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Chipotle Lime Chicken - crazy delicious and juicy grilled chicken recipe made with chipotle chili, lime juice, garlic and cilantro!
The Best Grilled Chicken
What is better than chili lime chicken? This ridiculously delicious, absolutely mouthwatering and you-just-want-to-eat-them-off-your-screen chipotle lime grilled chicken. I bet you are hungry just by looking at my pictures here.
Needless to say, my entire fridge is filled with fresh limes, bunches of cilantro and lots of chicken thighs. Good things happen when you marinate chicken (skin-on please) with lots of lime, cilantro, and spice it up with some heat, for example: chipotle chili powder.
This chipotle lime grilled chicken is SO good. The crispy and slightly charred skin, moist, juicy and citrusy chicken meat bursting with the flavors of the marinade, with the signature smoky heat from chipotle chili powder.
Ingredients – Chipotle Lime Chicken Marinade
- Lime juice
- Cilantro
- Jalapeno
- Chipotle chili powder
- Garlic
- Honey
- Olive oil
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients.
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 has 278 calories per serving.
What To Serve With Chipotle Lime Chicken
This meal is best served as the main course. For a wholesome and healthy summertime dinner, I recommend the following recipes.
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Other Recipes You Might Like
Chipotle Lime Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 – 2.5 lbs (900g-1.1kg) deboned skin on chicken thighs
Marinade:
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime zest
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 jalapeño, chopped finely
- 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder, or more to taste
- 5 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons salt , or to taste
- lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Leave the skin on the chicken thighs but remove the bones by cutting two slits along each side of the bone. Rinse the chicken with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk all the Marinade ingredients until well combined, reserving some for basting. Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring it is stirred and coated evenly. Marinate for at least 2 hours.
- Fire up the grill and brush a bit of the marinade, along with garlic, cilantro, and jalapeño, on top of the chicken. Grill until the chicken is golden brown and charred on both sides. Serve immediately with fresh lime wedges.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What is the maximum marinade time you recommend? I would like to be able to throw this in the grill when I get home from work. Thank you!
Hi Kandice, overnight is fine!
I just came across this recipe and this is my first time visiting your blog. I am interested in making this this weekend but I don’t know how to grill. Can this be made in the oven or do you have a similar oven recipe you can point me to?
Yes you can make in the oven.
There is no way the nutritional info is right. 42 grams of fat??? Still delicious. I cooked it in the air fryer.
Hi Jeff, this Nutritional Table is done for me by a Nutritionist. I hope it’s correct!
Rasa–
Just finished this on the grill!!! Definitely a keeper!! Family loved it!! Will most likely be making this up again soon!! Thanks for a marvelous recipe!!!! :)
Hi Angie – thanks so much for trying my recipes. I have a bunch of chicken recipes you should try out more: https://rasamalaysia.com/?s=chicken
How long would you recommend baking this for if you are leaving the bone in?
Maybe 5 minutes longer, but it’s best you slice and check doneness.
I want to make this recipe but have couple of questions for you…
1) is it required to remove bone?
2) how do you know when the chicken is done on the grill?
I am new at this but excited to make this recipe which sounds delish!
You don’t have to remove the bones. If you remove bones, it will be easy to tell, but with bones you need to grill longer. Just slice it through with a knife to check doneness.
We made this last night, following your directions exactly. My wife said it was the best chicken ever. FWIW, I bought Mc Cormick chipotle pepper chili powder, used 2 teaspoons in the marinade…gave it a sweet smokey flavor, not hot at all
FWIW2, I grill, roast a lot of chicken (pit barrel, Weber Performer, brined too) so when the Mrs. said it’s the best, it’s the best!
I did not brine the chicken thighs used in this recipe, not needed, the lime takes over that role. There’s a new favorite in our house
Hi Jim – aww, thanks so much. I know this chipotle lime grilled chicken recipe is so amazing. Yes, use more heat, I put down 2 teaspoons for beginners, but add more to taste. I would use 1 heaping tablespoon for sure! :)
Made this tonight, turned out great. Will definitely make it again.
I would like to substitute real chipotles in adobo sauce, how much would you recommend that I use?
Thanks
You can add it to taste. Just add 1/2 tablespoon first and then taste the marinate. If you want more heat, then add more. :)
OMG Bee I am making this for Memorial day for sure!