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Plate of grilled chicken garnished with chili lime for a flavorful dish

Chili Lime Grilled Chicken

A juicy and zesty grilled chicken dish infused with a vibrant lime and jalapeño marinade, perfect for summer gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Grilling, Mexican
Calories: 240
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice Bright, tangy flavor
  • 3 teaspoons fresh lime zest Enhances citrus flavor
  • 1/4 cup olive oil Keeps chicken moist
  • 4 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped finely) Adds herbal note
  • 2 jalapeños (chopped finely) Adds heat
  • 4 cloves garlic (chopped finely) Brings warmth and depth
  • 1 tablespoon honey Balances acidity
  • 2 teaspoons salt Enhances flavors
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder Adds smoky flavor
For the Chicken
  • 2 - 2.5 lbs skin-on chicken thighs Tender and juicy

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water, remove the bones while keeping the skin on, then pat them dry with paper towels.
Marinade
  1. In a large bowl, combine all marinade ingredients and whisk until well combined.
  2. Add chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are coated evenly, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Grill
  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and brush grates with olive oil.
  2. Remove chicken from marinade, allow excess to drip off, and place some garlic, cilantro, and jalapeño mix on top.
  3. Grill chicken thighs for about 6-8 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Notes

To enhance flavor, sprinkle with salt or a squeeze of lime juice before serving. Substitute chicken thighs for breasts if desired but adjust grilling time.