your Achiote Chicken sliced over warm tortillas with a drizzle of avocado crema or alongside roasted vegetables arranged in a colorful platter. You can also turn it into a filling for sandwiches or wraps, making it versatile enough for casual lunches as well as beautiful dinner presentations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place leftover Achiote Chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a convenient, flavorful option for quick meals during the week.

Freezing

This chicken freezes well, so if you want to prepare ahead or save leftovers for later, wrap portions tightly in freezer-safe bags or containers. Frozen Achiote Chicken can be kept for up to 2 months without losing its delicious flavor.

Reheating

Reheat your chicken gently either in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at 300° Fahrenheit until warmed through. Avoid overheating to maintain its juiciness and prevent drying out the tender meat.

FAQs

What is achiote paste and where can I find it?

Achiote paste is a vibrant red spice blend made primarily from annatto seeds, mixed with garlic, cumin, and other spices. It’s common in Latin American cooking and can usually be found in Hispanic grocery stores or specialty spice shops.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and flavor, chicken breasts will work too. Just be careful not to overcook since breasts tend to dry out more quickly than thighs.

How long should I marinate the chicken for best flavor?

A minimum of 3 hours is recommended for the marinade to deeply infuse the meat. If you have more time, marinating up to 24 hours in the refrigerator will intensify the flavors even further.

Is it possible to bake the Achiote Chicken instead of grilling?

Yes, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400° Fahrenheit for about 20–25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165° Fahrenheit. Baking works well if you don’t have access to a grill but still want delicious results.

What wines or beverages pair well with Achiote Chicken?

This dish pairs nicely with light-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir, crisp white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, or even fruity beer styles. Non-alcoholic options like sparkling citrus water or fresh limeade amplify its bright flavors splendidly.

Final Thoughts

I can honestly say this Achiote Chicken Recipe has become a favorite for gatherings, weeknight dinners, and everything in between. Its vibrant color, layered flavors, and juicy texture make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, try it out, and watch it become one of your go-to dishes that friends and family will always ask for again and again.