Chipotle Lime Grilled Chicken
For this Chipotle Lime Grilled Chicken, we take our immersion-marinated chicken breasts and give them a Southwest-inspired makeover. Using a marinade that's redolent of the region, we're infusing our chicken with a smoky, spicy, and tangy flavor profile that's perfect for summer grilling. The marinade is made with chipotle peppers in adobo, lime juice and zest, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic, ensuring that the chicken is bursting with flavor. Once the chicken is marinated, it's grilled to smoky, charred perfection. The result is a tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken dish that is as easy to make as it is delicious.
The inspiration for this recipe came to me during a recent trip to the Sonoran Desert in Arizona. I was particularly taken by the vibrant flavors of the local cuisine, especially the use of chipotle peppers and citrus. I wanted to create a recipe that would capture the essence of those flavors, so I started experimenting with different marinades and grilling techniques. After many trials and errors, I finally arrived at this recipe for Chipotle Lime Grilled Chicken, which has quickly become a favorite of mine and my family and friends. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Chipotle Lime Grilled Chicken Chipotle Lime Grilled Chicken Chipotle Lime Grilled Chicken Chipotle Lime Grilled Chicken
Prep time: 40 | Cook time: 15 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Zest and juice of 2 limes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
  1. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, chipotle peppers, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, lime zest, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and coat them in the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  4. Grill the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and charred on the outside.
  5. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
  6. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
  7. Enjoy your delicious chipotle lime grilled chicken!
Why It Works
  • The marinade is made with a combination of wet and dry ingredients. The wet ingredients, such as olive oil, lime juice and zest, help to tenderize the chicken, while the dry ingredients, such as cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic, add flavor. The marinade also contains chipotle peppers in adobo, which give the chicken a smoky, spicy flavor.
  • The chicken is marinated for at least 30 minutes, but longer is better. This allows the marinade to penetrate the chicken and infuse it with flavor. If you have time, marinate the chicken overnight for even better results.
  • The chicken is grilled over medium-high heat until it is cooked through and charred on the outside. This ensures that the chicken is juicy on the inside and has a nice smoky flavor.