This Chili Lime Chicken dish combines the tangy flavors of lime and the spicy kick of chili to create a mouthwatering, finger-licking experience that’s perfect for grilling season.
Now, don’t worry if you’re new to the world of grilling, as this recipe is suitable for all skill levels – from beginners to seasoned grill masters. I’ve been grilling and smoking for years, and I love sharing simple tips, tasty recipes, and credible product reviews to help fellow BBQ fans improve their skills and make great meals.
To make this delicious Chili Lime Chicken, you’ll need a few basic tools. A grill, of course, is essential. You’ll also need tongs or a spatula, a large bowl, a whisk, a meat thermometer, and some paper towels. A cutting board and knife will come in handy for chopping the fresh ingredients. As an experienced BBQ recipe blogger, I can assure you that this dish is not only easy to prepare but will also leave your friends and family craving more.
So, let’s dive into the world of grilling and discover the secrets of this fantastic Chili Lime Chicken recipe together. Happy grilling, everyone!
How To Make This Chili Lime Chicken Recipe
Prepare the Chicken
First, get your chicken breasts ready. Give them a quick rinse under the faucet, then pat them dry using paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture and gets them prepped for marinating.
Mix the Marinade
Next, grab a big bowl and start mixing all the easy chili lime marinade ingredients together. Use a whisk to make sure everything combines well. You’ll want a smooth, well-blended marinade for the best flavor.
Marinate the Chicken Paragraph
Now, add your chicken breasts to the bowl with the chicken marinade. Stir them around, making sure each piece gets an even coating. Once they’re all covered, let the chicken sit and soak up those tasty flavors for 2 hours.
Preheat the Grill
While the chicken is marinating, get your grill ready. Heat it up and brush a bit of oil on the surface to prevent the chicken from sticking. You want a nice, hot grill for those perfect grill marks!
Grill the Chicken
Time to cook! Place the chicken on the grill, adding some garlic, cilantro, and jalapeño from the marinade on top. Grill the chicken on medium heat, covered, for about 5-7 minutes. Then, flip the chicken over and grill it for another 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F before you take it off the grill.
Serve and Enjoy
Your Chili Lime Grilled Chicken is now ready to eat! Remove the chicken from the grill and serve it up right away. This tasty, flavorful dish is perfect for sharing with friends and family. Enjoy your meal and happy grilling!
Prepare the Chicken
First, get your chicken breasts ready. Give them a quick rinse under the faucet, then pat them dry using paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture and gets them prepped for marinating.
Mix the Marinade
Next, grab a big bowl and start mixing all the easy chili lime marinade ingredients together. Use a whisk to make sure everything combines well. You’ll want a smooth, well-blended marinade for the best flavor.
Marinate the Chicken Paragraph
Now, add your chicken breasts to the bowl with the chicken marinade. Stir them around, making sure each piece gets an even coating. Once they’re all covered, let the chicken sit and soak up those tasty flavors for 2 hours.
Preheat the Grill
While the chicken is marinating, get your grill ready. Heat it up and brush a bit of oil on the surface to prevent the chicken from sticking. You want a nice, hot grill for those perfect grill marks!
Grill the Chicken
Time to cook! Place the chicken on the grill, adding some garlic, cilantro, and jalapeño from the marinade on top. Grill the chicken on medium heat, covered, for about 5-7 minutes. Then, flip the chicken over and grill it for another 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F before you take it off the grill.
Serve and Enjoy
Your Chili Lime Grilled Chicken is now ready to eat! Remove the chicken from the grill and serve it up right away. This tasty, flavorful dish is perfect for sharing with friends and family. Enjoy your meal and happy grilling!
Tips For Making Chili Lime Chicken
Don’t worry if you’re new to grilling – this Chili Lime Grilled Chicken recipe is perfect for you. Here are a few simple tips to help you master the dish and impress your friends and family with your grilling skills:
- Marinating Time: Let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours, or even longer if you can. The longer it soaks in the marinade, the more flavor it will have.
- Grill Temperature: Keep your grill at medium heat when cooking the chicken. Too high of a temperature can cause the outside to cook too quickly, while the inside remains raw.
- Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach 165°F before you remove it from the grill to ensure it’s cooked through and safe to eat.
- Prevent Sticking: Brush a bit of oil on the grill grates before adding the chicken. This helps prevent the chicken from sticking and makes flipping it easier.
- Resting Time: After removing the chicken from the grill, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your chicken moist and delicious.
Best Beer To Serve With Chili Lime Chicken
As a beer and BBQ lover, I know that finding the perfect beer to pair with your delicious Chili Lime Grilled Chicken can really elevate the entire meal. So, I’ve picked out the top 3 beer styles that complement this zesty, flavorful dish. Let’s take a look at these thirst-quenching options:
American Pale Ale
An American Pale Ale, with its balanced mix of hoppy bitterness and malty sweetness, is a great choice for pairing with our Chili Lime Grilled Chicken. The hoppy notes cut through the rich flavors of the marinade, while the maltiness complements the chicken’s natural sweetness.
Lager
For a more laid-back option, go for a crisp, refreshing Lager. This light beer style won’t overpower the dish, and its subtle sweetness helps to balance the spiciness of the jalapeños and chili powder. Plus, the lime notes in the marinade and lagers just seem meant to be together.
Hefeweizen
The fruity and spicy notes in a German Hefeweizen make it a perfect match for the bold flavors of this chicken recipe. The beer’s natural banana and clove flavors play nicely with the cilantro, lime, and chili in the marinade, creating a harmonious blend of tastes.
More Great Chicken Recipes
- Grilled Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe
- Pellet Grill Chicken Breast Recipe
- Smoked Chicken Breast Recipe
- Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip
Chili Lime Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Grill
- Tongs or a spatula
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 4-6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- 3 tsp fresh lime zest
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped finely
- 2 jalapeños, chopped finely
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped finely
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp chili powder or to taste
Instructions
- Rinse chicken breasts and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a big bowl, mix together all marinade ingredients using a whisk.
- Add chicken to the bowl and coat evenly with marinade. Let it sit for 2 hours.
- Heat up the grill and brush a little oil on the surface.
- Add some garlic, cilantro, and jalapeño from the marinade on top of the chicken.
- Grill chicken on medium heat, covered, for 5-7 minutes. Flip it over and grill for another 5-7 minutes or until the thermometer reads 165°F.
- Serve and enjoy your delicious Chili Lime Grilled Chicken!
Chili Lime Chicken FAQs
How long should I marinate the chili lime chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chili lime chicken for at least 2 hours. However, you can also marinate it longer, up to 24 hours, for even more flavor penetration.
Can I make chili lime chicken in the oven or on the stovetop?
Yes, you can prepare chili lime chicken in the oven or on the stovetop. To cook in the oven, preheat to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For stovetop cooking, heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
What can I serve with chili lime chicken?
Chili Lime Chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Some popular options include grilled vegetables, rice, quinoa, a fresh salad, or a simple coleslaw.
Can I freeze marinated chili lime chicken?
Yes, you can freeze marinated chili lime chicken. Place the chicken and marinade in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible. The marinated chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking.
How do I store leftover chili lime chicken?
Store leftover chili lime chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the oven, stovetop, or microwave until heated through.