Description
This Fiesta Lime Chicken Copycat recipe features juicy, marinated chicken breasts infused with fresh lime juice, garlic, cilantro, and a blend of chili powder and honey. Perfectly grilled or baked, this dish offers a vibrant, zesty flavor that brings a taste of fiesta to your dinner table in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
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. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or bowl and pour the marinade over them. Seal tightly to ensure even coating and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Preheat Cooking Equipment: If grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). For baking, preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare an oven-safe dish.
- Cook the Chicken: For grilling, place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until browned and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F. For baking, arrange the chicken in the oven-safe dish and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes until fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes to retain juices. Slice and serve garnished with lime wedges and fresh cilantro for an added burst of flavor.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer than 30 minutes, up to 4 hours, will enhance flavor.
- You can substitute fresh lime juice with bottled lime juice if needed, but fresh is recommended for best taste.
- To keep the chicken moist, avoid overcooking; use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Serve with rice, salad, or tortillas for a complete meal.
- For a slightly smoky flavor, use a charcoal grill instead of gas.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
