Grilled Jalapeño Lime Chicken with Roasted Corn Salsa
Juicy chicken breasts marinated in lime and jalapeño, grilled to perfection, and served with a vibrant roasted corn and tomato salsa. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes blends fresh lime juice, jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped, 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels (from 2 ears)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 finely chopped jalapeño (seeded), 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Place 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Step 3: While chicken grills, place 1 cup fresh corn kernels in a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until corn is lightly charred and fragrant.
- Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine the charred corn, 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro. Toss gently and season with a pinch of salt.
- Step 5: Serve grilled chicken breasts topped with the roasted corn salsa for a bright, smoky dinner.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Jalapeño Lime Chicken with Roasted Corn Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (40 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Jalapeño Lime Chicken with Roasted Corn Salsa?
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 Jalapeño Lime Chicken with Roasted 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 Jalapeño Lime Chicken with Roasted 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 Jalapeño Lime Chicken with Roasted Corn Salsa?
Mexican 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.