Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe brings together spicy, tangy, and savory flavors in one simple marinade that infuses the chicken with bold character. It’s incredibly easy to prep and grill, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. The marinade does all the work while the grill adds that irresistible smoky finish. It’s healthy, gluten-free, and pairs well with everything from rice and salads to tacos and wraps.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
lime juice (freshly squeezed)
lime zest
olive oil
garlic (minced)
chili powder
paprika (smoked or sweet)
cumin
honey or maple syrup (optional for balance)
salt
black pepper
chopped cilantro (for garnish)
lime wedges (for serving)
Directions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, garlic, chili powder, paprika, cumin, honey, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
- Place chicken in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
- Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken has nice grill marks.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Marinating time: 30 minutes to 8 hours
Cook time: 12–14 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes (plus marinating)
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade for extra heat.
- Sweet & Spicy: Increase the honey or use agave for a sweeter balance.
- Citrus Blend: Add orange juice or zest for a slightly sweeter citrus note.
- Baked Version: Bake the marinated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes if you don’t have a grill.
- Grilled Veggie Addition: Add bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the grill for a full meal.
- Taco-Ready: Slice and serve the grilled chicken in tortillas with salsa and avocado for easy tacos.
- Yogurt Marinade: Add a bit of Greek yogurt to the marinade for a creamier texture and tang.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through or microwave in short intervals to prevent drying.
Grilled chicken can also be enjoyed cold over salads or in wraps.
For longer storage, freeze grilled chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, bone-in pieces work great but will require a longer grilling time. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for best flavor, marinate for 4–8 hours. Avoid marinating over 12 hours to prevent the chicken from becoming mushy.
Can I cook this chicken indoors?
Yes, use a grill pan or cast iron skillet on the stovetop. You can also broil the chicken in the oven.
What’s the best way to get grill marks?
Preheat the grill thoroughly and avoid moving the chicken too soon. Let it sear before flipping.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your spices and condiments are certified gluten-free if needed.
What sides go well with chili lime chicken?
Try cilantro-lime rice, grilled corn, black bean salad, or a fresh avocado salsa.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice is best for flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken the night before and grill when ready. Leftovers also taste great cold.
Can I use this marinade for other meats?
Absolutely. It works well with shrimp, pork, or even tofu.
What should I do with leftover chicken?
Slice and use it in tacos, burrito bowls, salads, or sandwiches.
Conclusion
Grilled Chili Lime Chicken is a simple yet powerful recipe that delivers bright, smoky, and spicy flavor with every bite. Perfect for grilling season or anytime you crave something fresh and bold, this dish is versatile, healthy, and guaranteed to be a hit. Make it once, and it will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.
PrintGrilled Chili Lime Chicken
Grilled Chili Lime Chicken is a bold and zesty dish featuring juicy chicken marinated in a vibrant blend of lime juice, chili spices, and garlic, then grilled to perfection. It’s smoky, citrusy, and perfect for warm-weather meals or easy weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, garlic, chili powder, paprika, cumin, honey, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Place chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 8 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5–7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- Add cayenne or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Use orange juice or zest for a sweeter citrus note.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes if you don’t have a grill.
- Great in tacos, salads, or wraps.
- Add grilled veggies for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
