Tangy Chili Lime Chicken Recipe: Zesty Fiesta on a Plate

Craving a zesty chili lime chicken that dances with vibrant flavors?

Tangy citrus notes blend perfectly with spicy peppers for an incredible meal.

Weeknight dinners demand something exciting and quick to prepare.

Marinades work magic in transforming simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes.

Fresh cilantro and bright lime juice create a mouthwatering combination that elevates ordinary chicken.

Southwest-inspired seasonings add depth and complexity to this simple yet remarkable recipe.

You’ll want to make this dish again and again for its irresistible taste.

Grab your ingredients and let’s make dinner spectacular!

Why Chili Lime Chicken Recipe Packs A Bold Punch

• Quick and Spicy Flavor Boost: Dive into a zesty chicken dish that transforms ordinary meals with bold, tangy chili and lime seasonings.
• Adaptable Cooking Method: Switch between grilling and skillet cooking, making this recipe perfect for indoor or outdoor meal preparation.
• Minimal Ingredient Complexity: Craft a restaurant-quality meal using common pantry spices and simple chicken thighs without complicated techniques.
• Low-Effort Gourmet Experience: Create a delicious dinner that looks impressive but requires minimal cooking skills and preparation time.

Ingredients For Chili Lime Chicken Recipe That Pops

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful meat that absorbs marinade beautifully and provides a rich base for the dish.

• Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika: Provides a warm, smoky heat that gives the chicken its signature spicy flavor profile.
• Cumin, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Creates a complex, aromatic seasoning blend that enhances the overall taste of the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute spices evenly and ensures the chicken stays moist during cooking.
• Lime Juice: Adds bright, tangy citrus notes that balance the spicy elements and tenderize the meat.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that amplify and round out the other flavors in the dish.

• Fresh Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal finish that complements the spicy and citrusy notes of the chicken.
• Lime Wedges: Provides extra citrus brightness and allows diners to adjust the lime flavor to their preference.

Quick Steps For Chili Lime Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Vibrant Marinade

• Olive oil
• Lime juice
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir these ingredients until they blend into a harmonious, zesty mixture that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Infuse Chicken with Flavor

Gently add chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece gets completely coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid. Let the chicken soak up all those incredible flavors in the refrigerator. A 30-minute marination works great, but if you can wait up to 2 hours, the flavor will become even more intense.

Step 3: Sizzle and Grill

Heat up your grill or skillet to medium-high temperature. If using a skillet, add a light coating of oil to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken thighs onto the cooking surface. Grill or cook each side for 6-7 minutes, watching for beautiful golden-brown grill marks and ensuring the chicken is thoroughly cooked through.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This crucial step helps lock in those delicious juices. Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top and arrange lime wedges alongside. The result? A mouthwatering Chili Lime Chicken that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips To Nail Chili Lime Chicken Recipe Flavor

• Seal in Flavor: Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow spices to penetrate deeply and enhance taste.
• Prevent Dryness: Let chicken rest after cooking for 3-5 minutes to redistribute juices and maintain moisture.
• Grill vs. Skillet: Choose high heat for crispy exterior and use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Zest Up Your Plate: Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges to add brightness and complement the spicy-tangy profile.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Serve chicken over mixed greens or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly alternative.

Ways To Add A Twist To Chili Lime Chicken Recipe

• Oven-Roasted Spicy Chicken: Replace grilling with baking chicken thighs at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, maintaining the same marinade ingredients.
• Vegetarian Protein Option: Swap chicken thighs with firm tofu or tempeh, using identical marinade and cooking techniques for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Lean Protein Version: Use chicken breasts instead of thighs, reducing cooking time to prevent dryness and maintaining zesty flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Herb Infusion: Add fresh chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme to marinade for extra depth, ensuring recipe remains allergen-friendly and compatible with dietary restrictions.

Top Sides With Chili Lime Chicken Recipe

• Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Crisp and zesty Sauvignon Blanc complements the chili lime chicken's tangy and spicy profile, cutting through the richness while enhancing the citrus notes.
• Refreshing Side Drink: Create a homemade lime margarita with tequila, fresh lime juice, and a touch of agave to mirror the recipe's bright, zesty flavor and provide a cooling counterpoint.
• Perfect Accompaniment Plate: Serve with cilantro-lime rice and grilled corn salad, which echoes the chicken's lime and herb characteristics while adding textural contrast and complementary fresh flavors.

How To Store Chili Lime Chicken Recipe With Care

• Seal cooled chicken in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep chicken pieces separate and intact to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Label with date and store frozen for up to 2 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Place chicken on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure even warming without drying out.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in baking dish, add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying.

Your Chili Lime Chicken Recipe Questions Answered

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts. Just ensure they’re cut to similar thickness and adjust cooking time to prevent drying out. Chicken breasts typically cook faster than thighs.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level from chili powder. If you prefer less spice, reduce the chili powder amount. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use hot chili powder.

• Do I need fresh lime juice or can I use bottled?

Fresh lime juice is best for bright, zesty flavor. Bottled lime juice works in a pinch but may taste slightly less vibrant. If using bottled, choose 100% lime juice without added preservatives.

Chili Lime Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 44 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty chili lime chicken brings Mexican-inspired flavors dancing across your plate with bold, tangy excitement. Spicy marinades and quick grilling promise a delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lime juice, freshly squeezed

Seasoning Blend:

• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) chili powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) cumin
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) onion powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt
• 0.5 teaspoon (2.5 grams) black pepper

Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking together olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a medium mixing bowl until thoroughly blended.
2. Immerse chicken thighs completely in the prepared marinade, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Seal the bowl and refrigerate for 30-120 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
3. Heat grill or skillet to medium-high temperature (around 375°F). Lightly oil cooking surface to prevent sticking if using a skillet.
4. Transfer marinated chicken thighs to hot cooking surface, positioning pieces with enough space between them for even heat distribution.
5. Grill or pan-sear chicken for approximately 6-7 minutes per side, rotating once to achieve golden-brown exterior and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 3-4 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute throughout the meat, which helps maintain moisture and tenderness.
7. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and accompany with lime wedges for an extra burst of citrusy brightness. Serve immediately while hot and aromatic.

Notes

• Marinate Longer for Maximum Flavor: Extend marinating time up to 8 hours in the refrigerator to allow spices and lime juice to deeply penetrate the chicken, creating more intense and complex taste profiles.
• Ensure Chicken Doesn’t Dry Out: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts since they contain more fat, which helps maintain moisture and prevents the meat from becoming tough during high-heat cooking.
• Alternative Cooking Methods: Experiment with oven-roasting at 425°F or using an air fryer for a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy, perfect for those without outdoor grilling options.
• Dietary Modifications: Swap chicken thighs with tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives for vegetarian versions, and use gluten-free spices to make the recipe suitable for different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (minimum marinating time)
• Cook Time: 14 minutes (7 minutes per side for 2 sides)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg