Chili Lime Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Introduction
Chili Lime Chicken is a zesty, flavorful dish that combines the bright notes of lime with smoky chili spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue, this recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken with a delicious punch of bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to prepare the marinade.
- Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a dish, pour the marinade over them, and seal or cover. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to enhance flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat your grill or stovetop pan to medium-high heat.
- Step 4: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and place onto the grill or pan.
- Step 5: Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), avoiding overcooking to keep it juicy.
- Step 6: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Step 7: Slice the chicken or serve whole according to your preference.
- Step 8: Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired for added color and flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- If you don’t have a grill, cooking the chicken in a cast-iron skillet works just as well.
- Substitute lime juice with lemon juice for a slightly different citrus flavor.
- Marinate overnight for even more intense flavor infusion.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to prevent drying out. This chicken is also great cold, perfect for salads or sandwiches.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. They may require a slightly longer cooking time and tend to be juicier.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer; chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Alternatively, ensure the juices run clear when the thickest part is cut.
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Chili Lime Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chili Lime Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring juicy boneless, skinless chicken breasts marinated in a zesty blend of lime juice, chili powder, and spices, then grilled or pan-cooked to perfection. This recipe delivers a vibrant, tangy, and mildly spicy taste that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a dish, pour the marinade over the chicken, seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse (up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
- Preheat Grill or Pan: Heat your grill or stovetop pan to medium-high heat to ensure a good sear and even cooking.
- Cook Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and let excess marinade drip off. Place the chicken on the heated grill or pan.
- Grill Time: Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), making sure not to overcook to keep the meat juicy and tender.
- Rest Chicken: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest uncovered for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Slice or Serve Whole: Depending on your preference, slice the chicken breasts or serve them whole for a satisfying presentation.
- Garnish: Top the chicken with fresh cilantro if desired to add a fresh, vibrant touch to the dish.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 4 hours) intensifies the flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely but not overdone.
- If grilling is not an option, a stovetop grill pan or regular skillet works just as well.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure your chili powder and other spices do not contain fillers with gluten.
- Serve with sides like rice, salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Chili Lime Chicken, grilled chicken, spicy chicken recipe, lime chicken, chili powder chicken, easy chicken dinner
