Go Back
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 jalapeños, finely chopped - Zest of 1 lime - 1/4 cup fresh lime juice - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon honey (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, for garnish For this tasty dish, you need just a handful of ingredients. Start with chicken breasts. They are the main part of the meal. Make sure they are boneless and skinless to keep it simple. Then grab some olive oil. It helps the flavors stick and adds a nice touch. Jalapeños give this chicken its kick. I like to chop them finely. If you want less heat, remove the seeds. Lime zest and juice add a fresh twist. The zest gives great aroma and brightens the dish. Don't forget garlic! It adds depth and flavor. Ground cumin brings warmth and earthiness. If you like a hint of sweetness, add honey. Salt and pepper balance everything. Finally, fresh cilantro adds color and freshness when you serve it. Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to create a summer delight that’s sure to impress! First, take a large bowl. Combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil with spices. Add the zest of one lime and 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice. Next, stir in 2 finely chopped jalapeños and 3 minced garlic cloves. If you want a hint of sweetness, mix in 1 teaspoon of honey. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade. Now, take 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Coat each piece in the marinade, ensuring they are well covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grates to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off. Discard any leftover marinade. Place the chicken on the grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes on one side. Flip and continue grilling for another 6-7 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill. Let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy. While resting, chop fresh cilantro for garnish. Slice the grilled chicken and sprinkle the chopped cilantro on top before serving. Marination is key for great taste. I suggest marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, go for 2 hours. The longer it sits, the better it absorbs the marinade. You can adjust the spice level by using jalapeños with or without seeds. For less heat, remove the seeds. If you want more kick, keep them in. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This helps to get nice grill marks. Oil the grates well to stop sticking. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on one side. Flip and grill for another 6-7 minutes. Always check for doneness. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) inside. Use a meat thermometer for the best results. Plate your chicken on a large dish. Garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro. This adds color and flavor. You can serve it with grilled veggies or a fresh salad. Both make great sides that complete the meal. Enjoy the bright flavors of summer! {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of the chicken by using different herbs or spices. Try adding fresh basil or oregano for a new twist. You can also use garlic powder or paprika for extra depth. For citrus, lime is great, but lemon and orange work well too. Each option gives a unique taste, so feel free to experiment. If you don’t have a grill, you can still enjoy this recipe. Oven baking works well; preheat it to 400°F (200°C) and cook the chicken on a baking sheet. You can also use a stovetop skillet. Heat some oil in the pan and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side. A grill pan gives nice marks and flavor, too. To make your chicken even better, think about adding sweet or smoky elements. A bit of brown sugar or smoked paprika can change the taste. You can also grill fruits like peaches or pineapples alongside the chicken. Veggies such as bell peppers and onions add color and flavor. These ideas make your meal more exciting and delicious. To keep your jalapeño lime grilled chicken fresh, wrap it well. Use plastic wrap or a tight container. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. This way, it stays juicy and flavorful. Remember, the sooner you eat it, the better the taste! For reheating, the oven works best. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. This method helps keep it moist. You can also use a microwave, but it may dry out the chicken. If you choose the microwave, heat it in short bursts. Add a splash of water to keep it juicy. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze grilled chicken for up to three months. For thawing, move it to the fridge for a night. This slow thaw keeps the texture intact. Once thawed, follow the reheating tips to enjoy your dish again. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken. If you don’t have one, cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear, and the meat should not be pink inside. Cooking time may vary depending on your grill and chicken thickness. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Marinating the chicken is key to great flavor. I suggest marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For even more flavor, let it sit in the marinade for up to 2 hours. After marinating, store the chicken in the fridge until you’re ready to grill. This makes the dish perfect for meal prep! Many side dishes go well with jalapeño lime grilled chicken. Here are a few tasty options: - Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn - A fresh, crisp salad with lime vinaigrette - Cilantro lime rice for a zesty touch - Black beans for protein and fiber - Corn on the cob for a sweet crunch These sides will complement the chicken’s spicy and tangy flavors perfectly! In this blog post, I shared how to make delicious jalapeño lime grilled chicken. You learned about the essential ingredients and the step-by-step instructions for marinating and grilling. I included tips for flavor, grilling, and even variations to keep meals fresh and exciting. Don't forget about storing and reheating your leftovers properly. Enjoy trying different sides and enhancing the meal as you like. With these simple steps, you can impress anyone at your next cookout!

Jalapeño Lime Grilled Chicken

Spice up your dinner with this delicious Jalapeño Lime Grilled Chicken recipe! Perfectly grilled and bursting with flavor, this dish combines zesty lime, fresh jalapeños, and aromatic garlic. It's easy to make for any occasion and packs a punch that your taste buds will love. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering meal.
Print Recipe Save Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)

Zest of 1 lime

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon honey (optional for a hint of sweetness)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large bowl, combine olive oil, chopped jalapeños, lime zest, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.

    Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.

      Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure to oil the grates to prevent sticking.

        Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the leftover marinade.

          Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on one side, then flip and continue grilling for another 6-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).

            Once cooked, remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes.

              While resting, chop fresh cilantro.

                Slice the grilled chicken and sprinkle chopped cilantro on top before serving.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken on a large platter, garnished with lime wedges and additional cilantro. You can also accompany it with a side of grilled vegetables or a refreshing salad for a complete meal.