Description
This Spicy Grilled Jalapeno Chicken is a flavorful and zesty dish featuring tender, marinated chicken breasts grilled to perfection. The marinade combines fresh lime juice, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and chopped jalapenos for a bold and smoky taste. It’s perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner, delivering a spicy kick balanced with fresh cilantro and citrus notes.
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.
- Make the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, chopped cilantro, and chopped jalapenos.
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, then place them into the bowl with the marinade.
- Coat the Chicken: Ensure each chicken breast is well-coated with the marinade by turning them over a few times.
- Marinate: Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and penetrate the chicken.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Oil the Grill: Once preheated, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts onto the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve: Serve the spicy grilled jalapeno chicken garnished with additional chopped cilantro and lime wedges on the side.
Notes
- For milder heat, reduce the amount of jalapenos or remove all seeds.
- Marinating for longer than 2 hours (up to overnight) will deepen the flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked to 165°F.
- You can substitute fresh lime juice with lemon juice if preferred.
- This recipe can be easily doubled to serve a larger group.
