Craving a zesty, mouthwatering chicken dish that'll transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico? Look no further than this Grilled Mexican Lime Chicken – a perfect blend of tangy, spicy, and smoky flavors that will revolutionize your dinner routine! In just 35 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that's guaranteed to impress your family and friends, making you the culinary hero of your household.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to create a marinade. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended.
- Place the chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring each piece is completely coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more intense flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F. Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade to prevent cross-contamination.
- Place chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes on the first side, with the grill lid closed, until nice grill marks appear.
- Flip the chicken and continue grilling for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove chicken from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. This helps keep the meat moist and tender.
- Slice chicken against the grain and serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro or lime wedges.
Tips
- Marinating is Key: Don't rush the marinating process. While 30 minutes works, letting the chicken sit for 2 hours will intensify the flavors and tenderize the meat.
- Temperature Matters: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption. This prevents overcooking and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Grill Preparation: Clean and oil your grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking and achieve those beautiful grill marks.
- Resting Time: Never skip the 5-minute resting period after grilling. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is succulent and flavorful.
- Customize Your Garnish: Elevate the dish with fresh cilantro, extra lime wedges, or a sprinkle of chopped green onions for added freshness and visual appeal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 239kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 31g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg
