Chili Lime Grilled Chicken (Printable Version)

Juicy chicken marinated in lime and spices, grilled to perfection.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

→ Marinade

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - Zest and juice of 2 limes
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1–2 fresh red chilies, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon chili flakes)
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
10 - 1 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

# Directions:

01 - Whisk together olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, chilies, cumin, smoked paprika, honey, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl until well combined.
02 - Add chicken breasts to the bowl, turning to coat evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
03 - Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature (approximately 375°F to 400°F).
04 - Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Grill for 6 to 8 minutes per side until cooked through and juices run clear. Internal temperature should reach 165°F when tested with a meat thermometer.
05 - Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice and serve with lime wedges and additional cilantro if desired.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The combination of bright lime and smoky paprika creates layers of flavor that develop beautifully on the grill
  • Its deceptively simple to prepare but tastes like something from a restaurant, making it perfect for impressing guests without stress
02 -
  • Patting the chicken dry before grilling helps it develop better sear marks, though some marinade clinging to the surface is desirable for flavor
  • The honey in the marinade can cause faster browning, so watch closely during the last few minutes of cooking
03 -
  • Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly, so let it sit out for twenty minutes before grilling
  • A clean grill rack prevents sticking and helps achieve those restaurant-quality sear marks

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