The BEST Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Recipe starts with a ridiculously simple marinade. Lime, chili and cumin powder, minced garlic, cilantro, salt and olive oil spice up ordinary chicken and make the best juicy chicken. Dunk it in white bbq sauce - AMAZING!
This is a wonderfully simple recipe that your whole family will request over and over again!
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Why you'll love this recipe
If you haven't kicked off grilling season, this is the recipe to start (or continue!) with! and it's SO EASY!
Guys, this is a great recipe, and makes the most flavorful chicken! It makes terrific chicken tacos, kabobs! It's super easy and uses ingredients you have on hand.
Ingredients
Please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements for the marinade ingredients.
- olive oil
- citrus juice, the recipe calls for limes but you could use orange juice as well.
- fresh cilantro
- garlic
- salt
- chili powder
- ground cumin
- boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Did you really need a shopping list? Ha! You have probably everything you need right?!!
Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!
- Add the olive oil to a measuring cup.
- Juice the limes.
- Mince the garlic and cilantro add it to the cup.
- Add the spices.
- Whisk everything together to combine.
Add chicken and marinate for 30 minutes, up to four hours. Remove marinated chicken. Pat dry with a papertowel. Grill on your outdoor grill. Discard used marinade.
Remove the chicken off the grill at 160 degrees and cover it with foil. The residual cooking will continue to cook the chicken and the temperature will rise to 165 degrees.
Equipment
- Measuring cup and measuring spoons
- gallon ziplock bags for marinating
- grill cleaning brush
Using a meat thermometer insert into the thickest part of the meat. Chicken is done when it reaches 165 degrees.
Citrus is great to tenderize chicken - lemon, lime or orange is always a great choice!
Yes you can, especially if it's too acidic. It will change the texture of the chicken making it mushy - ewe!
A plastic bag or zip-top bag is a great way to marinade the chicken. Be sure to place it in a large bowl just in case it springs a leak. Or place it in a large baking dish.
Top Tip
Use a meat thermometer and don't overcook the chicken. Remove the chicken when the temp reads 160, plate and cover with foil. It will continue to cook and reach the perfect temperature!
- Cutting into or slicing the meat prior to resting will allow all of the juices to escape and make your chicken dry. Use a meat thermometer.
- The meat should be firm, not rubbery. Don't overcook the chicken; nobody likes dry chicken!
- Discard any of the Mexican marinade that has been used. Do not reuse the chicken marinade.
Storage
Refrigerate - Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to three days.
Freezer - Mix together the marinade ingredients and add chicken, then freeze. Thaw and grill. This is a great freezer recipe!
More great marinade recipes
I'm such a fan of marinades and there are several on the blog that I know you love and you should definitely try! It's BBQ season - let's break out our grills!
- Lemon Pepper Marinade
- Teriyaki Marinade
- Korean BBQ Sauce Marinade
- Tuna Poke Marinade
- Chicken Fajita Marinade
- Chef's Blend Dry Rub
The addition of a gas grill has made weekday grilling possible, but we've fired up the charcoal grill too - I tell ya it's the best of both worlds!
Serving suggestions
Serve the chicken thinly sliced over this teriyaki noodles recipe - what a perfect meal!
I do love anything grilled so while you're grilling the chicken, put together some grilled vegetables in foil and bbq them right alongside! Here are more easy recipes to enjoy with this meal!
This is recipe is so versatile and the chicken is terrific for taco salad, topping your burrito bowls or chicken fajitas.
- The BEST Macaroni Pasta Salad - classic pasta salad.
- Chipotle Black Beans and Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice are terrific side dishes with this meal!
- Bacon Wrapped Asparagus - everyone's favorite!
- Bow Tie Pasta Salad - no mayo, perfect for cookouts.
- Crockpot Baked Beans - always a favorite!
- BEST Crispy Baked Sweet Potatoes Fries - these are so yummy, be sure to serving with Alabama White BBQ Sauce.
- Paloma Cocktail Recipe with Blood Oranges - so bright and refreshing. Great for a pool party.
Want to try this Chili Lime Chicken Recipe? Then it's time to get your grill on! And when you do, swing back and share your comments below along with a five-star rating, that will make my day!
Be sure to tag me on Instagram @bowl_me_over or #bowlmeover - so I get to see all of your great pictures!!
Mexican Chicken Marinade Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 chicken breasts breasts or thighs, use your favorite cut of meat!
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 limes zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoon cilantro minced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
Instructions
- Start by making the marinade
- Measure the olive oil and add it to a measuring cup or small bowl.
- Juice and zest the limes - add them to the bowl.
- Mince the garlic and cilantro. Measure the spices and add everything to the bowl.
- Whisk everything together well. Pour into a ziplock bag.
- Add the chicken. Massage all the spices into the chicken. Allow to set for 30 minutes. Do not refrigerate, this way the meat will come to room temperature and be better for grilling!
- Now it's time to grill! Remove from the marinade, heat your grill and grill the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
- Cover and allow to rest for 30 minutes. Enjoy!
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Nutrition
As I was writing this post, Dan looked over my shoulder at the pictures and said "ooh! I forgot how good that chicken is, can we have that for dinner again?!" I stopped what I was doing, went into the kitchen and pulled some frozen chicken breast out of the freezer. Dinner for tomorrow night? Decision made!
What Dan asks.... Dan gets! Hey... he spoils me, so I can do the same for him! 😀
We've been doing lots of grilling now for the last month or so - grilled lamb, ribs, burgers - you name it! Ooh and if you're looking for a great sauce, be sure to make this recipe for Alabama White Sauce - so yummy with grilled chicken!
Angela Paris says
This chicken looks incredible! I love the lime and chili combo 🙂
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you!! These flavors are so amazing together!!
Brandi Burgess says
I could eat marinaded grilled chicken EVERY SINGLE DAY! I can't wait to try this chili lime version!!!
Bowl Me Over says
It is soooo good, time to fire up the grill Brandi!
Lori says
Chili and lime are one of my favorite flavor pairings! Definitely going to give this recipe a try next time we fire up the grill!
Bowl Me Over says
Sounds great Lori, I know you’ll love this marinade!!
Madi says
This sounds like such an awesome summer meal! I love the combination of flavors!
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you Madi!!
Jennifer A Stewart says
I love all the tart and spicy flavors of chili lime chicken! What a great recipe and definitely a keeper!
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you Jennifer!
Sandra Shaffer says
Yep, I DO have everything I need to make this grilled chili lime chicken. I'll marinade the meat and Alan will fire up the grill! Can't wait to try this juicy chicken dish!
Bowl Me Over says
Sounds great Sandra, enjoy!!
Ashlyn says
You know it's a good one when your hubby asks you to make it again! I think I'll have to go and pull some frozen chicken out to make this, too! Perfect for all the grilling we are doing this summer!
Bowl Me Over says
I know, right?!! Enjoy your BBQ Ashlyn!!
Angela says
Definitely going on this weeks menu!! Such awesome flavors in this grilled chicken!! Thanks for another fantastic recipe!
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you Angela!!!
Michele Hall says
I can never find my thermometer, so the tip on making sure the juices run clear is GOLDEN!!! I cant wait to try these spices on my chicken!
Bowl Me Over says
You’ll love it Michele, this marinade has so much flavor!!
Dan from Platter Talk says
We have a version similar to this, minus the chili powder and cumin. I can only imagine that extra little pizzazz that those two elements contribute to the flavor profile of this gorgeous grilled chicken. Thanks so much for sharing!
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you Dan!!
Lois says
I’ve made this before and it is very good. Very easy to so and has so much flavor. Love it.
Bowl Me Over says
Thank you so much much, I'm so glad you're enjoying this recipe!