Chili Lime Chicken

Imagine the mouthwatering aroma of chili and lime wafting through your kitchen as you prepare this vibrant dish.

This Chili Lime Chicken isn’t only a breeze to make but also offers a comforting taste of Mexican cuisine that’s sure to become a favorite.

Watch as the zesty marinade transforms simple chicken breasts into a juicy, flavorful masterpiece right on your grill.

Let’s bring this delicious dish to life together!

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 Grill or grill pan
• 1 Medium bowl
• 1 Whisk
• 1 Tongs
• 1 Measuring cup
• 1 Knife
• 1 Cutting board

Ingredients

• 4 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 Lime, juiced
• 2 tsp Chili powder
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper
• 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Chili Lime Chicken, follow the timeline below:

1. Reading & Gathering Ingredients (5 minutes)
   • Before starting, take a few minutes to read through the recipe and gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
2. Prep Work (10 minutes)
   • Whisk together the marinade: Combine olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl.
   • Coat the chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and guarantee they’re thoroughly coated with the marinade.
3. Marinating Time (30 minutes)
   • Place the marinated chicken in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes. During this time, you can prepare any side dishes or clean up the prep area.
4. Preheating the Grill (5 minutes)
   • Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat as the marinating period is about to end.
5. Cooking Time (15 minutes)
   • Grill the chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the preheated grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
6. Resting Time (5 minutes)
   • Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
7. Garnishing & Serving (5 minutes)
   • Slice the chicken and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.

Recipe Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Add chicken breasts to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade.

Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator for best flavor.

Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.

Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Slice the chicken and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Serving Tips

• Mexican Rice: A flavorful side that complements the zesty marinade of the chicken.
• Grilled Vegetables: Adds a healthy, colorful touch to the meal and pairs well with the smoky flavor.
• Corn Salad: A revitalizing and crunchy side that balances the spicy notes of the chicken.
• Black Bean Salsa: Provides a hearty and tangy addition, enhancing the dish’s Mexican theme.
• Tortilla Chips and Guacamole: Offers a creamy and crunchy contrast, perfect for scooping up any extra marinade.

Storage

To store Chili Lime Chicken, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

Freezing

To freeze Chili Lime Chicken, allow it to cool completely.

Wrap each chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap.

Place in a freezer-safe bag, and store for up to three months.

Reheating

To reheat Chili Lime Chicken, gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

Alternatively, use a microwave.

Cover the dish to retain moisture and prevent drying.

Final Thoughts

Chili Lime Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings a taste of Mexican cuisine to your table.

The combination of lime and chili powder creates a vibrant marinade that infuses the chicken with a zesty and slightly spicy flavor.

Cooking the chicken on a grill enhances its taste with a smoky char, making it a delightful main course for any meal.

Whether prepared for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this dish is bound to impress.

After grilling, allowing the chicken to rest guarantees that every bite is juicy and tender.

Enjoy this savory dish with a garnish of fresh cilantro for an added burst of freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Bone-In Chicken for This Recipe?

You can use bone-in chicken, but adjust the cook time. Grill for 10-12 minutes per side, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F. Allow extra resting time, about 10 minutes, for juices to redistribute evenly.

What Side Dishes Pair Well With Chili Lime Chicken?

Pair chili lime chicken with a side of 1 cup cooked quinoa, 1 cup black beans, and 1/2 cup roasted corn. Add 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro and 1 tablespoon lime juice. Toss ingredients, serve warm, and enjoy!

Is There a Vegetarian Alternative for This Recipe?

Replace chicken with firm tofu, sliced into 1-inch thick slabs. Marinate using the same mixture. Grill each side for 4-5 minutes. Rest for 3 minutes. Slice and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Can I Substitute Lemon for Lime in the Marinade?

Yes, you can substitute lemon for lime in the marinade. Use the same measurement: one lemon, juiced. Lemon’s acidity complements the spices, but expect a slightly different flavor profile. Guarantee thorough mixing for even flavor distribution.

How Can I Make This Dish Less Spicy for Kids?

To make it less spicy for kids, reduce the chili powder to 1 teaspoon. Substitute the remaining amount with paprika for color without heat. Guarantee chicken is marinated thoroughly to balance flavors. Use precise grilling times.

Chili Lime Chicken

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

• 1 Grill or Grill Pan
• 1 Medium bowl
• 1 Whisk
• 1 Tongs
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 Knife
• 1 Cutting board

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 4 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 Lime, juiced
• 2 teaspoon Chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro chopped

Instructions

 

• In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Add chicken breasts to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade.
• Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator for best flavor.
• Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
• Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
• Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.
• Slice the chicken and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

For best results, ensure the grill is properly preheated before adding the chicken to get those perfect grill marks. If you prefer more heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade. Adjust the resting time if the chicken breasts are thicker, as this allows the juices to redistribute for a more flavorful bite.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.