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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Heat grill or skillet to medium-high temperature (around 375°F). Lightly oil cooking surface to prevent sticking if using a skillet.
- Transfer marinated chicken thighs to hot cooking surface, positioning pieces with enough space between them for even heat distribution.
- 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.
- Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 3-4 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute throughout the meat, which helps maintain moisture and tenderness.
- 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