High Protein Spicy Grilled Chicken
Fire up the grill for this flavorful and nutritious High Protein Spicy Grilled Chicken! Perfect for fitness enthusiasts and spice lovers alike, this recipe combines tender, boneless chicken breasts with a bold marinade of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, smoked chili flakes, and a carefully balanced blend of paprika, cayenne, cumin, and garlic powder. Designed to maximize flavor while supporting healthy eating, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes (plus marination time) and delivers perfectly charred, juicy chicken that’s packed with protein. Serve it fresh off the grill with a sprinkle of cilantro for a zesty, aromatic finish, and pair it with roasted vegetables or a crisp garden salad for a well-rounded meal. Whether you're meal prepping or hosting a backyard barbecue, this spicy grilled chicken recipe is easy, versatile, and irresistible!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked chili flakes (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- 1 as needed non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts on a clean cutting board. If the chicken breasts are thick, use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, chili flakes (if using), black pepper, and salt to create the marinade.
Place the chicken breasts into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Clean and lightly grease the grates with non-stick cooking spray or by rubbing a paper towel dipped in oil using tongs.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid flipping too early to allow a nice char to develop.
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a clean plate and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices.
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. Pair with your favorite vegetables, salad, or a light side dish for a complete high-protein meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1450 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 54.5 g | 70% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.5 g | 57% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 592 mg | 197% | |
| Sodium | 2887 mg | 126% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 10.1 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.5 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.3 g | ||
| Protein | 217.7 g | 435% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 128 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 9.1 mg | 51% | |
| Potassium | 2004 mg | 43% | |
*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.
