Description
A flavorful dish that combines the zest of fresh lime with the subtle heat of chili, this Chili Lime Chicken is marinated to perfection and grilled or baked for a juicy, tender meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Marinade:
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- Zest of 1 lime
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
- Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts (or thighs) to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the Grill or Oven:
- If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the Chicken:
- Grilling: Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off excess. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Baking: Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
Notes
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill or oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps retain the juices.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling or Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approximately 6 oz)
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg