Chili Lime Grilled Chicken

Chili Lime Grilled Chicken is a delightful dish that will elevate your dining experience with its zesty flavors and tender texture. This recipe is perfect for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or a simple weeknight dinner. With a marinade that combines the tanginess of lime and the kick of chili, this chicken promises to be a crowd-pleaser at any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe only takes 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of lime and chili creates a refreshing and bold taste that will satisfy your taste buds.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with salads, rice, or in wraps for endless meal possibilities.
• Health-Conscious Choice: Packed with protein and low in carbs, this dish is a great option for health-minded eaters.
• Easy to Grill: Perfectly suited for outdoor grilling, this recipe brings out the best in your grill.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make cooking Chili Lime Grilled Chicken even easier. Here are some essential items you’ll need to prepare this delicious dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: A good grill ensures even cooking and adds that perfect char to the chicken.
• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to easily combine all marinade ingredients without spills.
• Whisk: Using a whisk helps blend the marinade ingredients smoothly for an even flavor distribution.
• Tongs: Tongs provide a safe way to handle hot chicken on the grill without losing juices.

Ingredients

Chili lime chicken – moist and delicious chicken marinated with chili and lime and grilled to perfection. Easy recipe that takes 30 mins!

For the Chicken

• 2 – 2 1/2 lbs. (900g-1.1kg) skin on chicken thighs

For the Marinade

• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
• 3 teaspoons fresh lime zest
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped finely)
• 2 jalapeño (chopped finely)
• 4 cloves garlic (chopped finely)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (or to taste)

How to Make Chili Lime Grilled Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water, ensuring they are clean.
2. Remove the bones while leaving the skin on for maximum flavor and juiciness.
3. Pat them dry with paper towels and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

1. In a big bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients until well combined.
2. Ensure every ingredient blends perfectly for an even coating on your chicken.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

1. Add the chicken thighs into the marinade mixture.
2. Stir gently to ensure each piece is coated evenly.
3. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours for optimal flavor absorption.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

1. Preheat your grill over medium-high heat and brush lightly with oil.
2. Place some of the garlic, cilantro, and jalapeño from the marinade onto each piece of chicken before grilling.
3. Grill until golden brown and charred on both sides—approximately 5 minutes per side.
4. Serve immediately while hot!

Enjoy your delicious Chili Lime Grilled Chicken!

How to Serve Chili Lime Grilled Chicken

Chili Lime Grilled Chicken is a flavorful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.

Tacos

• Use shredded chili lime chicken as a filling for soft or hard-shell tacos. Top with fresh salsa, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.

Salad

• Slice the grilled chicken and serve it over a bed of greens. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.

Rice Bowl

• Create a hearty rice bowl by layering cooked rice, grilled chicken, black beans, corn, and avocado. Drizzle with lime juice for added zest.

Sandwiches

• Make a tasty sandwich or wrap using sliced chili lime chicken, lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments.

Skewers

• Cut the chicken into cubes and thread onto skewers with bell peppers and onions. Grill until charred for easy finger food.

Quesadillas

• Combine shredded chili lime chicken with cheese between tortillas. Cook until crispy and serve with guacamole or salsa.

How to Perfect Chili Lime Grilled Chicken

Achieving perfect Chili Lime Grilled Chicken is all about the marinade and grilling technique. Follow these tips to enhance your dish.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lime juice and zest will provide the best flavor. Avoid bottled options when possible.

• Marinate longer: While 2 hours is ideal, marinating overnight can intensify flavors even more.

• Preheat your grill: Ensure your grill is hot before adding the chicken to create a nice sear and prevent sticking.

• Check internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

• Let it rest: Allow the grilled chicken to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder or add other spices like cumin for varied flavor profiles.

Best Side Dishes for Chili Lime Grilled Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Chili Lime Grilled Chicken can make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some great options that complement the flavors well.

1. Cilantro Lime Rice
   A simple yet flavorful rice dish that pairs perfectly with the zesty chicken.

2. Grilled Vegetables
   Seasonal vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini tossed in olive oil and grilled alongside the chicken add color and nutrients.

3. Corn Salad
   A refreshing salad made with sweet corn, tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice provides a nice contrast in texture.

4. Black Bean Salsa
   This spicy-sweet salsa made from black beans, corn, tomatoes, and onions adds protein and fiber to your meal.

5. Avocado Toast
   Creamy avocado on toasted bread topped with sliced chili lime chicken makes for an excellent starter or snack.

6. Quinoa Salad
   A light salad made from quinoa mixed with diced veggies such as cucumber and cherry tomatoes offers a nutritious boost.

7. Sweet Potato Fries
   Crispy sweet potato fries seasoned with salt provide a sweet touch that balances out the spiciness of the chicken.

8. Coleslaw
   A crunchy coleslaw adds texture and freshness to your plate while complementing the flavors of the grilled chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people encounter issues when preparing chili lime grilled chicken. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Bold Marinade Inefficiency: Skipping the marination time can lead to bland chicken. Always marinate for at least 2 hours to enhance flavor.
• Bold Incorrect Grill Temperature: Grilling at too low a temperature can result in dry meat. Preheat your grill properly for optimal results.
• Bold Overcrowding the Grill: Placing too many pieces of chicken on the grill can cause uneven cooking. Space them out to allow for even heat distribution.
• Bold Ignoring Rest Time: Cutting into the chicken right after grilling releases juices, making it dry. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Bold Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Stale lime juice or herbs can diminish flavor. Always opt for fresh ingredients for the best taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover chili lime grilled chicken in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Chili Lime Grilled Chicken

• Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chili Lime Grilled Chicken

• Bold Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Bold Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes or until hot.
• Bold Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a bit of oil if needed, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about chili lime grilled chicken that might help you perfect your dish.

What is the best way to marinate chili lime grilled chicken?

The best way is to use a mixture of fresh lime juice, zest, olive oil, and spices. Marinate for at least 2 hours for maximum flavor.

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of skin-on?

Yes, boneless thighs will work well too! Just adjust the cooking time slightly as they may cook faster without the skin.

How spicy is chili lime grilled chicken?

The spice level can be adjusted by using more or fewer jalapeños. Start with one if you’re sensitive to heat!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a day in advance and grill it when ready to serve.

What should I serve with chili lime grilled chicken?

This dish pairs well with rice, salads, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Chili lime grilled chicken is not only flavorful but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different spices or adjusting the heat level. We encourage you to try this easy recipe that will surely impress your family and friends!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Chili Lime Grilled Chicken

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• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately four people 1x

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Description

Chili Lime Grilled Chicken is a must-try dish that brings together the vibrant flavors of zesty lime and spicy chili, creating a deliciously tender chicken experience. Perfect for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or quick weeknight dinners, this recipe features a marinade that infuses every bite with freshness and boldness. With minimal prep time and easy grilling instructions, you can enjoy this flavorful dish in just about 30 minutes. Serve it in tacos, salads, or as part of a rice bowl to elevate any meal. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delightful grilled chicken!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 – 2 1/2 lbs skin-on chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
• 3 teaspoons fresh lime zest
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 tablespoons fresh cilantro (finely chopped)
• 2 jalapeños (finely chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon chili powder

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Instructions

1. Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat dry.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, honey, salt, and chili powder until well combined.
3. Place the chicken thighs in the marinade and stir gently to coat evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
4. Preheat your grill over medium-high heat. Brush lightly with oil.
5. Grill the marinated chicken for approximately 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and charred.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece (113g)
• Calories: 233
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 90mg