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This chili lime grilled chicken is my favorite for weekend cookouts or whenever I want a quick, flavorful meal that feels like a party on the plate. The juicy thighs soak up the bright marinade and get a wonderful char on the grill making every bite a little taste of summer.
I threw this together for a backyard gathering and now it’s our go-to anytime we want easy but impressive grilling
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs with skin on: keep the meat moist and juicy when grilling
- Fresh lime juice and zest: bring vibrant acidity that cuts through the richness
- Olive oil: helps carry flavors and keeps the chicken from sticking on the grill
- Fresh cilantro: adds a herbal brightness so chop it finely for even distribution
- Jalapeños: give a fresh spicy kick, adjust based on how much heat you like
- Garlic: brings savory depth, chopping finely ensures it mixes well into the marinade
- Honey: balances the heat and acidity with a touch of sweetness
- Salt: enhances all the flavors and helps tenderize the meat
- Chili powder: rounds out the marinade with smoky warmth, pick a good quality one for best flavor
Instructions
- Build The Marinade:
- Whisk together lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, chopped cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, honey, salt, and chili powder in a large bowl until everything is well combined. This marinade is bright, spicy, and balanced which helps the chicken soak up great flavor.
- Prep The Chicken:
- Rinse and pat dry the chicken thighs. Remove bones carefully but leave the skin on to keep the chicken moist and flavorful as it grills. Patting dry is important so the marinade sticks and you get a nice char.
- Marinate The Chicken:
- Add chicken to the bowl with marinade and toss to coat every piece evenly. Cover and let the chicken soak for at least 2 hours in the fridge to develop deep flavor. If you have more time, a longer marinate won’t hurt.
- Heat The Grill:
- Preheat your grill and brush its surface lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Place the chicken thighs skin side down first and sprinkle some of the extra chopped garlic, cilantro, and jalapeños from the marinade on top for extra flavor.
- Grill To Perfection:
- Grill the chicken over medium-high heat until the skin is golden brown and charred in spots about 8 to 10 minutes per side depending on the size. Make sure to watch carefully so it doesn’t burn. The skin should be crispy while the meat stays juicy.
- Serve Immediately:
- Bring the chicken off the grill and serve hot with your favorite sides. The bright, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors make this a crowd-pleaser every time.
I love the brightness the fresh lime zest brings, it really wakes up the chicken. A family memory I cherish is gathering around the grill on warm evenings as the air filled with citrus and spice—it always feels like celebration.
Storage tips
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. You can also slice cold chicken into salads or wraps for easy lunches.
Ingredient swaps
Chicken breasts can work but grilling skinless chicken thighs gives the best flavor and juiciness. If you don’t have fresh cilantro, finely chopped parsley adds a fresh note though different. Swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar for a different kind of sweetness.
Serving ideas
Serve with grilled corn on the cob and a simple black bean salad for a colorful plate. Toss leftover chicken with a vibrant slaw and warm tortillas for quick tacos. Add a cooling avocado or sour cream based sauce to balance the heat.
This chili lime grilled chicken recipe brings summer flavors to your table effortlessly and impresses guests every time.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → What cut of chicken works best for this dish?
Skin-on chicken thighs are ideal because their fat content keeps the meat juicy and flavorful during grilling.
- → How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours to ensure the flavors fully penetrate the meat for a balanced taste.
- → Can this be grilled on a charcoal barbecue?
Yes, grilling over charcoal adds a smoky depth that complements the chili lime marinade beautifully.
- → How can I adjust the spiciness level?
Reduce the amount of chili powder and jalapeños or remove seeds for milder heat, or add more for extra spice.
- → Is it necessary to remove the bones from the chicken thighs?
Removing bones can make eating easier, but leaving them in helps retain moisture and flavor during cooking.