Get ready to transform your dinner routine with a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired dish that's not just delicious, but also incredibly healthy! This Grilled Fiesta Lime Chicken is about to become your new go-to recipe, promising a perfect blend of zesty lime, bold spices, and perfectly grilled chicken that will make your taste buds dance with excitement. Whether you're watching your carb intake or simply craving a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to create the marinade. Whisk ingredients thoroughly until well blended.
- Place chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate. (For more intense flavor, marinate up to 2 hours, but not longer to prevent meat from becoming tough).
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (approximately 400-425°F). Clean and lightly oil grill grates to prevent chicken from sticking.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard remaining marinade to prevent cross-contamination.
- Place chicken breasts on preheated grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer at the thickest part.
- During grilling, avoid moving chicken too frequently. Allow nice grill marks to form and ensure even cooking.
- Once fully cooked, remove chicken from grill and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. Optional: Serve with lime wedges for extra citrus flavor.
Tips
- Marination Magic: Don't rush the marinating process. While 15-30 minutes works great, letting the chicken sit for up to 2 hours can intensify the flavors without compromising meat texture.
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F. This guarantees both safety and juiciness.
- Grill Technique: Preheat your grill and clean the grates to prevent sticking. Let the chicken develop beautiful grill marks by minimizing flipping.
- Resting Matters: Always let your chicken rest 3-5 minutes after grilling. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is succulent and tender.
- Flavor Boosters: Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime just before serving can elevate the dish from good to extraordinary.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the marinade in advance and have your chicken ready to go for quick weeknight meals or weekend grilling.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 95mg
