Chili Lime Chicken is a tasty dish filled with zesty flavor! It’s made with tender chicken, chili spices, and a splash of fresh lime juice that’s perfect for any meal.
This dish is great for grilling or baking, and it brings a nice kick without being too spicy. I love pairing it with rice or a salad—quick and yummy! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe, but thighs work great too! Thighs are juicier and can stand up to grilling really well. If you want a leaner option, you could also use turkey cutlets.
Lime Juice & Zest: Fresh lime juice makes a big difference in flavor. If limes aren’t available, you can substitute with lemon juice, but it will have a different flavor profile. For zest, ensure only the green part is used to avoid bitterness.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a lovely richness. If you don’t have it, avocado oil or even canola oil can work as substitutes. Just avoid using a strongly flavored oil, which might overpower other ingredients.
Spices: Chili powder and smoked paprika are essential for the right flavor. If you want less heat, skip the cayenne or use mild paprika instead. For a different twist, you could try adding some taco seasoning for a new flavor profile.
How Do You Get Perfectly Grilled Chicken?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with a few tips, you can get it just right! Start with marinating the chicken; it makes it tender and flavorful. The longer it marinates, the better it becomes, but even 30 minutes will help.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. This gives a nice sear and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking. Just a little oil on a paper towel works great!
- Grill each side for about 6-7 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer if you have one for accuracy.
- Let the chicken rest after grilling. This helps keep all those tasty juices locked in!
How to Make Chili Lime Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- Zest of 1 lime
For the Spice Mixture:
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious chili lime chicken will take about 10 minutes to prepare and marinate. Depending on how long you let it sit, the marination could be as short as 30 minutes or as long as 2 hours. Then, grilling will take about 15 minutes. So, total time is around 25 to 40 minutes, depending on marination time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spice Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if you like heat), salt, and black pepper. This blend will give your chicken a flavorful kick!
2. Zest the Lime:
Zest one lime and stir the zest into your spice mix. This adds a lovely citrus flavor that brightens up the dish!
3. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl or ziplock bag, place the chicken breasts or thighs. Drizzle the olive oil and lime juice over the chicken, then toss it to coat everything evenly.
4. Add the Spice Mix:
Next, sprinkle your prepared spice mixture over the chicken. Rub the spices thoroughly into each piece of chicken to ensure they’re well coated.
5. Let It Marinate:
Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or, if you have time, up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. The longer they marinate, the more flavorful they will be!
6. Preheat and Prepare the Grill:
When you’re ready to grill, preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or pan to prevent sticking.
7. Grill the Chicken:
Place the marinated chicken on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and has a nice charred exterior.
8. Let It Rest:
Once grilled, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy!
9. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle the freshly chopped cilantro over the grilled chicken, and serve it with lime wedges for a refreshing squeeze of citrus on top. It’s perfect!
10. Enjoy Your Meal!
Pair your chili lime chicken with your favorite sides like rice, salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete and delicious meal. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! This marinade works well with shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—shrimp cooks quickly, while pork may need a bit longer depending on the cut.
How Can I Reduce the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder flavor, simply omit the cayenne pepper from the spice mix. You can also reduce the amount of chili powder. Additionally, pairing the chicken with a creamy dip or sauce can help moderate the heat.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftover chili lime chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. It’s also great cold in salads or sandwiches!
Can I Marinate Chicken Overnight?
Yes, marinating the chicken overnight is a great way to enhance the flavors even more! Just make sure to keep it covered in the refrigerator. However, avoid marinating for more than 24 hours, as the acid in the lime juice can start to break down the chicken’s texture.
