1-First, place the chicken in a gallon-sized ziplock bag or airtight container to ensure even coating. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon if desired, and 1 teaspoon salt. Seal the bag and toss gently to coat the chicken evenly with the marinade.

2-Refrigerate and let it marinate for a minimum of 2 hours and up to 24 hours to build deeper flavor and tenderness. After marinating, cook the chicken by grilling or baking until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Preparation time is just 10 minutes, with marinating taking 2 to 24 hours, so plan ahead for the best results.

3-In the first step, gather all ingredients and prepare them accurately, like mincing the garlic finely. Next, combine them in the bag as described, whisking if needed for a smooth mix. For deeper flavor, marinate longer, but remember tips like not exceeding 24 hours to avoid tough textures.

4-When cooking, preheat your grill or oven and monitor the temperature closely. Rest the chicken after cooking for juicy results, and consider serving with fresh veggies for a complete meal. Increasing surface area by poking holes or halving pieces can help the marinade penetrate better, as per useful pointers.