Chili Lime Chicken

Bright, zesty, and weeknight-friendly, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a flavor-packed meal the whole family will love.

introduction

Chili Lime Chicken is all about bright citrus, smoky chili, and juicy, tender chicken—perfect for tacos, salads, or a quick dinner. If you’re looking for more bold chicken ideas to rotate into your meal plan, try this savory Chicken Philly Cheesesteak recipe for a satisfying twist on weeknight chicken. This recipe is simple, kid-approved, and perfect for meal prep or last-minute entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Chili Lime Chicken :

• Big, bright flavor from fresh lime and chili powder without lots of fuss.
• Fast marinade and quick cook time—ready in under an hour.
• Meal-prep friendly: cooks ahead and stays juicy in the fridge.
• Versatile: serve with rice, in tacos, on salads, or sliced for bowls.
• Family-friendly heat that you can easily adjust.

Ingredients Needed :

Protein

• 4 chicken breasts

Marinade

• 2 limes, juiced (about 3 tbsp)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Spices

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings & Garnish

• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions :

1. In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, chili powder, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken breasts to the marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill or oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Cook the chicken on the grill for about 6-7 minutes per side or bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, until cooked through.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve with rice, veggies, or in tacos.

Serving Suggestions Chili Lime Chicken

• Serve sliced over cilantro-lime rice with a side of roasted corn and black beans.
• Make tacos: warm tortillas, shredded cabbage, a squeeze of lime, and a drizzle of crema.
• For a lighter option, tuck sliced chicken onto a mixed green salad with avocado and a lime vinaigrette.
• If you want a comforting soup idea after a spicy chicken night, try a soothing Chicken Velvet Soup to use leftover chicken in a cozy bowl.

Tips for Success Chili Lime Chicken

• Marinate at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) for best flavor and tenderness.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking for a nice sear on the grill or in a hot skillet.
• Use a meat thermometer—165°F internal temperature ensures perfectly cooked chicken.
• If using thicker breasts, pound to even thickness or slice in half horizontally for even cooking.
• Turn leftover chicken into a quick dinner: slice and serve over mashed potatoes or try it in a family-friendly ground chicken Salisbury steak recipe adaptation for more variety.

variation (if any)

• Swap chicken breasts for thighs for extra juiciness; reduce baking time slightly.
• Add 1 tablespoon honey or agave to the marinade for a sweet-spicy glaze.
• Make skewers: cube chicken, thread onto skewers with peppers and onion, and grill 8–10 minutes.
• Turn into a marinade for fish or shrimp—adjust cook times accordingly.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes—boneless thighs stay juicier and need slightly less time (about 20–25 minutes in the oven).

Q: How long can I marinate the chicken?
A: For best results marinate 30 minutes to 4 hours. Avoid marinating more than 8–12 hours as the acid can start to change texture.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely—this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Double-check any sides or toppings for hidden gluten.

Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.

Q: Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
A: Yes—slice or keep whole, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Chili Lime Chicken

Bright, zesty chicken infused with citrus and chili, perfect for tacos, salads, or a quick dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 260

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Protein

• 4 pieces chicken breasts

Marinade

• 2 limes juiced (about 3 tbsp)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Spices

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings & Garnish

• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, chili powder, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken breasts to the marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes.

Cooking

1. Preheat the grill or oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the chicken on the grill for about 6-7 minutes per side or bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, until cooked through.
3. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve with rice, veggies, or in tacos.

Notes

Marinate at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) for best flavor and tenderness. Pat chicken dry before cooking for a nice sear on the grill or in a hot skillet. Use a meat thermometer—165°F internal temperature ensures perfectly cooked chicken. If using thicker breasts, pound to even thickness or slice in half horizontally for even cooking. Turn leftover chicken into a quick dinner: slice and serve over mashed potatoes or try it in a family-friendly ground chicken Salisbury steak recipe adaptation for more variety.