Get ready for a burst of flavors with the Grilled Chili Lime Chicken recipe. This dish combines the heat from the chili powder, the tanginess of lime, and the savory taste of garlic and onions for a bold and irresistible main course.
The ingredients for this recipe should be easily found in your pantry, such as chili powder, garlic, and onions. However, fresh lime juice can significantly enhance the flavor of the dish. If you don't have fresh limes at home, it's worth getting some from the supermarket.
Ingredients for Grilled Chili Lime Chicken
Apple cider vinegar: This ingredient adds a tangy flavor to the marinade and also helps to tenderize the chicken.
Chili powder: Gives the chicken a spicy kick.
Garlic powder: Adds a savory depth to the chicken.
Onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Salt: Used to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity to the chicken.
Fresh lime juice: Provides a citrusy contrast to the heat of the chili powder.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The main protein of this dish, perfect for grilling.
One reader, Emmit Graves says:
This grilled chili lime chicken recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the chicken turns out juicy and tender every time. The tangy lime and spicy chili powder create an explosion of taste. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a zesty kick to their grilled chicken.
Techniques for Perfecting Grilled Chili Lime Chicken
How to marinate the chicken: Whisk together apple cider vinegar, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Combine the marinade with the chicken in a zip lock bag, press out the excess air, and seal. Chill for 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
How to preheat the grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
How to grill the chicken: Use tongs to transfer the marinated chicken to the preheated grill, then discard the marinade and bag. Grill for 6-10 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
How to serve the grilled chili lime chicken: Serve the grilled chicken with lime wedges and cilantro if desired.
How To Make Grilled Chili Lime Chicken
Hot, spicy, and smoky; this tangy and flavorful lime chicken serves a delectably succulent dinner meal that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tbspapple cider vinegar
- 2tspchili powder
- 1tspgarlic powder
- 1tsponion powder
- 1tspsalt
- ¼tspblack pepper
- 2tbsplime juice,fresh
- 6chicken breasts,boneless skinless
Instructions
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Whisk together the vinegar, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Combine with chicken in a zip lock bag, press the excess air out, and seal.
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Chill for 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
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Preheat the grill to medium-high. Use tongs to transfer chicken to the grill, then discard the marinade and bag.
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Grill for 6 to 10 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
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Serve with lime wedges and cilantro, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 460.50kcal
- Fat: 24.36g
- Saturated Fat: 6.98g
- Trans Fat: 0.27g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10.02g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.23g
- Carbohydrates: 2.51g
- Fiber: 0.71g
- Sugar: 0.30g
- Protein: 54.84g
- Cholesterol: 167.04mg
- Sodium: 640.28mg
- Calcium: 38.49mg
- Potassium: 629.91mg
- Iron: 2.27mg
- Vitamin A: 82.86µg
- Vitamin C: 2.47mg
Helpful Technique for Achieving Optimal Flavor in Grilled Chili Lime Chicken
To ensure your chicken stays juicy and tender, avoid overcooking it. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit when it's fully cooked. Also, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in a more flavorful and moist dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Grilled Chicken Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the marinade the night before and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
Use a meat thermometer: Check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it's fully cooked, preventing overcooking and dryness.
Grill in batches: If your grill is not large enough to accommodate all the chicken at once, grill in batches to ensure even cooking.
Invest in a citrus squeezer: A citrus squeezer can make it easier to extract the maximum juice from limes, saving time and effort.
Organize ingredients: Lay out all the ingredients and utensils needed before starting to cook to streamline the process and avoid last-minute searches.
Use a zip lock bag: Marinate the chicken in a zip lock bag for easy cleanup and even distribution of the marinade.
Substitute Ingredients For Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Recipe
Apple cider vinegar - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar has a similar tangy flavor and acidity to apple cider vinegar, making it a suitable substitute in this recipe.
Chili powder - Substitute with paprika and cayenne mix: A combination of paprika and cayenne can replicate the heat and smokiness of chili powder in the grilled chili lime chicken recipe.
Garlic powder - Substitute with minced fresh garlic: Fresh minced garlic can provide a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.
Onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped fresh onions: Finely chopped fresh onions can offer a stronger and more pronounced onion flavor than onion powder.
Salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for regular salt, providing a similar level of salinity to the dish.
Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a milder alternative to black pepper, adding a subtle heat and flavor to the grilled chili lime chicken.
Fresh lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can be used as a substitute for lime juice, providing a similar level of acidity and citrus flavor to the dish.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with boneless skinless turkey breasts: Turkey breasts can be used as a lean alternative to chicken breasts, offering a similar texture and ability to absorb flavors when grilled.
Presentation Ideas for Chili Lime Grilled Chicken
Elevate the plating: Arrange the grilled chili lime chicken in a circular pattern on the plate, ensuring each piece is placed with precision and care.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped cilantro over the grilled chili lime chicken to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Pair the grilled chili lime chicken with vibrant lime wedges to add a visually appealing contrast to the dish.
Create a balanced composition: Place the grilled chili lime chicken in the center of the plate and surround it with a drizzle of lime juice for a visually striking presentation.
Utilize negative space: Allow the white plate to act as a canvas, creating a visually stunning contrast to the vibrant colors of the grilled chili lime chicken.
Add a touch of elegance: Place the grilled chili lime chicken on a bed of mixed greens to add a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Emphasize texture: Consider adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to provide a delightful crunch and enhance the overall sensory experience.
Highlight the grill marks: Position the grilled chili lime chicken to showcase the beautiful charred grill marks, adding a touch of rustic charm to the presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Grilled Chicken with Chili Lime Flavors
- Grill: A cooking appliance used for grilling the chicken over an open flame or heat source.
- Tongs: Used for flipping and handling the chicken while grilling.
- Whisk: To mix the marinade ingredients thoroughly.
- Zip lock bag: For marinating the chicken and ensuring the flavors are well-distributed.
- Knife: For cutting and juicing the fresh lime.
- Cutting board: To prepare the lime and any additional garnishes.
- Measuring spoons: For accurately measuring the ingredients for the marinade.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Grilled Chili Lime Chicken
Let the grilled chili lime chicken cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or ziplock bag. This will prevent the chicken from becoming soggy and help maintain its flavor and texture.
Store the cooled chicken in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the microwave or oven until it's heated through.
If you want to keep the grilled chili lime chicken for longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To do this, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
When you're ready to eat the frozen chicken, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Once thawed, reheat the chicken in the microwave or oven until it's heated through and enjoy your delicious, flavorful meal!
To maintain the best quality and flavor, consider dividing the grilled chili lime chicken into smaller portions before freezing. This way, you can easily thaw and reheat only what you need, without having to worry about wasting any leftovers.
How To Reheat Leftover Grilled Chili Lime Chicken
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover grilled chili lime chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Loosely cover the chicken with another piece of foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. This will help keep the chicken moist during reheating. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. The exact time will depend on the amount of chicken and the power of your microwave.
If you have a bit more time, consider reheating the chicken in a skillet. Heat a tablespoon of oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the leftover chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it's heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. This method will help restore some of the texture lost during refrigeration.
For a flavorful twist, slice the leftover chicken and add it to a quesadilla or wrap. The combination of melted cheese, tortilla, and the chili lime flavors will give your leftovers a delicious new lease on life.
If you have access to a grill, you can also reheat the chicken on the grill. Preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grates. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it's heated through and has regained some of its charred flavor.
Interesting Fact About Grilled Chili Lime Chicken
The grilled chili lime chicken recipe is a delicious and healthy option for a flavorful meal. The marinade, consisting of apple cider vinegar, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice, infuses the chicken with a zesty and tangy taste. The combination of these ingredients creates a mouthwatering dish that is perfect for grilling. The chicken is then grilled to perfection, resulting in a juicy and flavorful main course. This recipe is a great way to add a burst of flavor to your meal while keeping it light and nutritious. Enjoy this chili lime chicken with your favorite sides for a satisfying and tasty meal.
Is Making Grilled Chili Lime Chicken at Home Cost-Effective?
This grilled chili lime chicken recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are simple and affordable, making it a budget-friendly option. The use of basic pantry staples like chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder keeps the cost low. Additionally, chicken breasts are a reasonably priced protein source. The total cost for a household of 4 people would be approximately $15-$20. Overall, this recipe offers great value for money, earning a solid 9/10 rating for its cost-effectiveness.
Is Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Healthy?
This grilled chili lime chicken recipe is a healthy and flavorful option for a summer barbecue or weeknight dinner. The marinade is packed with spices and lime juice, which add taste without excessive calories or fat. Chicken breast is a lean protein source, low in saturated fat and high in essential nutrients like vitamin B6 and niacin. Grilling is also a healthier cooking method compared to frying, as it requires little to no added oil.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this dish:
- Serve the chicken with a side of colorful vegetables like grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or a fresh salad to boost fiber and vitamin intake
- Opt for organic, free-range chicken when possible to ensure higher quality and avoid potential contaminants
- Reduce the salt content in the marinade by half, as the spices and lime juice will still provide ample flavor
- Incorporate whole grains like quinoa or brown rice to create a balanced meal that will keep you feeling full and energized
By making these simple adjustments, you can transform this already healthy recipe into a nutrient-dense powerhouse that will satisfy your taste buds and support your overall well-being.
Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on This Chili Lime Chicken Recipe
This grilled chili lime chicken recipe is a perfect balance of tangy and spicy flavors. The combination of apple cider vinegar, lime juice, and spices creates a zesty marinade that infuses the chicken with deliciousness. The grilling process adds a smoky char and locks in the juicy tenderness of the chicken. It's a simple yet impressive dish that's perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight meal. The flavors are vibrant and the dish is versatile, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Why trust this Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Recipe:
This grilled chili lime chicken recipe offers a burst of flavor with the perfect balance of spice and citrus. The combination of chili powder and lime juice creates a tantalizing marinade that infuses the chicken with zesty and savory notes. The use of fresh ingredients like lime and cilantro ensures a vibrant and authentic taste. With a simple preparation process and classic grilling technique, this recipe guarantees juicy, tender chicken breasts that are packed with flavor. Trust in this recipe for a delightful grilled dish that will elevate your culinary experience.
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