Grilled Citrus-Chili Chicken with Charred Corn Salsa
Juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in citrus and chili, paired with a vibrant charred corn salsa for a smoky, tangy accompaniment. This Mexican-inspired grilling recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs chicken breasts, orange juice, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces, about 6 oz each chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 ears, husked corn on the cob
- 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 medium, finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 small, seeded and minced jalapeño
- 1 tsp lime zest
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place 4 chicken breasts (about 6 oz each) in a resealable bag and pour marinade over them. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3 hours.
- Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill 3 ears of husked corn, turning every 2 minutes, until kernels are charred in spots and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Remove and let cool.
- Step 3: Cut the charred kernels off the cobs and transfer to a bowl. Add 1 diced medium red bell pepper, 1/2 finely chopped medium red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 minced small jalapeño (seeded for less heat), and 1 tsp lime zest. Stir to combine and set aside.
- Step 4: Remove chicken breasts from marinade and grill over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Let rest 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Serve chicken topped with a generous scoop of the charred corn salsa alongside for a fresh, smoky contrast.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Chili Chicken with Charred Corn Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Grilled Citrus-Chili Chicken with Charred Corn Salsa?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breasts from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Chili Chicken with Charred Corn Salsa?
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 Citrus-Chili Chicken with Charred Corn Salsa 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 Citrus-Chili Chicken with Charred Corn Salsa?
Mexican grilling 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.
