Description
Grilled Chili Lime Chicken is a juicy, flavorful dish made with tender chicken marinated in a zesty blend of fresh lime juice, chili spices, garlic, and herbs, then grilled to perfection. This easy recipe is perfect for summer cookouts, meal prep, tacos, salads, or serving alongside rice and grilled vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 2 limes
- Zest of 1 lime
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cilantro to create a flavorful marinade for the chicken.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the bowl and coat them evenly with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate, or up to 8 hours for more intense flavor.
- Preheat the grill: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) indicating the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest and serve: Transfer the grilled chicken to a serving plate and allow it to rest for 5 minutes, helping the juices redistribute. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for added zest and brightness.
Notes
- Chicken thighs remain especially juicy and flavorful on the grill.
- For extra heat, add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño to the marinade.
- This chicken is excellent in tacos, burrito bowls, wraps, salads, or served with grilled vegetables and rice.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
