Chili Lime Chicken Recipe (Juicy Grilled Chicken)
This chili lime chicken recipe makes juicy grilled chicken with a bold chili-lime marinade. Easy, versatile, and ready in under an hour.
Servings: 6
Calories: 331kcal
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken breasts or boneless skinless thighs
Chili Lime Marinade
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice about 2 limes
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ½-1 teaspoon chipotle powder optional, for smoky flavor
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar optional, for better caramelization
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 jalapeño pepper finely minced (optional but recommended)
For Serving
- Lime wedges
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Pinch of Tajin optional, for finishing
Instructions
- Make the Marinade. Whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, honey, soy sauce, chili powder, chipotle powder (if using), smoked paprika, cumin, brown sugar (if using), salt, pepper, and jalapeño in a large bowl.
- Prep the Chicken. If using chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness (about ¾ inch) using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan. This helps them cook evenly on the grill.
- Marinate the Chicken. Add the chicken to the marinade and toss to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though 2-4 hours is ideal for deeper flavor. Avoid marinating longer than 8 hours, as the lime juice can affect the texture.
- Preheat the Grill. Heat grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken. Remove from marinade and let excess drip off. Grill over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side for chicken breasts or 6-8 minutes per side for chicken thighs, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest and Serve. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, and a pinch of Tajin if you like. Serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before grilling for more consistent results
- Finish with a fresh squeeze of lime right off the grill
- Swap jalapeño for serrano or habanero for more heat
Nutrition
Calories: 331kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 585mg | Potassium: 280mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 834IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 2mg