Grilled Chili-Lime Chicken with Texas-Style BBQ Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken thighs marinated in a zesty chili-lime blend, topped with a smoky Texas-inspired BBQ sauce. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 90 minutes blends pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, tablespoons fresh lime juice, tablespoons olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 70 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to create the marinade. Add 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, coating thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: While the chicken marinates, combine 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon hot sauce in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges develop slight char.
  4. Step 4: Brush the grilled chicken thighs generously with the prepared BBQ sauce and grill for an additional 1-2 minutes per side to caramelize the glaze. Serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Chili-Lime Chicken with Texas-Style BBQ Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (70 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Chili-Lime Chicken with Texas-Style BBQ Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Chili-Lime Chicken with Texas-Style BBQ Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Chili-Lime Chicken with Texas-Style BBQ Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Chili-Lime Chicken with Texas-Style BBQ Sauce?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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