Southwest Grilled Chicken Recipe
This Southwest Grilled Chicken recipe features juicy, marinated chicken breasts infused with a flavorful blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic, and lime. Perfectly grilled to achieve a smoky char, this dish is a quick and delicious option for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 20-22 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Southwestern American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast (thin or butterflied)
Southwest Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt (pressed)
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Other
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, ground pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir well to create the southwest seasoning blend.
- Marinate the chicken: Poke the chicken breasts all over with a fork to help the seasoning penetrate. Place the chicken in a dish or a zip-top plastic bag, then pour the seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken. Add the fresh lime juice and vegetable oil, then mix thoroughly to coat the chicken. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes and up to 4 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium heat and brush the grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are cooked through and safe to eat.
- Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and flavorful. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful Southwest Grilled Chicken!
Notes
- For more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
- Butterflying the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and helps the marinade penetrate better.
- Leftover grilled chicken can be used in salads, wraps, or tacos for a quick meal.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan for similar results.
- Marinate no longer than 4 hours to avoid the chicken becoming mushy due to the lime juice’s acidity.
Keywords: Southwest chicken, grilled chicken breast, chili powder marinade, easy grilled chicken, summer grill recipe
Find it online: https://cookcrisis.com/southwest-grilled-chicken-recipe/
