With a fresh and zippy citrus marinade, this Baja Chicken recipe makes an unbelievably delicious main dish for lunches and dinners! Easy to make and endlessly versatile, you’ll love this Baja Chicken sliced and served as-is, or in everything from tacos to salads to sandwiches.
I love making this Baja Chicken recipe! Marinated Baja Chicken breast recipe is so juicy and full of flavor. It’s super easy to make, can be served in a bunch of different ways, and goes with a wide variety of sides. Basically, it’s a winner all around!
Baja Cuisine flavors are big on citrus, garlic, and jalapeno peppers, and we have all three here! Orange juice and lime juice help tenderize the chicken while adding a bright citrus element, while a generous amount of fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor. Fresh jalapenos add a touch of heat and peppery flavor. The combination of all three is incredible!
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- Fresh citrus flavor – Fresh oranges and limes make Baja Chicken a colorful and delicious recipe that’s perfect for when you’re ready to try something different with chicken.
- Quick & easy – While this Baja Chicken recipe does require some marinating time of at least 20 minutes, the actual hands-on time is pretty short.
- Juicy & tender chicken – The citrus marinade helps tenderize the chicken, while the sear-then-bake cooking method helps seal in the juices while the outside cooks up golden brown and delicious.
- Versatile – Serve Baja Chicken as-is or serve it up in tacos, sandwiches, wraps, and more!
What is Baja Style?
Baja-style cuisine comes from the Baja California region in Mexico. It’s known for fresh flavors, local ingredients, and rustic fare. Baja style is a fusion of Mexican, Mediterranean, and sometimes Asian flavors, and it is so good!
Recipe Notes
This Baja Chicken recipe is as simple as promised, with only 7 ingredients and 20 minutes hands-on time for a family friendly meal.
In this section I am going to go through a few tips and tricks I use for how to make Baja Chicken to get the absolute best and most delicious results.
Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
- Chicken – Use boneless, skinless chicken breast. Boneless and skinless chicken thighs, or chicken tenderloins will work, too.
- Fresh orange juice – From about one orange.
- Fresh lime juice – From two fresh limes.
- Jalapeño peppers – If you want less heat, discard the seeds before using your jalapeño slices.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves, minced finely.
- Seasonings- We use Oregano, cumin, salt, & pepper to add flavor to the Baja Chicken breast.
- Cooking oil – Vegetable oil or olive oil will work well.
Make sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full quantities and ingredients list.
Recipe Variations
If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!
- Lemon Oregano Baja Chicken– Swap the lime juice for lemon juice and double the oregano.
- Spicy Baja Chicken– Swap in a hotter pepper like habanero, and/or add a hefty pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Smoky Chipotle Baja Chicken– Use canned chipotle peppers in adobo in place of the jalapeño peppers, and add a tablespoon of the adobo sauce for extra smoky flavor.
Recipe Step by Step
I am going to highlight a few key steps in the recipe here, but make sure to jump down to the recipe card for comprehensive instructions on how to make Baja Chicken.
Add the chicken to a zip top bag and top with the marinade ingredients.
Mix well until the chicken is coated. Marinate in the refrigerator.
Heat oil in an oven-safe skillet. When hot, add the chicken breast and sear it on both sides until golden brown.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook until done. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then garnish with cilantro if desired.
Recipe Tips
- Give it the full marinating time – Be sure to marinate for at least 20 minutes, up to 3 hours, for the best flavor.
- But don’t marinate for more than 3 hours – Because of the acidity of the citrus juices, you don’t want to marinate for longer because it can change the texture of the chicken.
- Use an instant-read thermometer – This will help you know exactly what temperature your chicken is inside so that you can easily check for doneness. You’ll want to pull it out of the oven when it’s between 160°F and 165°F. It will continue cooking and will reach 165° a few minutes after.
- Let the chicken rest – It’s important to let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after pulling it out of the oven. This helps the chicken reabsorb and redistribute its juices for the juiciest Baja Chicken.
Recipe Short Cuts
If you need to make this recipe, but are extra short on time, here are a few ideas that can help make this recipe even faster!
- Make your marinade ahead of time – For fast prep, make your marinade up to 3 days ahead of time. Then you just have to add the chicken and marinated it.
- Use chicken tenders – Instead of whole chicken breasts, use chicken tenders for a faster cooking time.
Freezer Meal Instructions
Making this Baja Chicken recipe into a freezer meal is simple! Follow the steps below and you can store this recipe in the freezer for up to 6 months.
To Freeze After Cooking
- Let cooked chicken cool to room temperature.
- Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag and label.
- Place in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What to Serve with Baja Chicken
Since this protein based dinner has the delicious flavors of Mexican cuisine, it will pair well with many of your favorite Mexican side dishes.
Choose one or several of these side dishes to create a wholesome, well-rounded dinner. There are both classic options and some healthy options to keep it light.
Side Dish Ideas
Baja Chicken Leftovers
If you have leftovers after making this recipe, then it is your lucky day! They save and reheat well, and can make the start of another delicious dish.
To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store:
- in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- in the freezer up to a month
Leftover Recipes
Here are a few ways to repurpose those leftovers and give them a delicious makeover!
- Baja Chicken Tacos– Cut Baja Chicken up and place it in small flour or corn tortillas. Top with avocado, shredded cabbage or lettuce, and pico de gallo.
- Baja Chicken Bowl– Make a Baja Chicken Bowl Panera copycat! Add some cilantro rice to a bowl and top it with Baja chicken, avocado, black beans, and cherry tomatoes. Top with feta and sour cream.
- Baja Chicken Wrap– Add chicken, black beans, avocado, tomatoes, and feta to a large tortilla and wrap it up.
- Baja Chicken Sandwich– Place Baja Chicken on a soft bun and pile with lettuce, tomato slices, and avocado. Drizzle with jalapeño ranch dressing.
Recipe FAQ’s
How long can you marinate chicken breasts?
It depends on the marinade ingredients, but generally, if your marinade contains an acid such as citrus juice or vinegar, you’ll want to marinating it for 3 hours or less. Otherwise, the acid will negatively affect the texture.
What does cooked chicken breast look like?
When your chicken is cooked through, the juices will run clear and it won’t have any pink inside. To make sure your chicken is safely cooked all the way through, use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat. If it reads at least 165°F, you’re good!
Why is my chicken breast tough?
It is likely overcooked. Use an instant-read thermometer and pull it out of your oven when it’s around 160°F. It will continue cooking and reach 165° a few minutes after, which is the temperature at which chicken is safely cooked.
More EASY Chicken Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, I really hope you will take a moment to grab a few more easy recipes for another busy night!
You can check out all of my easy chicken recipes here, or see a few of our readers favorite recipes below.
Baja Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, juice of about 2 limes
- ¼ cup orange juice, juice of about 1 orange
- 2 jalapeños, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic , minced
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil, divided
Garnish (optional)
- freshly chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350˚F.
- Place the chicken breast in a zip top bag, or covered container. Add the lime juice, orange juice, jalapeno slices, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and half of the cooking oil.
- Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated in the marinade. Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes, or up to 3 hours.
- Heat the remaining oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breast to the skillet and let sit on the first side 2-3 minutes without moving to sear. Once a nice golden brown sear has formed, flip the chicken and cook an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes or until chicken reaches 165˚F internal temperature. Note: if you don't have an oven-proof skillet, you can transfer the chicken to a baking sheet or casserole dish, but it may take a couple of extra minutes to cook.
- Let sit 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Recipe Notes
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work. Chicken tenders work as well, but will require a shorter cooking time.
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