Zesty Grilled Lime Chicken
Grilled chicken: master juicy, flavorful chicken breasts with a zesty Mexican lime marinade. Perfect for a quick, healthy weeknight dinner or summer BBQ.
Prep Time 1 hour hr 58 minutes mins
Cook Time 12 minutes mins
Total Time 2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 280 kcal
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 cup oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
Combine salt, chili powder, garlic powder, oil, and fresh lime juice in a bowl for the marinade.
Place chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or dish and pour the marinade over them. Marinate for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 hours for best flavor.
Drain the chicken breasts well, discarding excess marinade.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Let chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
- For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but no more than 4 hours. Longer marinating times with acidic marinades can sometimes toughen the chicken.
- Ensure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking and achieve those perfect grill marks. - To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer. Chicken breasts are safely cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at their thickest part. I once overcooked chicken because I relied solely on visual cues, and it made all the difference to use a thermometer.
- Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It's excellent sliced cold over salads or in wraps.
Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.