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This vibrant Chili Lime Chicken delivers bold, fresh flavors in every bite. A perfect balance of citrus, spice, and herbs transforms simple chicken into an impressive dish that works beautifully for both casual dinners and entertaining.
This recipe emerged from experimenting with bright, citrus-based marinades. The combination of fresh lime, chili, and honey creates a perfectly balanced sauce that caramelizes beautifully during cooking.
Key Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Select uniform thickness for even cooking
- Fresh limes: Provides essential citrus flavor
- Cilantro: Brings brightness and color
- Local honey: Creates perfect sweet-heat balance
- Fresh garlic: Offers aromatic base notes
- Red chili: Adds customizable heat
- Extra virgin olive oil: Binds marinade ingredients
Cooking Method
- Prepare Marinade:
- Combine minced garlic, chopped cilantro, fresh lime juice, sliced chili, honey and oil. Mix thoroughly.
- Prepare Chicken:
- Trim and pat dry chicken breasts. Season with salt. Pour marinade over chicken. Rest 30 minutes.
- Cook Chicken:
- Heat pan to medium. Cook chicken until golden. Flip once. Baste occasionally.
- Monitor Temperature:
- Check for 165°F internal temperature. Let rest before slicing.
- Finish Dish:
- Slice chicken. Add fresh herbs. Serve with lime wedges.
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Heat Control
Maintaining steady medium heat ensures proper caramelization while keeping the chicken moist. Watch carefully as the honey can burn if heat is too high.
Advance Preparation
Double the marinade recipe to keep extra on hand. Chicken can marinate up to 8 hours. Prepare ingredients the night before for quick assembly.
Serving Ideas
Serve over fluffy coconut rice or quinoa. Add roasted seasonal vegetables or fresh mango salsa. Leftovers work perfectly in salads with avocado.
Storage Method
Store cooled chicken in sealed containers. Keep extra marinade separate. When reheating, add moisture and finish with fresh lime juice.
Recipe Variations
Try adding orange juice for sweetness or gochugaru for Korean-style heat. Mexican-inspired versions include ground coriander and dried oregano.
Side Dish Options
Pair with fresh cabbage slaw in summer or roasted root vegetables in winter. Rice, grains, or crusty bread complement the sauce.
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This versatile Chili Lime Chicken brings vibrant flavors to any meal. The balanced blend of citrus, heat and herbs creates a reliably delicious dish that works for various occasions and serving styles.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is it possible to marinate the chicken for several hours?
- Definitely, marinating for up to 8 hours in the fridge enhances the flavor a lot.
- → Can I cook this with thighs instead of chicken breast?
- Sure, boneless thighs are a great choice and turn out incredibly tender.
- → What kind of sides go well with this dish?
- Try it with rice, quinoa, a crisp salad, or roasted veggies for a satisfying meal.
- → Can I cook it on the grill instead of a pan?
- Absolutely, it’s amazing on the grill. Just cook 5–6 minutes per side on medium-high heat.
- → Can I make the marinade milder?
- Sure thing, just skip or cut down on the chili peppers and flakes for less spice.