Pic Credit: allrecipes
This recipe is very appealing, and one is able to prepare chili lime chicken through the blend of fresh lime juice and chili powder. This simple preparation is appropriate for family, barbecues or to prepare ahead for the working week. Besides, the blending of spices not only improves the taste, but also helps to soften the chicken as well as to make a succulent and delicious meal.
RECIPE INGREDIENTS
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Zest of 1 lime
MEASURES & PRECAUTIONS
- Marinating Time: Refrigerate and marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes up to 4 hours in order that the spices may imbibe the meat. Marination improves the taste of the products, and increased period of marination should take place to a certain limit to avoid texture alteration, which should not exceed 24 hours.
- Chicken Thickness: It is important that the chicken breasts should have equal thickness which should be about ½ inch and this should be done using a meat tenderizer. This makes sure that all the portions are cooked from a similar level.
- Oil Temperature: To grill, adjust the heat on your grill to medium-high also referred to as 375 degrees Fahrenheit. For stovetop cooking, heat oil in skillet on medium heat and then put chicken into the skillet.
- Cooking Time: For both, white and dark-skinned chickens, grill each side of the chicken for around 5 to 7 minutes or until the internal temperature reads 165 °F. Always put your meat on the thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- Resting Period: Before slicing the chicken let it to rest for around 5 minutes to allow the juice to redistribute on the chicken meat.
Chili Lime Chicken Recipe
INGREDIENTS NOTES
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Olive Oil: The recommended type of oil is extra virgin olive oil which adds richness to the dish; this helps in moistening the chicken while at the same time giving it that good flavor.
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Fresh Lime Juice vs Bottled: There is a big difference between freshly squeezed lime juice and the stuff from the bottle which should always be preferred when available.
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Spice Adjustments: Spiciness can be controlled according to the quantity of chili powder that has been added; use cayenne pepper, if you want it even spicier.
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Honey Addition: The lime juice that has been used is acidic and honey is mixed to complement the acid and it can be omitted in case you want a bitter taste.
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Zest Importance: It helps in flavoring your dish without need to add drips more liquid; it is vital when making the citrus colors and taste to come out bright.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
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To make the marinade, mix the olive oil, fresh lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl; if using honey, add it to the mix and whisk until combined with lime zest.
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Put the marinade and the boneless skinless chicken breasts in a secure bowl or you can properly seal the chicken in a plastic bag. Make sure that all pieces are nicely coated in the mixture.
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This should be followed by tightly sealing the bag or placing the bowl containing the chicken and the marinade in a plastic wrap and refrigerating it for at least half an hour or up to four hours so as to allow the flavors to be absorbed in the chicken.
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Warm your grill or skilet on medium high heat, this is optional but if your using a skillet, add a tiny drop of olive oil so that the food does not stick on the surface.
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Take away the chicken from the marinade and dispose the remaining marinade; put chicken on hot grill or pan.
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Grill about 5-7 minutes per side or until done to an internal temperature of 165 °F. Do not flip frequently to enable browning on the one side then the other.
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Remove chicken after it has been cooked and let it sit for about 5 minutes then slice or portion as preferred.
RECIPE TIPS & VARIATIONS
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Grilling vs Baking: Although, grilling is ideal for it because of the smoky flavor, one can also bake this dish at 400 °F for about 20 to 25 minutes if one is not able to use the grill.
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Meal Prep Option: This recipe is perfect for meal prep; prepare more servings for consumption in salads or wrap for the remainder of the week; as a tip, flavors become even better when left to marinate in the fridge for several hours.
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Vegetarian Alternative: To make this dish vegetarian or vegan replace chicken with firm tofu that is marinated in the same way or with portobello mushrooms; adjust cooking time depending on what protein is used.
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Serving Suggestions: Enjoy it with cilantro lime rice or roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal that has the feel of the southwestern United States.
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Leftover Ideas: Try remaining chili lime chicken in a taco or a bowl with avocado and fresh salsa afterward if you’re looking for a quick lunch the next day!
EQUIPMENT
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Grill or grill pan
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Mixing bowl
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Resealable plastic bag
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Meat thermometer
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Tongs
Note
SERVING TIPS 💡
- Best served with lime wedges on the side, you can cook chili lime chicken on the grill or in a skillet and enjoy it served piping hot.
- It is recommended to always garnish food with chopped green cilantro or green onions to improve its appearance and improve taste.
- Accompany flavors such as corn salad or black beans to complement while adding nutrients at the same time.
- For serving, this dish can be made as part of taco bar where you prepare everything and people prepare their meals by themselves.
- Any remaining should be put in an airtight container then refrigerated and should be eaten within 3 days max; the leftover should be warmed slightly before it is consumed.
If you're looking for a quick and flavorful meal, check out this easy Tequila Lime Chicken recipe.
