Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Chili and Lime
Juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in a zesty citrus and chili blend, finished with fresh lime for a bright, spicy flavor. This mexican-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 30 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 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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 (6 oz each) chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- for serving lime wedges
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp chili powder, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until fully combined and fragrant.
- Step 2: Place 4 chicken breasts (6 oz each) in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag tightly, massage to coat, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours for optimal flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and grill for 6-7 minutes per side until juices run clear and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 4: Transfer chicken to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro over the chicken and serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the top for a fresh, tangy finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Chili and Lime take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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-Marinated Chicken with Chili and Lime?
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-Marinated Chicken with Chili and Lime?
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-Marinated Chicken with Chili and Lime 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.
Is Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Chili and Lime gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
