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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.
Thank you for sharing this. I made it last night for my family. And it was a huge hit. So delicious. I’m now following your blog.
I made this last week with mango salsa over quinoa and it was awesome!! We are having it again this week, because there weren’t any leftovers :) Thanks for this great recipe!
I made the chicken this weekend and it was a huge hit. I baked it in the oven as it was raining all weekend so we didn’t BBQ, but I can’t wait to make this marinade again and get the chicken on the grill.
Yes this chili lime chicken is awesome!
Holy Cow does that look good!! On my menu!
I made this recipe tonight with only 1 hour of marinating. It was absolutely delicious!
I used skinless bonless thighs and thinly slided breasts. This recipe still is great without
the skin. I wouldn’t change anything about the marinade. Next time I will save a little of
it before putting the chicken in to marinate so that I can baste a little on before serving.
Excellent recipe!
Thanks Helen for the recipe. Good idea about saving the marinate to baste the chicken. :)
This was absolutely delicious! I didn’t have the BBQ option available so just used the oven. I’m sure these flavours would be good with any cut of chicken. I used what I had; chicken legs/quarters and baked for about 45 minutes at 375 degrees. This dish had such a wonderful, fresh lime flavour and I used the marinade left in the baking dish to spoon over steamed broccoli… so, so great. I cannot wait to try this on the BBQ because I’m sure that a little char will just put this chicken over the top! I have to say, I’ve had nothing but success with each recipe I’ve tried from this site. Thanks, Bee :)
Hi Heather, thanks so much for your sweet comment. I am so glad you have great results with my recipes. Thank you! :)
I opened my BBQ season with this recipe. Very very good. I have double the marinate and used 1/2 to marinate the chicken for 3 hours and then the other half I used it to brush the chicken on both side at the end of the cooking. Made wraps with the leftover, lunch was as delicious as yesterday night dinner. Love your recipes!
Hi Louise, that’s a great idea, I never thought about that I will update my recipe to reflect your great suggestion. :)
Made this to the “T” as per your recipe for 12 people and it was a hit! All guests commented on the refreshing taste of lime! Thank you!
Thanks Jean. :)
Hi Bee,
It has been awhile and look like I have missed a lot from your blog . Anyway, the recipe look simple and easy to try.
Hi AJ welcome back. Hope all is well. :)
Made this tonight and it will definitely be making a return appearance on future summer menus! I have to admit that after tasting the marinade, I was dubious. I’d like to use this opportunity to take back my doubts.
I was too lazy to bone the thighs I had, so I just left them in. Marinated about four or five hours and served with grilled baby zucchini and corn.
High five to you, sister!