Description
This Grilled Chicken with Chili Lime Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue. Juicy boneless chicken breasts are seasoned with a smoky blend of cumin and smoked paprika, then grilled to perfection and brushed with a zesty chili lime sauce infused with fresh cilantro and honey for a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
Chili Lime Sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better searing.
- Season the Chicken: Brush olive oil evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Season each side generously with salt, black pepper, ground cumin, and smoked paprika, creating a smoky, flavorful crust.
- Make the Chili Lime Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the fresh lime juice, chopped fresh cilantro, chili sauce, honey, and minced garlic. Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined and the sauce is smooth.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, flipping once, until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center, with clear juices running.
- Apply the Sauce: During the last few minutes of grilling, generously brush the chili lime sauce over both sides of the chicken breasts to glaze and infuse additional flavor.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest for a few minutes to let the juices redistribute and keep the meat tender.
- Serve: Serve the grilled chicken hot, accompanied by extra chili lime sauce on the side and lime wedges for squeezing over the top, enhancing the bright, tangy flavor.
Notes
- For spicier chicken, use a hotter chili sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture.
- Be sure to let the chicken rest after grilling to maintain juiciness.
- Chicken breasts can be butterflied for quicker cooking if needed.
- This recipe pairs well with grilled vegetables or a fresh green salad.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
