Southwestern Grilled Chicken
Fire up your grill and get ready to savor the bold, zesty flavors of Southwestern Grilled Chicken! This recipe features tender chicken breasts infused with a vibrant marinade of olive oil, fresh lime juice, and a medley of smoky spices like chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a hint of cayenne for just the right kick. Marinated to perfection and grilled until juicy with beautiful charred marks, this dish is packed with southwestern flair. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as the star of your next backyard barbecue, this recipe comes together in under an hour, including prep and cooking time. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a citrusy finish, and serve with your favorite sides like grilled vegetables or a crisp salad. Whether it's taco night or a casual summer gathering, this Southwestern Grilled Chicken is sure to impress!
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Ingredients
- 4 large chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- 4 pieces lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Directions
Step 1
Start by preparing the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly, and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
Step 3
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375–400°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent the chicken from sticking.
Step 4
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and discard the marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the grill.
Step 5
Grill the chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (use a meat thermometer to check for doneness). Avoid flipping the chicken too often to get those nice grill marks.
Step 6
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a platter and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices.
Step 7
Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, if desired, and serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1200.8g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1836.4 |
| Total Fat 72.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 14.5g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g | |
| Cholesterol 657.5mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3052.9mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 42.2g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 12.0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 5.0g | |
| Protein 249.0g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 215.8mg | 0% |
| Iron 11.2mg | 0% |
| Potassium 514.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories