Chili Lime Chicken (Printable Version)

Juicy grilled chicken with zesty lime, fresh chilies, and aromatic spices. Perfect for barbecues and easy weeknight meals.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)

→ Marinade

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - Zest and juice of 2 limes
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1-2 fresh red chilies, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon chili flakes)
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
10 - 1 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

# How to Make:

01 - In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, finely chopped chilies, ground cumin, smoked paprika, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
02 - Add chicken breasts to the marinade, turning to coat evenly on all sides. Cover bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
03 - Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (approximately 375-400°F). Clean grates and lightly oil if necessary to prevent sticking.
04 - Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear when pierced. Avoid overcooking to maintain juiciness.
05 - Transfer grilled chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice against the grain and serve garnished with additional lime wedges and fresh cilantro if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The marinade comes together in minutes but tastes like you spent all day planning it
  • Leftovers (if you somehow have any) make incredible tacos or salad toppers the next day
02 -
  • Pat the chicken dry before adding it to the marinade or the oil wont penetrate properly
  • Dont marinate longer than 2 hours or the acid will start breaking down the texture too much
03 -
  • Make double the marinade and use half as a sauce, but boil it first for safety
  • Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before grilling for more even cooking

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