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Plate of grilled chicken garnished with chili and lime slices

Chili Lime Grilled Chicken

A flavorful and juicy chicken dish marinated in a vibrant blend of lime and chili, perfect for summer barbecues and quick weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice Use fresh limes for best flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro Chopped.
  • 1 small jalapeño Chopped, adjust quantity for heat preference.
  • 2 cloves garlic Minced.
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces skin-on chicken thighs Rinsed and bones removed.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Rinse the chicken thighs, remove the bones, and pat them dry with paper towels.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, honey, salt, and chili powder until well combined.
  3. Add the chicken to the marinade, coating it evenly. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
Cooking
  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high, about 400°F (200°C). Brush the grill grates with a little oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Place some of the garlic, cilantro, and jalapeños from the marinade on top of the chicken and grill for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and charred.
Serving
  1. Remove from the grill and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Don't overcrowd the grill; let the chicken rest before slicing for juiciness. Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken is cooked to a safe temperature (165°F/74°C). Variations include adding more heat with jalapeños or introducing different citrus flavors.