Dan's Baja Chicken

Get ready to savor the vibrant, zesty flavors of *Dan's Baja Chicken*, a grilled chicken recipe inspired by the sunny shores of Baja California. This dish features juicy, marinated chicken breasts infused with a tangy blend of freshly squeezed lime and orange juice, robust garlic, and a medley of bold spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Optional jalapeño adds a customizable kick of heat, while a garnish of fresh cilantro ties everything together beautifully. Quick to prepare yet packed with flavor, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or backyard barbecues. Serve with rice, grilled vegetables, or warm tortillas to create a complete Baja-inspired feast that’s sure to transport your taste buds to coastal paradise. Ideal for fans of healthy, bright, and citrus-forward meals, this chicken dish is a must-try for your grilling repertoire!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 4 tablespoons Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tablespoons Orange juice (freshly squeezed)
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 3 tablespoons Cilantro (fresh, chopped)
• 1 piece Jalapeño (optional, finely chopped)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.

Step 2

If using, add the finely chopped jalapeño to the marinade for an extra kick of heat.

Step 3

Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.

Step 4

Seal the bag (or cover the dish) and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 5

Preheat a grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or pan to prevent sticking.

Step 6

Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard remaining marinade.

Step 7

Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Adjust cooking time if needed depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.

Step 8

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate. Let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.

Step 9

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Step 10

Serve with rice, grilled vegetables, or warm tortillas for a complete Baja-inspired meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(867.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1599.0

Total Fat 68.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 13.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 591.6mg	0%
Sodium 2932.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 17.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.4g	0%
Total Sugars 4.4g
Protein 217.8g	0%

Vitamin D 90.5IU	0%
Calcium 138.0mg	0%
Iron 10.1mg	0%
Potassium 2098.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.5%

Protein: 56.1%

Carbs: 4.5%