Southwestern Lime Chicken
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this vibrant and zesty Southwestern Lime Chicken recipe, bursting with bold flavors and simple preparation. Juicy, marinated chicken breasts are infused with the tangy brightness of fresh lime juice, smoky spices like cumin and paprika, and a touch of heat from cayenne pepper. Perfectly grilled or pan-seared, each bite delivers a crispy golden exterior while remaining tender and flavorful inside. This quick, 35-minute recipe (including prep and cook time) is an excellent choice for busy evenings and pairs wonderfully with Mexican rice, black beans, or grilled veggies. Garnished with fresh cilantro and served with lime wedges, it's a refreshing, aromatic dish that will bring a taste of the Southwest to your table.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 whole lime
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
Zest and juice one lime, setting aside both the zest and the juice. Slice the second lime into wedges for serving.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, and pour the marinade over the chicken. Turn to coat the chicken evenly. Seal or cover, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
Preheat a grill, grill pan, or large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or the pan surface to prevent sticking.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess marinade drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is golden brown with grill marks (if applicable).
Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices.
Garnish the chicken with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy with your favorite sides like Mexican rice, black beans, or grilled veggies!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1610 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 68.3 g | 88% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.6 g | 68% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 592 mg | 197% | |
| Sodium | 2932 mg | 127% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 22.4 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.5 g | 23% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.6 g | ||
| Protein | 218.2 g | 436% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 169 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 10.2 mg | 57% | |
| Potassium | 2075 mg | 44% | |
*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.
