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

Scale

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