Description
This Fiesta Lime Chicken Copycat recipe offers a vibrant, zesty twist on tender grilled chicken breasts marinated in fresh lime juice, garlic, cilantro, and chili powder. Perfectly balanced with a hint of honey and olive oil, this dish brings a fresh, flavorful fiesta to your dinner table with easy preparation and versatile cooking options including grilling or baking.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
Marinade
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, chili powder, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to mix all ingredients well.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or bowl and pour the prepared marinade over them. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse into the chicken.
- Preheat Cooking Equipment: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (approximately 400°F) if grilling, or preheat your oven to 375°F if baking.
- Cook the Chicken: For grilling, cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. For baking, place the marinated chicken in an oven-safe dish and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes until fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain juices. Slice and serve with lime wedges and extra fresh cilantro for garnish.
Notes
- You can adjust the chili powder quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- Marinating longer than 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) will enhance flavor but avoid marinating too long to prevent the acid from breaking down the chicken too much.
- This recipe is adaptable for oven baking if a grill is not available.
- Serve with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
