Description
This Spicy Grilled Jalapeno Chicken recipe features tender, juicy boneless chicken breasts marinated in a zesty blend of lime juice, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and fresh jalapeños. Grilled to perfection, this flavorful dish offers a perfect balance of heat and citrus, making it ideal for a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 jalapenos, seeds removed and finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Begin by thoroughly rinsing the chicken breasts under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels to ensure they are clean and ready for marination.
- Make the marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, chopped cilantro, and finely chopped jalapenos to create a flavorful marinade.
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor before adding to the marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the marinade bowl and turn them over multiple times to ensure they are well coated in the mixture.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the chicken.
- Preheat the grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Oil the grill grates: Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking.
- Grill the chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the preheated grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked but still juicy.
- Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, preserving moisture.
- Serve: Slice the chicken and serve it garnished with additional chopped cilantro and lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Removing the seeds from the jalapenos reduces the heat to a milder level; leave them in if you prefer extra spiciness.
- Marinate for longer than 2 hours, up to overnight, for even more flavorful and tender chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- If grilling outdoors, keep an eye on flare-ups that can char the chicken; move pieces around as needed.
- Serve with rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad to make it a complete meal.
