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Chili Lime Grilled Chicken - moist and delicious chicken marinated in chili and lime and grilled to golden perfection in this easy recipe that takes 30 mins
The Best Grilled Chicken
This chili lime grilled chicken is absolutely delicious, juicy, and flavorful. It hits all the right notes: citrusy, aromatic, with a pleasant nuance of the cilantro and garlic.
Ingredients For Grilled Chicken Marinade
- Lime juice and zest
- Olive oil
- Cilantro
- Jalapeno
- Garlic
- Honey
- Chili powder
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients.
How To Make Chili Lime Grilled Chicken Recipe
For the chicken, the original recipe calls for chicken breast but I opted for chicken thighs with the skin and bone.
I remove the bones prior to marinating the chicken and still keep the skin. The end result is crispy skin, and tender, juicy chicken meat.
I love the combination of chili, cilantro, garlic, and lime juice in the marinade. They pair so well with the chicken, with a tint of spiciness from the chili.
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep at medium heat covered for about 5-7 minutes, then flip it over. Grill for another 5-7 minutes, or until the thermometer reads 165°.
Yes, chicken is high in protein and also low in calories. It is very useful in diets working to shed body fat.
No. You can make it anytime with a cast-iron grill pan or regular skillet, or bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes at 400F. The end result is always amazing.
This recipe is only 515 calories per serving.
What To Serve With Chili Lime Grilled Chicken
For a wholesome meal and easy BBQ party, I recommend the following recipes.
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Other Recipes You Might Like
Chili Lime Grilled Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 – 2 1/2 lbs. (900g-1.1kg) skin on chicken thighs
Marinade:
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- 3 teaspoons fresh lime zest
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped finely
- 2 jalapeño, chopped finely
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped finely
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder , or to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the chicken thighs, remove the bones, leaving the skin on, and pat them dry with paper towels. Set aside.
- Get a big bowl and mix all the ingredients for the marinade together using a whisk. Make sure the marinade is well combined.
- Add the chicken to the marinade, making sure to stir and coat the chicken evenly. Marinate for 2 hours.
- Fire up the grill, brush a little oil on the surface. Add some of the garlic, cilantro, and jalapeno from the marinade on top of the chicken and grill until golden brown and charred on both sides. Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I made this recipe last week and really loved it. So easy and very few ingredients! I am making again tonight!
Nice! :)
This looks amazing. I want to try this but no one in my household likes cilantro. Can you recommend a substitute? Would fresh parsley work?
Can I marinate overnight..?
Yes.
Good
1
Hi Kelly…does the recipe ingredients need to be doubled up or that is a print error?
We absolutely love this chicken recipe (made with chicken breast) I have made it a few times. Did I mention my husband is a picky eater? Last time instead of honey I subbed it with maple syrup so my toddler could enjoy it and I double the chilli powder !! It’s awesome. Going to try it with chicken thigh tonight ! It’s not spicy whatsoever it’s just packed with flavour !
Thanks for your support.
Did this recipe tonight in the oven. Was AMAZING!!! I then shredded the chicken and we did chicken tacos. My wife went back for seconds AND thirds!
Definitely a keeper!
Awesome!
Hi, did you grill the chicken in the oven or bake? When she mentioned grill does that mean oven grill or on the pan?
Tossing chicken over a mixed green salad with corn, black beans, avocado, pepper jack cheese, and pico de Gallo with an avocado ranch dressing.
I made this delicious dish, Chili Lime Chicken for my family tonight. It was absolutely perfect! I followed the recipe & will add it to my recipes my family loves. And did I mention easy & quick? Perfect for busy people today. I want my children to have recipes that are fast, easy on the budget & delicious!
Thanks for trying my recipe!
Am I seeing double or are some of the ingredients listed twice? I’m confused.
Same thing happened to me
ME TO.
I can’t even count how many times I’ve made this. I use bone in skin on thighs because I think bone in chicken is just more flavorful. Then have my husband throw it on the grill. I’ve even (accidentally) had it sit in the marinade for a couple of days and it’s even better. I’m going to try another reviewer’s idea of using it with shrimp.
Thanks for trying my recipe!